16.The purpose of this document⁸ is to set out how Ofqual will perform its function to keep under review all aspects of national assessment arrangements and to give guidance to responsible bodies about the performance of their functions in relation to national assessment arrangements so that the public can have confidence in the outcomes from National Assessments. This document focuses on regulation of national assessment arrangements and is not intended to cover all aspects of Ofqual’s roles and responsibilities.

17.In line with its regulatory function set out in paragraph 10, Ofqual has produced this regulatory framework, which relates to National Curriculum assessments and Early Years Foundation Stage assessments (referred to as National Assessments in this document).

18.The framework ensures that responsible bodies and other specified persons understand their roles and responsibilities in relation to National Assessments, the outcomes expected from each part of the development and implementation process and how the regulatory programme will be managed.

19.The regulatory framework is intended to ensure that the roles and responsibilities of responsible bodies and specified persons are understood by anyone with an interest in National Curriculum assessments and Early Years Foundation Stage assessments.

20.The framework also sets out the arrangements that should be carried out when changes to the assessments are made, how these changes will be monitored and the management procedures that should be in place during the change process.

21.The framework will also support the regulator to ensure that good practice is disseminated and then implemented.

22.This framework will be used by Ofqual in conjunction with its monitoring framework, which will be reviewed annually and published on its website.

23.This framework takes account of equality legislation. The framework is presented in two parts:

• Part A sets out what Ofqual is required to do to deliver its regulatory function and the criteria and principles on which regulation will be based. Ofqual will implement the regulatory framework according to this part of the document, to ensure that responsible bodies’ processes lead to continuous quality improvements and there is confidence in the outcomes of National Assessments. When reading Part A please note that, unless otherwise stated, the term responsible body means all responsible bodies.
• Part B provides guidance on the roles and responsibilities of responsible bodies. It also identifies what Ofqual expects these bodies to demonstrate in order that stakeholders can be confident that the National Assessments are valid, reliable, appropriate, fair, manageable and accessible to all pupils for whom they are designed. This includes the requirement for responsible bodies to meet equality legislation.