UCU response to Ofsted annual report

'Ofsted has rightly recognised that a failure to invest in further education risks undermining colleges' ability to deliver for students. Colleges are increasingly reliant on the goodwill of staff who go above and beyond despite having seen the value of their pay tumble.

'The further education sector has a crucial role to play in delivering the skills this country needs, but it can't keep doing more for less. If we are to succeed we need stronger government support for colleges, their staff and their students. 

'In prisons, the report clearly shows that governors need to make education a much higher priority. Evidence shows that prison education cuts reoffending rates, yet staff shortages and restrictive regimes mean too many prisoners are missing out on the learning which could help with their rehabilitation.'