Read the current Ofsted inspection preparation guide. Consolidating the two pages prevents older inspection terminology and apprenticeship rules from conflicting with the maintained guide.
Keep inspection and funding checks separate
Inspection preparation should demonstrate curriculum quality, learner progress, safeguarding and effective leadership using the official materials that apply at the time. Apprenticeship funding evidence is governed separately by the rules for each learner's start year.
For example, a provider should not test every new learner against a blanket 20% off-the-job calculation. For starts from 1 August 2025, compare planned and actual eligible learning with the minimum published for the exact Skills England standard and version, after any valid prior-learning adjustment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the current Ofsted inspection checklist?
Use TIQPlus's current Ofsted inspection preparation guide. It links to the applicable official inspection materials and separates inspection quality evidence from apprenticeship funding compliance.
Should providers still check for a universal 20% OTJ target?
No. For apprenticeship starts from 1 August 2025, use the minimum off-the-job hours published for the exact standard and version, adjusted only under the applicable prior-learning rules. Earlier cohorts follow their own start-year rules.
Sources & further reading
- Ofsted — GOV.UK — Ofsted — GOV.UK
- Apprenticeship funding rules by start year — GOV.UK — Apprenticeship funding rules by start year — GOV.UK