Absolute HR Solutions Ltd

Absolute HR Solutions Limited Interim visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Sharon Dowling, HMI

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Type of provider:

Address: Unit 1 The Barford Exchange Wellesbourne Road Barford CV35 8AQ Interim visit: Absolute HR Solutions Limited, 28 – 29 October 2020

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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 learners and apprentices in this period, including those with high needs and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

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Context and focus of visit

We intend to return to routine inspection in January 2021 but will keep the exact timing under review.

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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.

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Information about the provider

Absolute HR Solutions Ltd (Absolute Apprentices) is a private limited company based in Barford, Warwickshire. The company became an approved apprenticeship training provider in May 2017. The company has two strands to its work: Absolute Apprentices and Absolute Works. The provider had 29 apprentices on programmes during the inspection, all of which are following standards. Seven apprentices are on level 5 operational and departmental management, five are on level 3 team leading/supervision, 11 are on level 3 business administration, one is on level 2 retailer apprenticeship, and five apprentices are on a level 2 customer service programme.

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stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Leaders explained that, due to working largely with the retail and travel retail businesses, the majority of apprentices were furloughed. They made the decision to not furlough their own staff, allowing them to continue to support apprentices. They moved from face-to-face teaching to using an online platform, workbooks, and one- to-one meetings, working closely with apprentices to identify and support their individual needs.

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stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Managers quickly identified the individual circumstances of apprentices and whether they were continuing to work, had been furloughed, or were at risk of redundancy. They implemented a range of strategies to support apprentices to continue to learn, prepare for, and complete end-point assessment with online support, resulting in six apprentices achieving with distinctions during lockdown. Interim visit: Absolute HR Solutions Limited, 28 – 29 October 2020 Managers described how they adapted the curriculum when all learners were subject to COVID-19 restrictions. They front-loaded off-the-job training, changed assessment practices and replanned the skills and behaviour elements of teaching until apprentices returned to work. They continued to monitor closely the progress of apprentices. Through weekly meetings the leaders focused on a monthly concerns report, which helps them track learners’ progress and identify concerns.

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stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Managers identified future concerns, such as the instigation of further restrictions and the impact they would have on apprentices’ ability to achieve their qualifications.

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stakeholders and adapts to changed circumstances?

Stakeholders were positive about their experience of working with the provider, stating that communication was clear, effective and frequent. Employers stated that apprentices were being supported to achieve on time and that their progress was being monitored.

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the reasonable needs of learners?

Managers explained the tools they use, such as skills scans and post-training evaluation forms, to identify any gaps in learners’ knowledge or understanding. They gather the information from these tools and use it to populate learners’ review documents. Assessors then use this information to either arrange for extra support, or bespoke sessions, or to challenge apprentices’ understanding further.

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the reasonable needs of learners?

Assessors outlined the move to remote learning, using online learning and video platforms, and one-to-one telephone calls to support learners’ progress. Assessors stated that they felt supported throughout the period of restrictions and with the restart of face-to-face teaching. They received training and support, including techniques for online delivery and adapting teaching to meet the support needs of apprentices. They focused on theory elements and used relaxations agreed with the awarding body to ensure that apprentices continued to make progress. They planned with learners through review meetings to ensure that they were able to complete skills elements of their apprenticeship.

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the reasonable needs of learners?

Assessors felt that apprentices had embraced online learning and they were working hard to make it fun and motivating – with activities such as creative problem-solving and recording sessions, so learners can revisit them if they need to.

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the reasonable needs of learners?

Managers discussed how learners receive careers advice and guidance through regular training sessions. They described how the identification of skills learned through the teaching of the standards can be transferred to other careers or job roles.

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the reasonable needs of learners?

Leaders and assessors stated that attendance at online activities was high and the response to one-to-one work was good. Interim visit: Absolute HR Solutions Limited, 28 – 29 October 2020

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potential risks, including from online sources?

Senior managers explained how they stayed up to date with safeguarding topics by attending webinars with the Association of Education and Learning Providers and local network groups. They also had discussions with another training provider to share best practice.

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potential risks, including from online sources?

Senior leaders are aware of the increased risk to online safety for apprentices. They revisited some online training that had been completed at induction and gave detailed online security training, such as guidance on accessing secure sites and learners being careful about what they post about themselves online.

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potential risks, including from online sources?

Senior leaders shared their concerns on the impact that COVID-19 was having on the mental health of apprentices and staff. As a result, they engaged with an external provider to create weekly well-being packages for apprentices, employers and staff. These packages contain information on well-being and other daily resources, such as tips on how to work from home and how to find joy. Interim visit: Absolute HR Solutions Limited, 28 – 29 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

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potential risks, including from online sources?

children's services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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potential risks, including from online sources?

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potential risks, including from online sources?

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potential risks, including from online sources?

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potential risks, including from online sources?

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

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