The new Ofsted inspection framework introduces Inclusion as a distinct inspection area — and it’s a welcome move. For years, inclusion has been woven into other areas, often sitting under safeguarding, leadership, or quality of education. Now, it gets the focus it deserves, with clear expectations for how providers should meet the needs of all learners, particularly those with additional needs, those facing barriers, and those in receipt of high-needs funding.

This isn’t about box-ticking or filling out paperwork in the week before inspection. It’s about embedded, sustained practice that changes outcomes for students. The difference in the new framework is that Ofsted isn’t just asking if you support these learners — they’re looking at how well you identify, remove barriers, and create a culture where inclusion is not an add-on, but a default way of working.

Why Inclusion Has Its Own Spotlight

Inclusion isn’t simply a moral imperative; it’s also a quality measure. The FE and Skills sector has always been diverse — adult learners, those returning to education, students with SEND, apprentices balancing work and study, and those who have faced multiple barriers before stepping into a classroom or workshop.

The new framework recognises that inclusion can’t be fully measured by achievement data alone. It must be seen in the culture, the systems, and the everyday interactions between staff and students. Providers who get this right are not just meeting needs — they’re unlocking potential that might otherwise be left untapped.

Breaking Down the New Inclusion Criteria

The Ofsted descriptors for Inclusion are split into three main strands:

1. Inclusive Practices

2. Identifying and Removing Barriers

3. Supporting Learners with SEND and/or in Receipt of High-Needs Funding

Let’s look at each in detail.

1. Inclusive Practices

At a Secure level, inclusive practices ensure that all learners feel welcome, valued, and have a sense of belonging. This is about more than a few posters in reception — it’s a lived experience for every student, whether they’re a 16-year-old on a study programme or a senior manager on a leadership course.

At Strong, inclusive practices aren’t just secure — they’re clearly visible in action. Learners recognise that their voices matter. Staff demonstrate consistent inclusive behaviour across departments. Policies are not just in place, but are alive in everyday practice.

At Exemplary, inclusion is embedded across every evaluation area. It’s sustained over time, making a tangible difference to learning, development, and wellbeing. Crucially, exemplary practice is shared externally — meaning you’re not only delivering for your own students, but contributing to sector-wide improvement.

Practical steps to strengthen inclusive practices:

• Conduct regular learner voice activities and feed back visibly on actions taken.

• Train all staff — not just support teams — in inclusive approaches.

• Audit your physical and digital environments for accessibility.

• Embed inclusive behaviours into performance reviews and teaching observations.

2. Identifying and Removing Barriers

This strand goes deeper than general support. It’s about proactive identification of learners who have additional needs or face barriers — whether that’s related to learning, participation, wellbeing, or disadvantage.

A Secure provider quickly and accurately identifies these learners, ensures they receive effective support, and draws on external specialists when needed. They create a welcoming culture, set high expectations, and enable all learners to participate fully.

A Strong provider has a detailed understanding of individual barriers and addresses them swiftly and expertly. They don’t just apply standard adaptations; they adjust and review them over time to make sure the learner’s progress and wellbeing are sustained.

At Exemplary, the approach is systematic and embedded. Leaders are highly vigilant in spotting barriers early and tackling them in ways that last. The changes they make are not quick fixes — they’re part of a long-term strategy that transforms experiences.

Practical steps to improve barrier identification and removal:

• Introduce early assessments that cover not just academic levels but also wellbeing and participation factors.

• Establish a simple referral process so any staff member can flag a concern quickly.

• Maintain strong relationships with external agencies for timely specialist support.

• Track and review support interventions for impact over time.

3. Supporting Learners with SEND and/or in Receipt of High-Needs Funding

This strand is specific but vital. A Secure provider understands the needs of these learners and uses high-needs funding appropriately. They integrate the support of disadvantaged learners into their strategic priorities — not as an afterthought.

A Strong provider goes further, using rich quantitative and qualitative data to understand needs and shape provision. They measure progress not just in qualifications, but in broader outcomes like independence, confidence, and sustained engagement.

An Exemplary provider has an accurate, timely understanding of needs, uses funding strategically, and continually refines provision to ensure it’s both precise and effective. This isn’t reactive — it’s a planned, data-informed approach that is reviewed and adapted regularly.

Practical steps to strengthen SEND and high-needs support:

• Use a combination of academic, vocational, and wellbeing indicators to measure progress.

• Ensure funding decisions are transparent and linked to clear outcomes.

• Train curriculum staff to understand their role in supporting SEND learners, rather than leaving it solely to specialists.

• Share successful strategies across teams and sites to maintain consistency.

Moving from Secure to Exemplary

The jump from Secure to Exemplary isn’t about throwing more resources at the problem — it’s about consistency, sustainability, and sector contribution.

To move up:

1. Embed inclusion into your strategic plan — make it a visible priority at board/governance level.

2. Sustain over time — Ofsted will be looking for evidence that practices aren’t just new initiatives.

3. Share externally — publish case studies, present at sector events, and partner with other providers.

4. Measure the right things — track the impact on learners’ development and wellbeing, not just achievement.

Why This Matters for Inspection – and Beyond

In the new framework, inclusion isn’t just a supporting act — it’s a headline feature. It will influence grades across other areas, and a weakness here could pull down otherwise strong performance. Ofsted has made it clear: where a provider is secure across all areas but strong in inclusion, that strength can help lift the overall grade.

But beyond inspection, this is about delivering on our core mission as FE and Skills providers — giving every learner the best chance to succeed, regardless of starting point or circumstance.

Inclusion in the new Ofsted framework is not a bolt-on or a compliance exercise. It’s a lens through which all other provision is seen. Providers who take this seriously will not only perform better at inspection, but also deliver richer, more impactful education that truly meets the needs of all learners.

The best advice? Start now. Audit your practice against the new descriptors, involve your whole team, and aim for embedded, sustainable change. That’s the path to Exemplary.