Lean Education And Development Limited

Lean Education and Development Limited Interim visit report

p.1

Visit date(s): 30 September – 1 October 2020

p.1

Type of provider: Independent learning provider

p.1

Address:

Unit 4/5 Hagley Mews Hall Drive Hagley Stourbridge West Midlands DY9 9LQ Interim visit: Lean Education and Development Limited (LEAD), 30 September – 1 October 2020

p.1

Context and focus of visit

On 17 March 2020, all routine inspections were suspended due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. As part of our phased return to routine inspections, we are carrying out ‘ interim visits ’ to further education and skills providers. Interim visits are to help learners, parents, employers and government understand how providers are meeting the needs of students and apprentices in this period, including learners with high needs and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The focus of these visits is on the themes set out below. We intend to return to routine inspection in January 2021 but will keep the exact timing under review.

p.2

Context and focus of visit

The focus of these visits is on the themes set out below and the findings are based on discussions with leaders, managers, staff and learners.

p.2

Information about the provider

The most recent inspection of Lean Education and Development Limited (LEAD) took place in December 2019.

p.2

Information about the provider

LEAD is an independent training provider specialising in delivering apprenticeships in business improvement techniques for learners aged 19 and over. Most apprentices work at levy-paying employers in a variety of sectors, such as manufacturing, logistics, engineering, automotive and healthcare services. There were 318 apprentices on roll at the time of the visit.

p.2

Information about the provider

Exactly 176 apprentices were on the level 2 framework apprenticeship and 23 were on the level 2 standard for lean manufacturing operatives. Around 100 apprentices were on the level 3 improvement technician standard, and 18 were on the level 4 improvement practitioner standard. LEAD works with more than 60 employers located across the country.

p.2

Information about the provider

The provider does not use subcontractors.

p.2

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Senior leaders described how employers had furloughed a high proportion of apprentices. Leaders said that they had placed some of these apprentices on a break in learning.

p.2

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Senior leaders have maintained the existing range of apprenticeship courses. They have invested in an online tracking system to monitor the progress of apprentices. Interim visit: Lean Education and Development Limited (LEAD), 30 September – 1 October 2020 This has enabled them to identify apprentices’ progress, and the support they needed.

p.2

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Leaders and managers described how they tried to communicate with employers and apprentices during the early months of the pandemic. Success varied between sectors. They found it more difficult to maintain communication with apprentices who did not have access to technology at home.

p.3

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Leaders and managers talked about how they have used the flexibilities in the external assessment systems to enable some apprentices to complete their qualification. Managers reported difficulties in completing assessments for functional skills due to the invigilation regulations set by the awarding body. This had delayed completion of the apprenticeship.

p.3

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Leaders and managers explained how they have supported the small number of apprentices who have special educational needs. Specialist coaches had given individual support for functional skills.

p.3

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Leaders described the guidance they have produced for employers and apprentices, as businesses returned to work. They have reinforced their expectations in relation to on-the-job and off-the-job training. They have moved on-site problem-solving activities to the end of the course . They anticipate that group-based, face-to-face activities will be easier to manage in the future.

p.3

stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Leaders and managers were continuing to develop online learning resources. They stated their intentions to invest in an online system for apprentices’ portfolios. Leaders and managers felt in a stronger position now to react to any re-imposition of COVID-19 restrictions.

p.3

the reasonable needs of learners?

Managers and coaches have changed the way they deliver training. They said it was mostly online, using virtual classrooms and webinars. For the few apprentices with limited access to information technology, coaches indicated that learning materials were posted to them, with coaches providing support over the telephone.

p.3

the reasonable needs of learners?

Coaches and managers reported that apprentices now receive more regular and frequent contact. They stated that online learning and coaching sessions for apprentices at levels 2 and 3 are now provided in smaller ‘bite-size’ events and repeated at different times of the working week. Recent feedback from apprentices has been positive.

p.3

the reasonable needs of learners?

Leaders have provided a range of professional development activities to support the move to online delivery of learning. Coaches have developed their own training materials, which demonstrate how to use technology and software to aid learning. Interim visit: Lean Education and Development Limited (LEAD), 30 September – 1 October 2020 Coaches are now more confident in their ability to deliver online training to apprentices.

p.3

the reasonable needs of learners?

Managers and coaches described how apprentices completed extended assessments on their return to work. Coaches said that this enabled them to identify gaps in apprentices’ knowledge, and to develop and implement individualised learning plans. These plans were often quite different from the plans established prior to COVID-19 restrictions.

p.4

the reasonable needs of learners?

Managers and coaches said that the assessment of apprentices’ practical skills was challenging. In some cases, coaches had moved this aspect of the apprentices’ programme to the end of the course, when they expect access to the site to be more extensive and stable.

p.4

the reasonable needs of learners?

Managers talked about how they have worked closely with employers to understand the impact of the pandemic across a range of industry sectors. They explained how they have worked with employers to adapt the careers guidance provided to apprentices.

p.4

potential risks, including from online sources?

The designated safeguarding lead has undertaken additional safeguarding training.

p.4

potential risks, including from online sources?

Leaders have provided training for coaches. Coaches outlined how this training included matters such as the dangers of online fraud, and how to use social media safely. They have included these topics in their regular tutorials.

p.4

potential risks, including from online sources?

Leaders described how they completed risk assessments for apprentices who are vulnerable and acted to meet their specific support needs.

p.4

potential risks, including from online sources?

Leaders told inspectors that they had identified which apprentices were working from home and which apprentices were using employer-based resources. Leaders and coaches said that they were providing guidance to apprentices on how to manage personal risk when learning online through live, web-based conference calls.

p.4

potential risks, including from online sources?

Apprentices told inspectors that they felt safe when at work and when working with coaches. Apprentices indicated that they know whom they should contact if they need help and support. Interim visit: Lean Education and Development Limited (LEAD), 30 September – 1 October 2020 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.

p.4

potential risks, including from online sources?

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 .

p.5

potential risks, including from online sources?

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 .

p.5

potential risks, including from online sources?

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.5

potential risks, including from online sources?

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

p.5