Ofsted 2025 Inclusion: What FE Providers Must Do Now

The Three Pillars of the New Inclusion Standards

Early Identification

It’s essential to proactively spot learners with additional or hidden needs, whether diagnosed or not. The old days of relying on one-time assessments are over. Colleges must now build systems for continuous identification:

• Start at the enquiry or admissions stage, asking about learning, emotional, and practical needs.

• Work closely with feeder schools and parents to gather a complete view.

• Run regular check-ins throughout the year and update support whenever needs change.

Embedded Support

Support should no longer sit on the margins. Inspectors expect inclusive practice to be fully woven into everyday teaching and college life:

• Train all staff, not just SEND teams, to spot and respond to diverse needs. Invest in ongoing inclusion and UDL (Universal Design for Learning) training across the college.

• Equip teachers with practical tools for differentiation and work to make lessons accessible to everyone.

• Collaborate: Where possible, co-teaching or linking subject specialists with SEND professionals boosts results for all learners.

Evidence of Impact

It’s not enough to have policies and support in place; you must show clear results. Ofsted now wants to see how your approaches work:

• Track learner outcomes, engagement, and well-being using robust data systems.

• Use that data to adjust strategies and target resources where they make a difference.

• Prepare strong case studies and highlight progress, so your successes are inspection-ready.

Making Inclusion Happen in Practice

These pillars require decisive action. Here’s how forward-thinking FE providers are responding:

1. Integrate comprehensive assessments into admissions and ongoing learner reviews, using input from multiple sources.

2. Make inclusive teaching the norm by upskilling all staff and embedding accessible strategies in every classroom, not just specialist settings.

3. Create an “inclusion working group”: bring together leaders, teaching staff, support, and data specialists to monitor and champion best practice.

4. Systematically analyse and present data on what’s working, sharing regular feedback and success stories with staff and inspectors alike.

Getting inclusion right is now essential for compliance and competitive advantage. Colleges that excel here see better learner retention, higher satisfaction, and an improved reputation. Most importantly, they foster a culture where every student can thrive.

If your college needs experienced SEND and inclusion-focused staff, get in touch today with our team. Our expert team can quickly connect you with the right talent and tailored support, so you can meet Ofsted’s requirements and build an inclusive learning environment.