A REDDITCH based apprenticeship training provider has relapsed on its quality of education following its latest Ofsted inspection.
Aspiration Training Ltd received a ‘requires improvement’ grade in every area of its education provision after a three day inspection in July.
The apprenticeship and training provider, who had previously been rated ‘good’ in 2016, is suffering from ‘significant rates of staff and skills shortages’ resulting in high staff turnover and the loss of ‘too many’ apprentices, despite a strong curriculum.
The report did note how learners who see out their training or apprenticeship enjoy their learning and appreciate the calm and positive environment created by tutors during online lessons.
Trainees also build positive relationships with coaches and learn valuable knowledge and skills which supports them in the workplace.
Apprentices also feel safe in lessons, learn positive professional behaviours and are taught relevant legal frameworks for their chosen industries however some students, particularly dental nurses have experienced changes in leadership resulting in demotivation and a disruption in learning.
Leaders have demonstrated the need to take action to reduce the number of apprentices who fall behind or leave their studies early.
However it was noted that leaders do not ensure apprentices and learners benefit from a clear planned careers education, information, advice and guidance programme resulting in students being unclear about their next steps after completion of studies.
Safeguarding was recognised as effective by the Ofsted inspectorate however gaps were noted when it came to students’ understanding of healthy relationships outside of work regarding sexual harassment, banter, consent, misogyny, and child-on-child abuse.
And too few students were aware of the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism, including the local risks where they live and work.
To improve, leaders were advised to work on reducing the number of apprentices and adult learners who leave their studies early or fall behind, to ensure learners receive sufficient time away from work to study efficiently, and coaches should be aware of what adult learners already know to help better plan learning.
Leaders were also advised to ensure learners develop English and maths skills needed for their next steps in education or employment and provide better advise for learners’ options following study.
Aspiration Training Ltd has been approached for comment.
Visit: https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50226735 for more information.
