Equestrian Training Limited

Equestrian Training Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Andrea Machell, Her Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection dates: 14 and 15 December 2021

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: Bell House Ainstable Carlisle CA4 9RE Monitoring visit: Equestrian Training Limited, 14 and 15 December 2021

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Context and focus of visit

This was an unannounced safeguarding monitoring visit, following concerns that had been reported to Ofsted. The purpose of the visit was to assess the effectiveness of the safeguarding arrangements at the provider.

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Context and focus of visit

At the time of the visit, there were 23 apprentices studying on equine groom level 2 and senior equine groom level 3 apprenticeships. Of these, 17 apprentices are aged 16 to 18 years.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and governors place a high priority on keeping apprentices safe. Leaders have comprehensive safeguarding policies in place, which include guidance on child sexual exploitation, peer-on-peer abuse, bullying and how to work safely online.

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Reasonable progress

The designated safeguarding lead has had appropriate training to carry out their role effectively. The designated safeguarding lead is well supported by the director of the company. Leaders have not yet provided training to the designated safeguarding lead on the radicalisation and extremism risks in the local area.

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Reasonable progress

All staff benefit from safeguarding training, with annual updates. As a result, staff know how to identify signs in apprentices’ behaviour that may give cause for concern, such as if an apprentice is unusually withdrawn or living in unsafe conditions. Staff swiftly refer these concerns to the safeguarding lead or director.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders recruit staff appropriately; most are self-employed or freelance. Leaders carry out appropriate pre-employment checks.

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Reasonable progress

All training advisers are well qualified and experienced to teach apprenticeships in the equine sector. Staff benefit from professional development, for instance, in autism awareness, which enables them to provide effective support to apprentices.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders provide training for apprentices on safeguarding and welfare during their apprenticeship. Not all apprentices have a good understanding of the risks of radicalisation and extremism or how it applies to them while at work or in their daily lives. Monitoring visit: Equestrian Training Limited, 14 and 15 December 2021

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and staff document concerns for apprentices’ well-being and welfare appropriately. Training advisers closely monitor any apprentices who are identified as needing support. They liaise effectively with the parents and carers of apprentices who are aged under eighteen and keep them well informed about their progress. Staff provide ongoing support to apprentices who have any mental health and well-being concerns.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders ensure that employers are aware of the safeguarding policies in place before apprentices start their course. Most employers have their own safeguarding policies in place that complement the safeguarding measures at the provider. Employers see safeguarding as an important way to protect staff and customers alike.

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Reasonable progress

Employers know whom to contact at the provider should they have any concerns about their apprentices. Employers know their apprentices well and nurture positive relationships with them and their staff.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices say they feel safe and know how to keep themselves safe at work, outside work and online. Most apprentices have learned about bullying and harassment and can articulate how to spot the signs of bullying in others. They know what to do if they themselves are the subject of bullying, and know how to report it.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices learn about health and safety and safe working practices around horses and in stables. They swiftly gain competence and confidence in dealing with horses in a safe way. For example, they learn about the dangers and hazards of potential injuries and know the correct procedures to avoid this happening. Apprentices learn how to use the equipment in their yard safely. For instance, they use rehabilitation pools, horse walkers and solariums safely. They also know how to ensure the safety of inexperienced riders in their yards.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices say they feel well looked after in their work and in training. They say that their line managers are approachable and check their welfare and well-being regularly. Apprentices who are anxious receive the support they need from their employers, which increases their confidence and resilience. Monitoring visit: Equestrian Training Limited, 14 and 15 December 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

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Reasonable progress

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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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