Ofsted’s Single Equality Scheme: Have your say.

As you may already know, Ofsted is currently preparing its first single equality scheme to replace its existing three schemes (disability equality, race equality and gender equality).

Your responses to our first phase of consultation (reference number 090813) that was published in August 2009 have enabled us to produce a draft single equality scheme which sets out the key activities that Ofsted will take to achieve our equality priorities. We are currently seeking your views on this draft scheme, which will be finalised and published along with a detailed action plan in April 2010. The consultation closes on Friday 12 March 2010. We will be holding three involvement and consultation events across England throughout the consultation period. If you would like to get involved, you can take part by:
• accessing the consultation document online at www.ofsted.gov.uk/consultations, or

• joining us at one of our consultation seminars across England:

• 27 January 2010, 1pm to 4.30pm, London
Holborn Bars (DeVere Venue), 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2NQ

• 16 February 2010, 9.30am to 12.30pm, Newcastle
Newcastle College, Rye Hill Campus, Scotswood Road, Newcastle NE4 7SA

• 12 March 2010, 9.30am to 12.30pm
Birmingham Metropolitan College, Matthew Boulton campus, B4 7PS

Places are limited, so please let us know as soon as possible if you would like to attend or send a representative. For further information about the events or to book your place, please email sesconsultation@ofsted.gov.uk. Please state clearly which event you are interested in. You can also let us know if you have any reasonable adjustments or dietary requirements.

I do hope that you will be able to contribute to this important process. Your opinions are important to us and will be vital in helping us to produce a single equality scheme for Ofsted that will continue to raise standards and improve lives.