Table of contents
RARPA
RARPA is a means of measuring learner progress and demonstrating outcomes, most commonly used in association with non-accredited learning. For that reason, it is especially valuable for young people with learning difficulties and / or disabilities who may be following highly personalised programmes that are not linked to qualifications.
RARPA Guidance England
In 2020 the Education and Training Foundation commissioned Natspec to produce a comprehensive guide to the use of RARPA with students with SEND. It explains what effective practice looks like at each of the five stages and suggests some robust quality assurance measures to use at each stage. The guide clarifies the links between RARPA, EHC Plans, and Ofsted’s Education and Inspection Framework. It also incudes links to resources developed by providers and a range of person-centred thinking tools.
RARPA Guidance Wales
In 2022 Welsh Government commissioned Natspec to produce a Wales-facing version of the 2020 guidance that clarifies the links between RARPA, Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Estyn’s inspection framework. The RARPA guidance for learners with additional learning needs is available bilingually and can be downloaded in English or Welsh. It includes links to resources, developed by providers and a range of person-centred thinking tools.
Upcoming RARPA training from Natspec Transform
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process (session two)
Tuesday 1 July 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis training is for staff who already have an understanding of RARPA and want to further their knowledge of how to ensure the process is quality assured.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process
Tuesday 21 October 2025, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 18 November 2025, 10:00amAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process
Wednesday 3 December 2025, 10:00am–12:30pm & Wednesday 17 December 2025, 10:00am–12:30pmThis training is for staff who already have an understanding of RARPA and want to further their knowledge of how to ensure the process is quality assured.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process
Tuesday 3 February 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Wednesday 4 March 2026, 10:00amAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 24 March 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmThis training is for staff who already have an understanding of RARPA and want to further their knowledge of how to ensure the process is quality assured.
Creating and implementing an effective RARPA process
Tuesday 5 May 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 19 May 2026, 10:00amAn interactive online training for curriculum managers and practitioners looking for a systematic way to plan provision for learners with SEND, monitor their progress and record their achievements.
Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement in the RARPA process
Tuesday 9 June 2026, 10:00am–12:30pm & Tuesday 30 June 2026, 10:00am–12:30pmThis training is for staff who already have an understanding of RARPA and want to further their knowledge of how to ensure the process is quality assured.