Member Article

Education providers meet standards for new inspection framework

Further education and skills providers up and down the country are looking at how they can embed Equality and Diversity standards following the introduction of a new inspection framework, which will come into effect from September 2015.

Ofsted’s new Common Inspection Framework for Further Education and Skills Providers looks at the standard of Equality and Diversity practices in terms of teaching, learning and assessment. It looks at how providers promote equality, raise awareness of diversity and tackle discrimination, victimisation, harassment, stereotyping, radicalisation and bullying.

Award winning workplace training and consultancy company, HearFirst has developed a specific training course called ‘Embedding Equality & Diversity in the Curriculum’, which supports members of staff delivering learning to groups or individuals within the workplace.

For providers to achieve a Grade 1 Ofsted rating, teaching staff must to be able to quickly challenge stereotypes and the use of derogatory language so they need the confidence, knowledge and underlying belief in the value that learner diversity brings to the classroom.

The new course compliments HearFirst’s initial Equality and Diversity training, which provides delegates with an insight into the relevance and value of Equality and Diversity.

It also outlines the importance of Equality and Diversity, what the Equality Act is and the benefits to organisations and employees, an increased understanding of their responsibilities under the legislation and how to feel confident in encouraging good practice within the organisation.

HearFirst has been delivering training to staff at The Skills Company and Business Growth Hub, which are both part of The Manchester Growth Company.

Geoff Smith, Construction Tutor from The Skills Company has attended both Equality and Diversity training courses. He said: “I found it inspiring to hear from some very informed and passionate people who are at the forefront of Equality & Diversity Training”.

Dave Moy, Quality Improvement Manager at Manchester Growth Company, said: “We have a long standing relationship with HearFirst. They have helped us, over the years, to improve staff awareness of equality issues using real practical approaches and training methods. Feedback is always very positive with staff commenting on how the sessions have helped them. The latest step-change needed is to ensure that Equality and Diversity is seamless in our curricula.”

Julie Ryder, Director and Founder of HearFirst, said: “With the introduction of the new inspection framework, there is more emphasis on learning providers and establishments to ensure that Equality & Diversity is at the heart of the classroom.

“The course that we have developed looks at the tangible aspects of learning for example, learning materials and classroom environment but also less tangible aspects such as the impact of social interaction outside the classroom. The course also prompts participants to explore where their own preferences and prejudices are and how that affects their learners.

“The Manchester Growth Company is the first organisation to receive the new training and so far, feedback has been very positive. We have worked with the company for the last seven years so we understand their culture and objectives and have continuously improved and tailored the course to suit their needs.”

The Embedding Equality & Diversity in the Curriculum course is a full day course and for more information or to book training, please contact HearFirst on 01706 872 816 or visit www.hearfirst.org.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by HearFirst .