Cranfield University

Cranfield University Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Chris Bealey, Ofsted Inspector

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Inspection dates: 26 and 27 October 2022

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Type of provider: Higher education institution

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Address:

Cranfield University Kent House Building 31 College Road Cranfield MK43 0AL Monitoring visit: Cranfield University, 26 and 27 October 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

Cranfield University secured funding for the provision of training to apprentices in September 2017. Most of the training takes place at the Cranfield campus in Bedfordshire. In addition, the university provides training in Milton Keynes and Shrivenham. At the time of the monitoring visit, the university had 1,077 apprentices studying a range of higher apprenticeship standards in management, engineering and information technology. Most apprentices study level 7 senior leader apprenticeship. The university does not use subcontractors for any of its funded delivery.

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Significant progress

Senior leaders have successfully realised their vision to provide high-quality apprenticeships as part of the university’s curriculum. Senior leaders have expertly designed the apprenticeship curriculum to meet the needs of businesses operating in global markets. They have adapted the senior leader level 7 apprenticeship skilfully to include risk assessment, business resilience and disruptive technologies.

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Significant progress

Senior leaders are ambitious for apprentices. Staff carry out recruitment with care and integrity. Apprentices who have not accessed higher education previously are matched to programmes in which they thrive. Staff make reasonable adjustments for any disability, health condition or learning difference apprentices may have. Staff provide additional specialist support on a one-to-one basis where required, such as for apprentices with dyslexia. As a result, apprentices make significant progress against their starting points and most successfully complete their apprenticeship with high grades.

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Significant progress

Senior leaders have recruited teaching staff who are experts in their fields. Staff are highly effective at training apprentices to develop and apply new knowledge and Monitoring visit: Cranfield University, 26 and 27 October 2022 skills, and to reflect on their learning. Apprentices studying level 7 senior leader standards resolved simulated workplace crises through role play. As a result, they can apply their skills and knowledge quickly in the workplace.

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Significant progress

Governance arrangements are effective. Those responsible for governance provide a high level of support and challenge to the senior leadership team. Governors use their extensive knowledge and experience to ensure that leaders improve apprentices’ chances of success, such as by monitoring attendance effectively and extending support for English and mathematics.

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Significant progress

Apprentices receive well-planned and high-quality off-the-job training. Leaders have carefully sequenced training programmes to ensure that apprentices develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours over time. As a result, apprentices are highly effective in using the skills and expertise of the staff they recruit and manage. Apprentices have developed a more strategic approach to workforce planning.

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Significant progress

Apprentices consistently produce work to a very high standard. Most teachers provide thorough, timely feedback on apprentices’ learning. Apprentices show exceptional improvement in their academic writing and reasoning skills over time. They use well-argued and referenced ideas to support their ideas.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers monitor apprentices’ progress effectively, taking appropriate action where required. Staff ensure that apprentices who struggle with key concepts or fall behind in their work receive additional learning resources, more frequent tutor time and well-planned specialist support. As a result, apprentices remain in learning and achieve their qualifications.

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Significant progress

Apprentices are well prepared for their end-point assessments and career progression. Most apprentices successfully complete their apprenticeships and gain promotions with their employers or in other sectors. Apprentices studying senior leader level 7 learn how to manage their staff and other colleagues within their businesses. Their success in using these techniques gives them the confidence to apply for new jobs with additional responsibilities. As a result, apprentices promptly gain promotion, moving into roles such as strategic procurement for large national employers. Monitoring visit: Cranfield University, 26 and 27 October 2022

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Reasonable

Leaders and managers make safeguarding a high priority. They have recruited mental health first aiders to support apprentices and staff to maintain positive mental health. Apprentices know how to access support and staff respond to their needs in a timely manner, referring apprentices at immediate risk quickly to appropriate agencies. Apprentices know how to look after themselves and are encouraged to air concerns.

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Reasonable

Apprentices feel safe at the university. Apprentices are aware of the potential for radicalisation in training and in the workplace. They recognise how to identify signs of concern, such as changes in behaviour.

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Reasonable

Leaders have good links with local support agencies, such as local authority safeguarding leads. However, leaders have not developed strong links in other regions where apprentices are based. As a result, the provider is not sufficiently well informed of emerging safeguarding concerns that may affect apprentices where they live and work. Monitoring visit: Cranfield University, 26 and 27 October 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

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If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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

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