Ofsted inspections now follow the revised Education Inspection Framework.
The revision followed a long consultation initially titled “The Big Listen”. It was the largest-ever public consultation on key changes in how Ofsted inspects education and skills providers.
Since the consultation, SDN Mesma Group have hosted free-to-access webinars helping providers unpack the changes together with colleagues from across the sector.
We look at how these changes shape future inspections, impact inclusion, and self-assessment, and look at the practical implications.
With decades of experience in quality assurance and improvement, we take a practical, no-nonsense approach—helping you make sense of the proposals and, more importantly, what they mean in practice.
“I just want to say, the webinars offered this year have been nothing short of ‘exceptional’. The vast numbers who attend are testament to how effective these are and prove there is a need to have national collaboration in this way. Lou’s drive and passion shines through every single time! Long may they continue!”
Tracey Bedford MSET QTLS at WS Training
If you missed any of our live sessions, you can catch up on the recordings below.
Lou Doyle, SDN Mesma Group Director and Co-Founder, leads these sessions. SDN Mesma Group are leading experts in apprenticeships, quality assurance and provide online software, tools and in-depth support for providers across the country. We have supported over 2,000 providers and 11,500 staff to adapt and improve the delivery of technical education and assessment.
Upcoming Free Webinars
Session 6: Inclusion (Cognassist Guest)
16th April, 2:00pm
Lou Doyle is joined by Chris Quickfall, CEO of Cognassist, for an evidence-led exploration of how inclusion is being interpreted and reported in Ofsted inspections under the revised Education Inspection Framework. Using Cognassist’s analysis of inspection report data and insights from recent inspection experiences, the session will highlight emerging trends and what they mean in practice for how providers plan, lead and demonstrate inclusion.
Chris Quickfall, CEO, Cognassist
Since being diagnosed with dyslexia at university, Chris has been driven to improve how education identifies and supports learners who face hidden barriers to success. Completing a cognitive assessment was a turning point for him, not as a label, but as a practical framework for understanding how he learns and what support actually makes a difference.
Chris founded Cognassist to help education providers move beyond reactive, diagnosis-led models of support. Today, Cognassist uses cognitive insight to help organisations identify learner needs early, translate insight into practical support, and evidence inclusive practice at scale. The platform enables tutors to deliver personalised support as part of everyday learning, ensuring inclusion is systematic, sustainable, and measurable.
Catch-Up On Previous Webinars
Session 1: Unpacking Ofsted’s new proposals – A practical walkthrough
This initial session focused on the key areas of proposed change, what to consider, and how to engage in the consultation process. From the report cards to grading scales and inspection methods, we considered how these changes could shape future inspections together.
Session 2: Unpacking Ofsted’s new proposals – Inclusion
Under the proposed Ofsted framework, inclusion extends beyond SEND to encompass all disadvantaged and vulnerable learners and apprentices—those facing barriers to learning and well-being. Ofsted wants to see how providers identify these learners, understand their needs, and put effective support in place.
This session unpacked these critical elements to give you confidence in your approach to supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable learners. By strengthening your inclusion strategies, you’ll also be well-prepared to adapt to the proposed framework changes.
Session 3: Self Assessing Brilliantly 2025 – Against a backdrop of Ofsted EIF change
This session builds an approach to self-assessment with clarity, confidence, and impact. Because brilliant, collaborative self-assessment starts with the right preparation – and the right mindset.
This recording covers:
- Practical guidance on how to approach self-assessment and your Self Assessment Report (SAR) during a period of change
- Tools to keep your improvement activity focused, relevant, and aligned to current expectations
- Insights to support a ‘no surprises’ mindset in inspection preparation
Session 4: Unpacking Ofsted’s new proposals – The Revised Inspection Framework
This session unpacked the changes made following the consultation and explored their practical implications. Together, we examined the final revised framework and considered how to embed it into your quality practices.
With a focus on what matters most, you’ll leave with a clear, practical understanding of the changes – ready to apply them with confidence
Session 5: Learning from the first inspections under the revised Ofsted Education Inspection Framework
This session focused on learning from inspections that have taken place under the revised Ofsted Education Inspection Framework. The discussions in the session were shaped by the first batches of inspection reports in January 2026.This webinar hosted a panel of speakers, including specialists in inspection and provider staff who have experienced inspection under the revised Ofsted framework:
- Lauren Spurling, Head of Apprenticeship Academic Quality, Anglia Ruskin University
- Becki Lee, Director of Quality, Impact Futures Group
- Oliver Rees, Curriculum Tutor, the PMA
- Kathryn Pogson, Head of Teaching, Learning and Innovation, Kirklees College
- Malin Patel, CEO, Enterprise4All
“Thank you… you are making such a difference to the sector!”
“Cannot wait to join another class.”
“It was a really informative session with lots of practical information sharing.”
“My pencil is blunt due to all of the ideas – fabulous session as always”
– Event attendees