Both the Equality of Opportunity and Equality and Diversity Requirements of the Evaluation Schedule for Schools and the Common Inspection Framework 2009 respectively are now limiting grades, which affect the 'Overall Effectiveness' grade for an institution. Therefore, an 'inadequate' grade for either Equality of Opportunity or Equality and Diversity are likely to result in an overall grade for the institution of 'inadequate'.

The increased focus on equality and diversity, compliance with legal requirements relating to the same, evidence of impact and narrowing the achievement gap between different groups of learners have significantly changed the emphasis of inspections from September 2009. This course will clearly state the underpinning legal and inspection requirements for equality of opportunity, and equality and diversity for both the school and FE sectors.