Further education

Estyn carries out inspections of further education institutions funded by the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills under the terms of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

HM inspectors for education and training in Wales and/or additional inspectors conduct inspections of institutions of further education. They work closely with peer assessors from other further education institutions in Wales, who take a full part in the inspection process. A nominee from the institution is also a member of the inspection team.

Since the incorporation of further education institutions in 1992, there have been two five-year inspection cycles, a short cycle of inspections (2002-2004), and a six-year cycle (2004-2010).  Estyn is currently consulting on the inspection arrangements that will take place from September 2010. 

All colleges of further education undergo an institutional inspection during an inspection cycle, based on the college’s self-assessment of its own standards and quality.  We customise inspections based on each institution's particular circumstances. There is an emphasis on identifying good practice and we take account of the level of risk presented by each institution.

Inspection reports on FE colleges appear on the Estyn website.  Due to the arrangements which existed prior to the implementation of the Learning and Skills Act 2000, reports published before 1 April 2001 appear on the website of The Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.

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