We will be launching a major update of the Stedfast system this summer. As well as making changes to the functionality we have also redesigned the system to be responsive so that it can be easily used on tablets and smartphones. We will not be accepting any new clients in July 2018 as we want to avoid new users having to learn one system before making the rapid change to the new layout and features. Some of the updated features include:
Improvements to Self Assessment Reporting
We are planning some significant changes to the self-assessment process. Users will now be able to create assessment plans more easily. Using OfSTED inspection judgments organisations will be able to create a set of outcomes and an assessment plan based on them. The assessment plan team will then add targets or measures and findings. Each of the findings will also be able to have actions created which will feed into the quality improvement plan. Of particular note is the ability for the assessment plan owner to create review cycles. This means that improvement can be measured over time. The assessment plans can also be used to create strategic plans with a cycle of reviews. Typically this will be annually and any outcomes and objectives can be measured, reviewed and action planned. In the second release of the assessment plan module we will add the ability for organisations to map outcomes.
Reviewing Course and Programmes
The outcomes assessment module can also be used to review course and programme outcomes. This is useful to organisations making the switch from apprenticeship frameworks to apprenticeship standards. Using the Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours as outcomes, organisations can create an assessment plan to determine how they are going to plan and measure their performance against them. This will then provide an action plan for delivery staff to ensure that standards-based programmes are of a high quality.
Observation of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
OTLA will also be updated to provide a better mechanism to create, maintain and track observations of teaching, learning and assessment. Quality assurers will be able to create their own observation templates which they can schedule to be used. As Stedfast is being updated to be responsive, observers will be able to use tablets and smartphones to capture observations and observees will also be able to comment on the findings.
Other Modules
We will be releasing more information about other modules and feature in the summer. These will include; policy and procedure management, risk assessment and staff management, including the recording of CPD.
Stedfast is a quality assurance system designed for organisations working in the technical and vocational education and training sector. The system is designed to support organisations with all aspects of quality assurance and compliance. Stedfast is a low cost hosted platform designed to for team collaboration.