Paragon Training Academy Ltd

Paragon Training Academy Ltd Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Christine Blowman, Ofsted Inspector

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Address:

Suite M & N 336–340 Dunstable Road Luton LU4 8JS Monitoring visit: Paragon Training Academy Ltd, 5–6 December 2019

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Context and focus of visit

From October 2018, Ofsted undertook to carry out monitoring visits to all newly directly funded providers of apprenticeship training provision which began to be funded from April 2017 or after by ESFA and/or the apprenticeship levy. This monitoring visit was undertaken as part of those arrangements and as outlined in the Further education and skills inspection handbook, especially the sections entitled ‘Monitoring visits’ and ‘Monitoring visits to providers that are newly directly publicly funded’. The focus of these visits is on the themes set out below.

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Context and focus of visit

Paragon Training Academy Limited is a small independent provider. It began delivery of directly funded apprenticeships in March 2019. It provides standards-based apprenticeships. At the time of the monitoring visit it had 36 apprentices, 25 of whom were following the L2 rail engineering, track maintenance standards and 11 apprentices were following L3 community sports and health worker standards. Most apprentices are employed in and around the London area.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers have a good understanding of employers’ needs and take action to improve the quality of training for apprentices. Apprentices make valuable contributions in the workplace when they join rail maintenance teams or when working in a community setting.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders ensure that the principles and requirements of an apprenticeship are met. Apprentices and employers are aware of end-point assessments and what they need to do to pass.

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Reasonable progress

The rail engineering, track maintenance curriculum aligns effectively to the training requirements and expectations of the rail industry. Rail engineering apprentices receive health and safety training in a high-quality simulated rail track environment by very experienced tutors. As a result, they have a good understanding of the practical application of their technical knowledge. They practise their skills in realistic scenarios before being employed to work on live tracks.

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Reasonable progress

The community sports and health worker programme prepares apprentices for working with communities and in local sports centres. Apprentices learn from the beginning of their programme how to work successfully with different community groups to encourage more active lifestyles. Monitoring visit: Paragon Training Academy Ltd, 5–6 December 2019 Leaders undertake observations of training sessions and provide tutors with improvement actions. However, these do not focus sufficiently on improving the craft of teaching.

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Reasonable progress

A board of governors, with relevant knowledge and experience, has recently been appointed. It is too soon to judge their impact.

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Reasonable progress

Most apprentices gain substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours. For example, rail engineering apprentices learn how to safely remove a rail sleeper or replace worn or broken rails, adhering to strict health and safety procedures. Community sports and health worker apprentices liaise with national sporting organisations and support community groups to become involved in sporting and well-being activities in their local area.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors ensure that apprentices’ English and mathematical skills are developed throughout their programme. For example, rail engineering apprentices develop their use of technical language and how to adhere to rail specification requirements. Community sports apprentices learn to communicate effectively with a wide range of clients and develop financial management skills as they plan budgets for community projects.

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Reasonable progress

Apprenticeships are well planned and sequenced to meet both the employer and apprentices’ needs, for example developing digital skills early in the community sports and health worker apprenticeship to support apprentices’ research projects and the completion of funding bids. Rail engineering apprentices learn how to make visual safety checks before they undertake any rail track activities.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors have good specialist knowledge and experience that they use well to provide off-the-job training of a high standard. As a result, rail engineer apprentices develop the confidence to work in rail track maintenance teams. They reinforce their skills, knowledge and behaviours through regular health and safety discussions with their tutor.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices’ progress is monitored closely. As a result, apprentices make at least the progress expected of them.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers follow safe recruitment practices and keep a record of appropriate checks made on staff. The suitably trained designated safeguarding lead Monitoring visit: Paragon Training Academy Ltd, 5–6 December 2019 is knowledgeable about the safeguarding of young people and vulnerable adults. Staff receive appropriate safeguarding and ‘Prevent’ duty training.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices feel safe and are safe. They receive comprehensive safeguarding training which includes staying safe online. Staff prioritise apprentices’ understanding of health and safety in the workplace and how to keep themselves and others safe at all times. Monitoring visit: Paragon Training Academy Ltd, 5–6 December 2019 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Reasonable progress

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Reasonable progress

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable progress

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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