The Go-Ahead Group PLC

Further education and skills inspection report

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Apprenticeships Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Information about this provider

The Go-Ahead Group PLC (Go-Ahead) is one of the UK’s largest public transport providers. Go-Ahead received employer provider status to train its own apprentices in January 2018.

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Information about this provider

Go-Ahead delivers training at 17 bus garages across Greater London and at the main training centre in Southwark.

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Information about this provider

At the time of the inspection, there were 14 apprentices on a standards-based apprenticeship in level 2 passenger transport driver, bus, coach and tram.

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Information about this provider

Go-Ahead subcontracts to Learnmore Network Limited for the delivery of English and mathematics teaching for apprentices who need to gain qualifications in these subjects. 2 to 4 August 2022

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices thrive through working and studying within a diverse and inclusive team that represents the multicultural city in which they live and work. They are keen to learn about other colleagues’ cultures and beliefs. They recognise, respect and celebrate their differences well. Male apprentices receive helpful training about respecting their female colleagues in the workforce.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices feel exceptionally well supported and reassured by their assessors. This helps to alleviate concerns they have about returning to education after a long period of time or, for some, the first time they have studied at level 2.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices have positive attitudes towards their training and their work as bus drivers. They enjoy their work and take their responsibilities seriously.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices learn to offer the highest level of customer service to their passengers. They become effective communicators and skilful at dealing with and preventing conflict.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices are highly motivated because they know their achievements will be celebrated. Apprentices look forward to the opportunity to attend a graduation event when they complete their programme.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices do not get opportunities built into their programme to further develop or explore their talents or interests. Consequently, they miss out on opportunities to socialise with other apprentices and develop themselves beyond the immediate requirements of their training.

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What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Apprentices feel safe and understand the responsibilities they have to keep their passengers safe. They know how to support vulnerable customers.

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better?

Directors and leaders place considerable importance on the apprenticeship provision. They value the benefits the programme provides and use it effectively to support bus drivers to develop in their roles and achieve professional competence. Line managers value the focus placed on developing apprentices’ customer service skills, as well as training them in the practical aspects of driving. Directors have high aspirations for apprentices to achieve well and gain promotions in the company.

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better?

Assessors have very carefully planned the curriculum with good use of practical training, online learning, classroom sessions and mentorship. They have considered well where they place different topics throughout the training so that apprentices build their knowledge and skills over time. For example, early in their training apprentices learn about keeping themselves and passengers safe. Towards the end of the course, apprentices learn the wider context of safety, for example linked to 2 to 4 August 2022

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the Mayor of London’s vision for safety in the capital, the cost of incidents and risks related to cyclists.

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Assessors have the knowledge and skills they need to train and assess apprentices effectively. They receive good support from leaders and managers to improve their teaching skills, including knowing how to teach effectively online. Assessors have extensive experience in the sector, which they use to good effect in the practical training. For example, assessors explain things clearly and use helpful scenarios to ensure that apprentices understand the content.

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Apprentices develop substantial new knowledge and skills because of their training. This includes the practical skills related to bus driving, competently completing safety checks to ensure buses are safe for passengers and developing good communication and customer service skills. The majority of apprentices gain permanent roles as full-time qualified bus drivers on completion of their apprenticeship. A small number gain promotions at work.

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Assessors accurately identify what apprentices know and can do at the start of the course. They set apprentices focused follow-up work in English and mathematics based on any areas for development identified in these assessments. Tutors in mathematics ensure that tasks set in class are placed in the context of driving a bus. For example, apprentices learn how to calculate the area of a large parking bay and the average delays on bus routes in minutes. Apprentices recognise the value of mathematics for the effective performance of their jobs.

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Assessors do not provide enough individualised mathematics and English support for the small number of apprentices who need it the most. This means that apprentices with lower levels of English struggle to achieve the required functional skills qualifications. Consequently, this group of apprentices do not complete their training on time.

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Through feedback on assessed work, and targets set in reviews, assessors and tutors do not give apprentices precise enough information about how they could develop their work further, including in English and mathematics. Consequently, it is not clear to apprentices the exact steps they need to take to improve their knowledge, skills or behaviours.

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Tutors and assessors ensure that apprentices have a good understanding of fundamental British values. Apprentices can explain these values in the context of their work. For example, they know how the rule of law applies to health and safety and driving regulations when driving a bus.

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Tutors and assessors ensure that apprentices receive good information about employment and progression opportunities within the business and wider transport industry. However, apprentices are less clear about the further education opportunities available to them after completing a level 2 apprenticeship. 2 to 4 August 2022

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Senior leaders, managers and staff create a highly inclusive and safe environment for apprentices to learn and work. The board places high importance on apprentices’ welfare.

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Safeguarding

Staff, including apprentices garage managers, receive safeguarding training. They are vigilant to spot the early signs of safeguarding concerns with their apprentices. As a result, designated safeguarding leads (DSL) arrange for apprentices to receive timely support.

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Safeguarding

Leaders ensure that DSLs are suitably trained. DSLs provide effective support to apprentices. For example, DSLs signpost apprentices to external support agencies for help. They also work well with garage managers to ensure the safety and well- being of apprentices.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Leaders must ensure that they identify and put in place timely support for apprentices who need additional help with English and mathematics.  Leaders must ensure that assessors and tutors provide feedback so that apprentices know what they need to do to improve their knowledge, skills and behaviours.  Leaders should include opportunities for apprentices to develop their talents and interests beyond the requirement to pass their apprenticeship. 2 to 4 August 2022

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Provider details

Address Recruitment and Training Academy 1 Warner Road Camberwell London SE5 9LU

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider details

Main subcontractors Learnmore Network Limited 2 to 4 August 2022

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the apprenticeship manager, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous monitoring visit report. The inspection was carried out using the further education and skills inspection handbook and took into account all relevant provision at the provider. Inspectors collected a wide range of evidence to inform judgements, including visiting learning sessions, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders, and examining the provider’s documentation and records.

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Inspection team

Joanna Walters, lead inspector Her Majesty’s Inspector Mike Finn Her Majesty’s Inspector 2 to 4 August 2022

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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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