Swarm Training C.I.C

Inspection of Swarm Training C.I.C Report following a monitoring visit to a ‘requires improvement’ provider

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Name of lead inspector: Georgina Ager, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

Swarm Training C.I.C Crafton House Rosebery Business Park Shotesham Road Poringland Norfolk NR14 7XP Monitoring visit: Swarm Training C.I.C, 19 and 20 July 2023

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Context and focus of visit

Swarm Training C.I.C was inspected in October 2022. At that time, inspectors judged the overall effectiveness of the provision to require improvement.

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Context and focus of visit

The focus of this monitoring visit was to evaluate the progress that leaders and managers have made in resolving the main areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection.

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Context and focus of visit

Swarm Training C.I.C is a national independent learning provider based in Norfolk. It is a not-for-profit community interest company. Swarm Training offers 28 business and professional apprenticeships from level 2 to level 5. At the time of the inspection, there were 223 apprentices in training. Thirty-eight apprentices were studying the level 4 market research executive standard, 30 apprentices were studying the level 3 business administrator standard and 23 apprentices were studying the payroll administrator standard. Most of the remaining apprentices were studying the level 2 recruitment resourcer, level 3 assistant accountant and level 2 accounts or finance assistant standards. Twenty-seven apprentices were on a break in learning.

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Context and focus of visit

At the time of the visit, there were no apprentices in receipt of high needs funding, and the provider used the services of no subcontractors.

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Significant progress

Leaders have taken swift and effective action to ensure that more apprentices continue their studies and successfully complete their apprenticeships. A higher proportion of apprentices now remain on their apprenticeships and achieve their qualifications. Leaders now have high-quality management reports. They use this information to closely monitor the progress of apprentices. Consequently, leaders now have a clear oversight of the progress of apprentices. Leaders ensure that there are effective actions in place to support apprentices who have passed their planned end date to catch up.

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Significant progress

Most apprentices are now on track with their studies. Tutors have effective monthly meetings with their managers to review the progress of apprentices. When apprentices fall behind, tutors and leaders swiftly intervene. Consequently, appropriate actions are in place to support apprentices at risk of not completing their apprenticeships. Monitoring visit: Swarm Training C.I.C, 19 and 20 July 2023 Leaders have ensured that they have worked closely with staff to make the improvements needed to the quality of education. Leaders ensure that tutors clearly understand the reasons behind the proposed changes, such as the new skills scan process. Tutors were clear on the importance of their roles in improving the quality of the apprenticeship provision. Consequently, these changes have swiftly led to improvements.

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Significant progress

Leaders have considerably improved the methods by which staff collect and use information on an apprentice’s prior knowledge, skills and experience. Tutors now carry out in-depth skills scan meetings. These meetings establish very effectively the apprentice’s suitability for the programme. Tutors now have the authority to turn away apprentices who are not suitable for their apprenticeship courses. This includes apprentices with substantial existing knowledge, skills and behaviours. Consequently, apprentices are studying appropriate apprenticeship standards, which reflect their prior knowledge and experiences.

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Significant progress

Tutors now have a good understanding of what apprentices already know and can do. Tutors use this information effectively to tailor an apprentice’s learning. In response to these discussions, level 4 marketing executive apprentices undertake additional learning to develop their understanding of project management. Tutors carry out progress reviews that capture very effectively the progress and skills development of apprentices. Tutors frequently revisit information on apprentices’ starting points with employers and apprentices. When there are gaps in the knowledge or experience of apprentices, tutors work with employers to ensure that apprentices gain the broader experience required. Level 3 payroll tutors talk with employers to ensure that apprentices shadow staff in areas that are outside of their usual job roles. Apprentices have shadowed staff undertaking payroll checks for new starters within their workplaces.

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Significant progress

Apprentices develop significant new knowledge, skills and professional behaviours while on their apprenticeships. Level 3 business administration apprentices learn about different business structures and the different ways of financing businesses. They learn how to lead on projects within their workplaces. They understand the importance of seeking feedback to enhance their work. Level 4 market research executive apprentices learn about the steps required to manage projects. They learn about how to use Gantt charts effectively. Apprentices learn how to ensure that projects meet general data protection requirements. Monitoring visit: Swarm Training C.I.C, 19 and 20 July 2023

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Significant progress

Careers ambassadors now provide valuable individual and impartial careers advice and guidance to apprentices. This helpful support considers the apprentice’s lifestyle, health and well-being and financial situation. As a result, apprentices receive the support they need to plan their next steps.

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Significant progress

Tutors have helpful and effective discussions with apprentices about their next steps and future aspirations. Payroll tutors explain to apprentices how they can make the most of the development opportunities their professional body provides. Tutors outline possible progression routes, such as higher-level apprenticeships and university courses. Tutors of level 4 market research executive inform apprentices about the different sectors in which they could work, such as the voluntary sector. Tutors help apprentices to prepare for applying for promoted posts. As a result, apprentices are well supported in planning their future careers.

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Significant progress

Leaders have developed an effective careers and personal development curriculum to support apprentices to improve their work performance and future career progression. Apprentices attend high-quality personal development courses. After attending these sessions, apprentices reflect on their learning and their career aspirations. Apprentices attend helpful workshops on future career options. Consequently, apprentices have a good understanding of potential career routes beyond the companies where they work.

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Significant progress

Tutors ensure that they teach apprentices effectively about different career routes. Tutors on the level 4 market research executive standard teach apprentices about the possibility of specialising in different areas, such as quantitative or qualitative research. Market research executive tutors ensure that their courses are enhanced by visiting speakers. Apprentices benefit from talks from social listening companies and practitioners who work in different marketing fields. External speakers run simulation activities, such as how to run effective focus groups. Consequently, apprentices acquire a clear understanding of the range of job roles available to marketing specialists. Apprentices understand how they develop the transferable skills required for a wide range of different job roles. Monitoring visit: Swarm Training C.I.C, 19 and 20 July 2023 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young

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Significant progress

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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