Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited

Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Saher Nijabat, Her Majesty's Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

Unit 1 21 Kennet Road Crayford Dartford DA1 4QN Monitoring visit: Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited, 3-4 Jun 2021

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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

Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited are a Mercedes-Benz approved commercial vehicle dealership in Kent. The company has four depots in Sittingbourne, Dartford, Tonbridge, and Ashford. They started teaching apprenticeships in January 2020. The training takes place at the company’s Dartford depot in south-east London. Currently, all the training is face-to-face.

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Context and focus of visit

At the time of the visit, 13 apprentices were studying the level 3 heavy vehicle service and maintenance technician standards-based qualification. Apprentices who started their apprenticeship in 2020 were put on furlough for a few months at the start of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has been taken into account in the findings and progress judgements below.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers have developed a niche apprenticeship programme that takes into account the needs of employers in the automotive sector. Leaders intend to address the national shortage of skilled and trained heavy vehicle technicians. Through the training, apprentices have access to high-quality work facilities and industry-specific training.

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Reasonable progress

The recently formed board of governors meets with senior leaders frequently to develop an understanding and a clear oversight of the apprenticeship provision. Although governors and senior leaders have taken appropriate action to address apprentices’ concerns around the quality of teaching expressed early on in the programme, they have not fully implemented these improvements due to disturbances caused by COVID-19. Consequently, apprentices have fallen behind in their progress. However, apprentices now have access to suitable support to catch up and meet their revised completion targets. Monitoring visit: Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited, 3-4 Jun 2021 Tutors and managers use robust systems to track and monitor apprentices’ progress across all components of their programme. Apprentices record their off-the-job training well. They attend group sessions and have one-to-one reviews to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills, including their knowledge and use of

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Reasonable progress

Vocational tutors and workplace mentors are experienced professionals from the automotive industry. They relate well to apprentices. Most tutors have relevant teaching qualifications and are suitably experienced in teaching their subjects. Staff also participate in a range of activities to update their knowledge and skills to improve their teaching practice.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers recruit apprentices who are well suited to the programme. Most apprentices have some background experience in motor vehicles, either as a hobby or through previous work. However, staff did not assess each apprentices’ prior knowledge and skills accurately enough and do not ensure all apprentices complete appropriate skills assessments at enrolment. Consequently, a few apprentices struggle early in the programme and require extra help.

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Reasonable progress

Due to Covid-19, the experience of apprentices has been affected by being furloughed, and by some changes in teaching staff, resulting in a lack of continuity in their training. As a result, apprentices have fallen behind on their programme. Leaders and staff recognise these challenges, and have put in place suitable measures to help apprentices catch up.

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Reasonable progress

When the apprenticeship programme was first set up, tutors did not align what they taught in training sessions closely enough with jobs apprentices were doing. Earlier this year staff adapted the curriculum, which is now well structured, both for the vocational content, and for English and mathematics components. Apprentices learn basic industry principles and practical skills in the first year. In the second and third year, staff teach apprentices advanced skills and techniques. Tutors provide apprentices’ managers with information about what apprentices are learning. They identify effectively how to allocate tasks at work so that apprentices can complete their qualification.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices greatly benefit from access to high-quality resources for on-the-job training. They work on a range of vehicles, including ambulances, vans and heavy goods trucks, in fully equipped workshops with up-to-date tools and new equipment. As a result, apprentices are motivated and appreciate the standards they need to work to. Workplace mentors provide regular support to apprentices. Apprentices shadow their mentors and, under their guidance, confidently put their learning into practice. Monitoring visit: Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited, 3-4 Jun 2021 Tutors give feedback to apprentices on their work with specific instructions on mistakes made and helpful comments on how they can develop their answers. However, at progress reviews staff do not give clear enough information to apprentices about what they have achieved to date. They do not discuss the outcome of test results with apprentices in sufficient detail. Consequently, apprentices are not always clear about what

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Reasonable progress

they need to work on next to improve their progress and pass their examinations, including their final assessments. Too few apprentices pass these at the first attempt.

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Reasonable progress

Staff and managers support their apprentices effectively to ensure their safety and well- being. Apprentices feel safe in their work. They have access to specialist help and guidance to deal with mental health issues and financial concerns. Apprentices who have received extra support told inspectors that this helped them stay on the apprenticeship.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices have a thorough knowledge of how to work safely in the workshop and keep others safe. They learn how to carry out repair and maintenance procedures safely. They understand well the risks involved when repairs go wrong and know about their personal liability for the work they do. Consequently, they pay close attention to safety procedures at work.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors and assessors discuss safeguarding topics effectively in theory lessons and at progress reviews. As a result, apprentices talk knowledgeably about issues recently discussed, such as transgender rights, bullying and racism. Monitoring visit: Sparshatt Truck and Van Limited, 3-4 Jun 2021 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

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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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