Inclusion is no longer optional: what Ofsted’s 2025 draft inspection changes will mean for FE providers

From September 2025, inclusion will no longer sit quietly in the background of further education. According to Ofsted’s draft Further Education and Skills Inspection Toolkit, inclusion is being elevated to the core of how providers are inspected, and the expectations are more specific, more strategic, and more learner-focused than ever before.

For leaders in ALS, SEND, curriculum, quality or teaching roles, these changes are significant. And they’re coming quickly. 

What’s changing?

Here are four key shifts every provider should understand now – before the new academic year begins: 

1. Early identification is essential

Providers will need to show that they are identifying learner needs as early as possible, including for students without formal diagnoses or EHCPs. This is a clear move toward inclusive education that doesn’t wait for paperwork. 

2. Support must be embedded, not bolted on

Ofsted will be looking for inclusion to be built into curriculum planning, lesson delivery, and leadership strategy – not added on at the end. 

In practical terms, this means that: 

• Teaching staff must be aware of learner needs from day one
• CPD around inclusive teaching is more important than ever
• Support strategies should be integrated across every learning journey

3. You must show impact

It’s no longer enough to say, “support is available.” Inspectors will expect to see measurable impact on learners – what support was used, and what difference it made.

Expect deeper questions during inspection about outcomes, retention, progress, and learner experience, particularly for those with additional needs.

4. Data and evidence matter

Ofsted will want to see a clear trail:

• What needs were identified
• What support was implemented
• How those actions improved outcomes

This raises the bar for learner-level data and impact tracking. If your current systems don’t capture this information cleanly, it may be time to review your approach.

What this means for you – and how FE Tech can help

This shift presents a real opportunity for providers to strengthen their approach to inclusion – but also a challenge if systems and processes aren’t already in place.

At FE Tech, we’re helping colleges and training providers prepare now by offering:

• Inclusive screening tools, which identify hidden needs from day one
• Aligned support strategies to meet Ofsted’s new expectations
• Measurable impact tracking to evidence success
• Assistive technology to support every learner

We can support your team with both the advice, the technology and the training to get ahead of these changes.

If you like any free advice and guidance, please register your interest, and we’ll be in touch