Rocket Training Limited

Further education and skills inspection report

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Short inspection of Rocket Training Limited

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Inspection dates: 12 and 13 October 2022

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Outcome

Rocket Training Limited continues to be a good provider.

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Information about this provider

Rocket Training Limited (Rocket) was founded in 1981 and became a limited company in 1994. Rocket operates in two areas of deprivation in Liverpool and the Wirral. There are currently 61 learners on education programmes for young people. This includes five learners who are on traineeships.

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Information about this provider

Many of the young people come from disadvantaged backgrounds. A number are care leavers and some receive support because they have been involved in criminal activity. Eight learners have an education, health and care plan. Almost all learners are aged 16 to 18 years old.

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Information about this provider

Education programmes for young people include courses in motor vehicle engineering, warehousing, customer service, business administration, care and construction. English and mathematics are delivered alongside vocational subjects and are available from entry level to GCSE.

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

Learners are very satisfied with the quality of teaching they receive at Rocket. Tutors meet their individual needs very effectively. Managers organise extensive pastoral support that helps learners to be successful. Small class sizes and individual tutorials motivate learners to achieve their goals.

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

Learners are developing the skills they need to progress to further study or employment. They enjoy work experience that is well matched to their needs and aspirations.

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

Learners build their confidence over time. This enables them to talk and maintain eye contact with tutors and other learners in class. 12 and 13 October 2022

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Tutors ensure that their teaching covers more than the prescribed curriculum. They use relevant news stories about life in modern Britain to explore with learners the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion.

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Learners are aware of local risks and the importance of keeping themselves safe. They are aware of the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism. Learners feel safe. If they have any concerns, they know who to speak to.

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better?

Leaders and managers provide well-designed courses to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners. They take care to assess learners’ starting points carefully. This enables them to place learners on the most suitable course and provide targeted support. Tutors teach several learners on a one-to-one basis to ensure that they can make swift progress to achieve their goals.

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better?

Tutors teach topics in a logical order. On the employability course, learners first develop their basic skills. This includes learning about appropriate behaviours for work. They then learn how to write CVs, complete application forms and practise interview skills. Motor vehicle tutors start by teaching learners how to identify and use tools effectively. They use practical work to reinforce and consolidate the learning from theory sessions. For example, when teaching manual handling, tutors follow this with a practical demonstration.

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better?

Tutors check that learners understand material through frequent questions and feedback in lessons. They make sure they revisit topics to help learners remember key concepts. For example, after discussing language techniques, tutors give learners a set of definitions they have to label correctly. Tutors are patient and helpful if learners struggle to grasp concepts.

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better?

Tutors plan assessment well. In English, they begin with shorter reading exercises before moving on to more complex texts. Tutors provide developmental feedback to learners. This feedback explains what learners are doing well and what they need to do to improve. Learners are set some precise targets to complete in terms of their spelling and grammar. They understand these targets and make progress.

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better?

Tutors are passionate about making a difference to their learners’ lives. Learners with additional needs are supported very well. Tutors use effective techniques to manage the behaviours of those learners who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder. As a result, learners are calmer and focus on their learning effectively.

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better?

Attendance at lessons is too low. Due to instability in their personal lives, learners find it challenging to maintain consistently high levels of attendance. Despite this, most learners progress successfully into employment or further study. 12 and 13 October 2022

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Tutors provide effective careers, advice and guidance. They work closely with learners to identify their career aspirations. Staff work in partnership with local careers staff to ensure that learners have access to independent careers guidance.

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Leaders and managers have the capacity to make continued improvement and to manage change effectively. Managers recognise that they need to improve aspects of their self-assessment process. They need to identify more precisely the actions they need to take to rectify any areas of concern.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

Managers ensure that they have appropriate arrangements in place to keep learners safe. They have established an appropriate suite of policies and procedures to comply with their legal duties. These are kept up to date and used consistently by staff.

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Safeguarding

Staff have received appropriate training in safeguarding. Records show that any concerns raised are thoroughly investigated and, where necessary, lead to timely referral to external agencies.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Maintain the focus on improving learners’ attendance. Explore with learners the barriers they have to attending regularly and emphasise the importance of regular attendance in the workplace.  Ensure that managers use the self-assessment process more robustly to continue to improve the quality of education and training learners receive. 12 and 13 October 2022

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Provider details

Address 302–304 Kensington Liverpool L7 2RN

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Vahid Lavasani

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection 18 to 21 July 2016

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Provider details

Main subcontractors Cornerstone Vocational Training 12 and 13 October 2022

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Information about this inspection

The inspection was the first short inspection carried out since Rocket Training Limited was judged to be good in July 2016.

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the head of study programmes, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous inspection 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

Helen Whelan, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Bob Busby Ofsted Inspector Suzanne Horner His Majesty’s Inspector 12 and 13 October 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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