Regulators like Ofsted require leaders to explain their strengths and areas for development at the start of inspections or audits. Where inspectors’ evidence matches what leaders say, they can reach an indicative grade without looking further. Leaders who know their provision well are in a stronger position. A supportive quality review tests that knowledge before inspection does. It shows where practice is consistent and where it is not, and gives leaders, governors and quality teams clear evidence to act on.
Our experienced quality advisers work across education, skills and employment support. We review your provision against the framework you work to, and we stay with you through the findings. For Mesma™ users, findings go straight into your platform, and owners and milestones are tracked to completion.
Whether you need to explore a specific concern, review provision across several sites or establish an ongoing source of independent assurance, we’ll help you identify the right starting point.
Options for quality reviews
Extended review
For large or dispersed provision, or where broad coverage is needed. Three quality advisers work over three to four review days, either in a block or across an extended period.
Full review
A broader review across multiple provision types, faculties, sites or subcontracted delivery. It normally involves two quality advisers over two or three review days, plus planning, briefing and reporting.
Focused review
A targeted review of one provision type or defined area of concern. It includes one review day with one quality adviser, plus planning and a written report.
External quality partner
For organisations seeking continuing independent assurance, we can provide a retained external quality partnership across the year rather than a single review.
How we plan reviews
Our review structure is built on our proprietary consultancy model. We agree the scope and methods with you, brief colleagues before the review and provide verbal check-ins as it progresses, so the process is supportive and the written findings do not come as a surprise.
What you receive
- A written findings report structured around the relevant framework.
- A clear view of strengths, inconsistencies and areas for development.
- Practical improvement priorities with named owners and milestones.
- A close-out discussion covering the findings and next steps.
- For Mesma™ users, findings are captured on the platform, so they become part of the self-assessment and quality improvement plan.
Employment support quality reviews
For employment support providers, we offer external reviews against the Institute of Employability Professionals’ Quality Improvement Framework (QIF). We facilitated the design of the QIF in partnership with IEP.
The review considers its six quality indicators and helps providers assess quality using a framework designed specifically for employability services.
Connect the whole improvement cycle
A quality review can be combined with:
- Professional development for quality leads and quality teams
- Mesma™ software for integrating findings into self-assessment and tracking actions to closure
- Observations of practice development and support
- Self-assessment validation
- Ongoing external quality partnership
Mesma™ users receive 10% off quality reviews and related consultancy.
Let’s discuss your priorities
Talk to us about your provision and the framework you use, and we’ll help you choose the right review.
Talk to us free of charge and with no obligation.