One of the “big four” accounting firms, a university, an adult education institute and a veterinary nursing specialist are among the latest FE providers to score top Ofsted marks.
Global giant Ernst and Young LLP (EY), which trains 1,365 adults in the level 7 accountancy and taxation professional apprenticeship, received ‘outstanding’ grades across the board in its first full inspection.
Its report was published today and detailed how apprentices work and learn in a “highly dynamic and supportive culture” where they progress successfully in the financial sector.
Inspectors found that EY’s leaders have “enhanced” the apprenticeship to “successfully meet the demands of the four key service lines within their company”.
Apprentices gain “increased learning” from experts in assurance, tax, strategy and transactions and consulting alongside their academic studies. Because of this, apprentices quickly develop the skills they need to become effective in the workplace, the report said.
Leaders have also successfully recruited apprentices from diverse backgrounds, including recent university graduates and young people who have just finished their A-levels.
The learning is tailored to meet their specific needs, Ofsted said. “Most graduates benefit from an accelerated route, while younger apprentices profit from a longer study time. This adaptability ensures that all apprentices, regardless of background, are well- prepared for their future job roles.”
The report highlighted how apprentices become “established and confident practitioners” who add value to their organisation.
“Many” progress quickly through the company. For example, in their second year, apprentices take on “high-risk” tasks, such as contract audits. Ofsted found that all apprentices who take end tests achieve and move on to positive destinations within EY or other accounting firms.
Also celebrating grade ones across the board today following its first inspection is Bournemouth University.
The higher education institution trains more than 350 degree apprentices in health and social care as well as senior leadership.
Inspectors found that despite the “significant challenges” in the healthcare sector during the pandemic, leaders ensured that a “high proportion” of apprentices completed and achieved their qualifications.
The report said: “Almost all apprentices played critical healthcare and leadership roles throughout this period, including undertaking additional tasks such as covering for colleagues during this challenging time. Throughout this period, leaders and lecturers worked highly effectively to support apprentices’ well-being. As a result, over two-thirds of apprentices passed their qualifications and almost all achieved distinctions.”
Leaders have also established “excellent” strategic links with healthcare providers and the NHS to ensure that the curriculums they provide support regional and national skills needs.
Bournemouth University’s “highly effective” governance arrangements were praised alongside lecturers who are “very skilful at ensuring that apprentices understand and remember what they have been taught”.
Professor Philip Sewell, director of apprenticeships and skills at Bournemouth University, said: “We’re so proud of all the work that goes into making sure our apprentices are highly trained and ready for their future careers. We work with local businesses and organisations to make sure we’re teaching the skills that employers need and feed in our own research, utilising our facilities, to give apprentices the best possible experience while they are learning with us which results in high achievement rates.”
Elsewhere, Redbridge Institute of Adult Education in London maintained its Ofsted ‘outstanding’ grade through a short inspection report published today.
The institute, which first achieved the feat in 2018, teaches over 1,000 adults. Most are on English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses, as well as digital skills, English, maths, teaching and learning, accounting, early years and counselling.
Ofsted found exemplary feedback from learners, with praise for a “welcoming and supportive” environment and the high-quality training provided.
Adrian Loades, chief executive of Redbridge Council said: “Congratulations to everybody at Redbridge Institute who has seen their hard work and dedication recognised by this outstanding judgment. Redbridge Institute provides invaluable support and help to so many Redbridge residents and it is great to see the high quality of its work confirmed by Ofsted.”
Lastly, veterinary nursing specialist training provider Lite (Stockport) Limited was upgraded from Ofsted ‘good’ to ‘outstanding’ in a report published on Friday.
The 40-year-old company trains over 130 apprentices to “exceptionally” high standards which prepares them well for their careers in veterinary nursing.
Inspectors noted that leaders have a “clear and highly ambitious intent” for the curriculum and apprentices develop high levels of confidence and resilience.
LITE Ltd head of centre Jackie Shopland-Reed said: “It is very rewarding that the inspectors praised the high quality of teaching and the support we provide for apprentices. We also received feedback that apprentices enjoy their learning and feel safe and well supported. Our strong and effective partnerships with employers were also praised, all of which makes us very proud.”
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