The University of Law Limited

The University of Law Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Jane Hughes, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection dates: 14 and 15 September 2022

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

2 Bunhill Row Moorgate London EC1Y 8HQ Monitoring visit: The University of Law Limited, 14 and 15 September 2022

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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 the Education and Skills Funding Agency 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

The University of Law Limited offers the level 7 solicitor apprenticeship standard. It has campuses based in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Chester, Guildford, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham. At the time of the monitoring visit, there were 563 apprentices on the apprenticeship programme. Apprentices enrol through the online campus and complete the majority of their learning online. However, they complete their induction and in-person activities at their nearest campus. All apprentices were over 19 years old.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders are very clear about the purpose of the apprenticeship programme. They offer applicants an alternative route to qualify as a solicitor that helps them move quickly into practice. Leaders have used their experience and expertise in law to map the content of their solicitor qualifications to the apprenticeship programme. They have put in place a range of suitable routes for apprentices to take depending on their previous qualifications. They recruit apprentices appropriately to these routes.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders work closely with a large range of employers. Through their employer advisory board, they discuss employers’ feedback and suggestions to alter the curriculum. Employers recognise the benefits of the apprenticeship programme. They appreciate the positive relationship they have with the university. Employers receive frequent updates about apprentices’ performance and progress. However, apprentices’ immediate line managers do not always have enough information about the structure of the programme. Nor do they know the results of their apprentices’ weekly tests. Monitoring visit: The University of Law Limited, 14 and 15 September 2022 Leaders have put in place a suitable structure and resources to support the programme. Apprenticeship staff have a thorough understanding of the requirements of an apprenticeship programme. They have suitable processes in place to check when apprentices access their online learning and complete their off-the-job training.

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Reasonable progress

They set clear expectations with employers in relation to the time apprentices need to study.

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Reasonable progress

There is effective governance in place. Members of the apprenticeship committee have relevant knowledge and experience of law and the apprenticeship sector. This includes the external members. The committee supports and challenges the apprenticeship team effectively. It focuses sufficiently on the key factors that contribute to a successful programme.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers use a variety of suitable activities to check on the quality of the apprenticeship programme. This includes collecting feedback from apprentices. Leaders put in place a high level of support for new apprenticeship skills coaches. This ensures that coaches are confident and well prepared to carry out their roles.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers have sequenced the content of the programme logically. The order of topics taught ensures that apprentices learn the essential knowledge about basic law early in their programme. Apprentices understand how this knowledge supports them to absorb the more complex detail in subsequent topics about contract law and litigation.

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Reasonable progress

Tutors and skills coaches are highly qualified and experienced in law. They use their skills to teach and support apprentices effectively. Apprentices develop substantial new knowledge and skills. Apprentices recall accurately what they learn about ethics and the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s code of conduct.

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Reasonable progress

Most apprentices have good opportunities to apply and practise their new skills in the workplace. For example, apprentices apply their knowledge of tort law when they deal with claims of negligence in road traffic accidents. Apprentices complete due diligence projects successfully. However, a few apprentices struggle to understand how some of their learning links to their workplace practice.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices develop a range of professional behaviours. They enjoy the dedicated in- person summer school activities. They receive useful feedback at these events about their behaviours. Apprentices, particularly those on the six-year solicitor programme, develop in confidence. They are more comfortable to meet clients and internal colleagues. Employers recognise that apprentices improve their drafting skills when they write legal documents. Monitoring visit: The University of Law Limited, 14 and 15 September 2022 Apprentices benefit from frequent progress reviews. This helps them to reflect on their learning. They also disucss how they improve their English and mathematical skills at work. Most apprentices are set specific individual targets. Skills coaches review these in detail with apprentices. However, not all apprentices’ line managers attend the progress reviews consistently.

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Reasonable progress

The assessment of apprentices’ prior knowledge and skills at the start of the programme is thorough. Staff use this information effectively to ensure that apprentices are on the correct route. However, in the live drop-in sessions, tutors do not assess apprentices’ understanding of information frequently enough. Not all apprentices enjoy or attend these sessions.

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Significant progress

Leaders, managers and those responsible for governance place a high priority on safeguarding apprentices. They ensure that the team responsible for this is very well resourced and knowledgeable. Staff who support apprentices throughout their journey have a good understanding of their roles and responsibilities. They undergo frequent and appropriate training.

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Significant progress

Apprentices have access to a wide range of well-being support and resources. This includes an online counselling service. They have access to all the support services at their nearest university campus. Apprentices receive information about topics such as sexual harassment, bullying in the workplace, the dangers associated with extremism, and how to keep safe when online. They understand the specific risks associated with the type of work they do. They feel safe and know whom to contact if they have concerns.

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Significant progress

Leaders ensure that they meet their responsibilities under the ‘Prevent’ duty. They have a range of detailed and appropriate policies and procedures in place. Monitoring visit: The University of Law Limited, 14 and 15 September 2022 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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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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

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