Get your complete guide to online AP and Ofsted inspections
For hundreds of schools across the country, online alternative provision has become a vital tool in supporting students with diverse and complex needs. That being said, you’re not alone if you’re grappling with uncertainly around how to use it in the right way — particularly when it comes to Ofsted inspections.
What does Ofsted look for when schools use alternative provision? How can you ensure your school is meeting those expectations? What makes for a high-quality, trusted online AP provider?
If you’ve been having the same questions, Academy21 is here to help. Our expert team have created a comprehensive guide that offers practical insights on all the most common questions from schools.
Download your copy to learn all you need to know and find out how Academy21 can support your school during inspections.
Online AP and Ofsted inspections
The most common questions from schools
In recent years, we’ve seen a remarkable surge in the need for online alternative provision. This isn’t just a temporary trend; for many young people (such as those with health needs or challenges like EBSA), online provision can be crucial in ensuring access to high-quality, teacher-led education.
This shift hasn’t gone unnoticed by the DfE, which recently introduced the Online Education Accreditation Scheme (OEAS) to ensure high standards across the sector. Of course, it’s also crucial to keep your school’s own Ofsted inspections in mind when commissioning any alternative provision, including online AP.
Ofsted’s guidance, while thorough, can take time to fully understand and action. As a DfE-accredited provider and the leading online alternative provision, Academy21 regularly receives a range of queries from schools who need guidance with inspections. Some of the most common questions we hear include:
How do I know if a provider is high-quality and accredited?
With the introduction of the OEAS, it’s more important than ever to ensure that you’re commissioning reputable and accredited provision. But what exactly does this entail? What standards are Ofsted looking for in online alternative provision, and what factors should you be looking for yourself? This is not just about ticking boxes for inspections; it’s also about ensuring your students are receiving the best.
What will I need to show to Ofsted?
When inspections roll around, you’ll want to be prepared with comprehensive data and reporting on how your students are getting on with online alternative provision. Which specific information will you need, and how can you be sure that your provider can issue it in an accurate, timely manner? Your online provider should supply this to you regularly and securely, for example of a portal or through regular reports.
What will Ofsted ask about our alternative online provision?
As part of your inspection, Ofsted may also get in touch with your online AP provider directly. It’s only natural to wonder what those conversations might be about: will they discuss student progress, the learning process, or safeguarding? Is there anything you need to know or tell your provision in advance? Understanding why Ofsted inspectors contact them and what they ask is key in feeling confident about the process.
How will Ofsted evaluate our use of online AP?
Just as with the rest of your school operations, Ofsted will use specific criteria to review your use of alternative provision. Deciphering all the information you need can be time-consuming without any guidance or help, but knowing the guidance is crucial when it comes to choosing provision.
The guidance you need: Download now
Whatever questions you need help with, you’ll find the answers in our new complete guide: Online Alternative Provision and Ofsted.
Based on common queries, Ofsted documentation, and Academy21’s own 20 years of expertise in the online AP sector, we’ve crafted this guide to help you commission the right provision, use it with confidence, and navigate your next inspection.
Inside, you’ll find information, insights, and practical actions on:
- Ofsted’s evaluation criteria for using online alternative provision
- Step-by-step guidance on getting Ofsted-ready when using AP
- Best practices for safeguarding and monitoring in online environments
- And more expert insights demystifying the process
Plus, you’ll learn all the ways Academy21:
- Ensures the highest safeguarding standards
- Helps you to monitor students’ progress with us
- Can support schools during their Ofsted inspections
Download your copy now to make informed decisions about your online AP strategy and approach your next inspection with confidence.
