Keits Training Services Ltd

Further education and skills inspection report

p.1

Inspection of KEITS Training Services Ltd

p.1

Inspection dates: 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.1

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Requires improvement Leadership and management Good Adult learning programmes Good Apprenticeships Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Good

p.1

Information about this provider

KEITS Training Services Limited (KEITS) is a national independent learning provider. KEITS has a land-based specialism. At the time of the inspection, KEITS had 360 apprentices in learning. Most apprentices were studying on animal care and welfare assistant (animal care), equine and senior equine groom, dog groomer and horticulture or landscape constructive operative (horticulture) standards. KEITS had 68 adult learners studying on level 3 beauty courses. This training takes place at four salons based across the country. At the time of the inspection, no apprentices were in receipt of high needs funding.

p.1

Information about this provider

KEITS works with one subcontractor, Idverde, to provide horticulture apprenticeships. 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.1

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

Apprentices and adult learners have very positive attitudes towards their work. Equine groom apprentices enjoy their practical work and improving what they do on the yards. They enjoy learning the theory that informs their practice. Adult learners are motivated to progress into employment and self-employment at the end of their programme.

p.2

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

Apprentices develop the professional behaviours they need to be successful in their future careers. Animal care apprentices understand the importance of maintaining high levels of animal welfare. They know the value of being reliable and trustworthy employees. Dog grooming apprentices take ownership of their work. They prioritise the welfare of the dogs in their care.

p.2

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

Apprentices have a good understanding of the importance of legislation and the rules of law within their sectors. Equine groom apprentices can refer to legislation when outlining the importance of locked medicine cabinets. Animal care apprentices understand the importance of obtaining consent from animal owners to administer treatment or medication.

p.2

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

Apprentices and adult learners acquire confidence because of their courses. Dog grooming apprentices become more confident when speaking to customers. Apprentices demonstrate resilience. Equine groom apprentices accept that they have much to learn in riding and horse management.

p.2

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

Adult learners do not benefit from an effective planned personal development curriculum. Training consultants do not teach concepts outside of their qualification specifications. As a result, adult learners do not have the opportunity to develop their skills beyond the technical curriculum.

p.2

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

Apprentices and adult learners value the inclusive and supportive approach at KEITS. Adult learners work in an inclusive, supportive and collaborative manner during training sessions. Horticulture apprentices are respectful of others during training sessions. They feel well supported and cared for.

p.2

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

Apprentices and adult learners feel safe. They do not experience bullying and harassment. They know who to report any concerns to. However, too few apprentices and adult learners are aware of the local risks in the areas in which they work and study.

p.2

better?

Leaders and managers have developed effective apprenticeship and adult courses. They successfully meet the skills shortage needs of local and national employers within the land-based and animal care sectors. 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.2

3

Leaders and managers have developed courses that are appropriately sequenced and follow a logical order. Level 2 equine groom apprentices first learn about safe working practices before moving on to handling horses. Adult learners on the level 3 nail services programme learn about the importance of health and safety. Learners next learn the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to complete acrylic nails and UV gel nails. Learners then learn about creative techniques like nail art. As a result, apprentices and adult learners develop their knowledge and skills over time effectively.

p.3

3

Leaders, managers and training consultants work highly effectively with employers to adapt apprenticeship courses to meet their needs successfully. Managers reorder the sequence of the curriculum to support the apprentice’s development. Level 2 animal care apprentices, who are responsible for receiving client dogs, study customer service units at the start of their programme. Equine groom apprentices learn about clipping horses in the winter and during the competition season. As a result, apprentices develop the skills they need to be useful employees in the businesses in which they work.

p.3

3

Training consultants ensure that apprentices’ on- and off-the-job training at work is appropriately planned and is of high quality. Equine groom apprentices undertake shadowing of job roles such as equine dentistry. Training consultants liaise effectively with employers so that apprentices support colleagues providing first aid to animals. As a result, apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need for their job role.

p.3

3

Training consultants use their extensive knowledge to support the development of apprentices and adult learners extremely effectively. Training consultants provide clear explanations and use high-quality teaching materials. They ensure that apprentices apply theories suitably in their workplaces. When learning about zoonotic diseases, animal care apprentices consider the procedures they follow within their workplaces. Apprentices understand the importance of wearing protective equipment and using disinfectants. Training consultants ensure that apprentices revisit prior learning frequently. As a result, apprentices and adult learners develop the industry-specific knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be successful in their chosen industries.

p.3

3

Most training consultants use assessment effectively to check apprentices’ and adult learners’ knowledge. On the level 2 dog grooming course, training consultants use probing questioning. For example, they check apprentices’ understanding of how the pricing of a treatment could vary. As a result, apprentices can explain how this would depend on the breed of the dog they were working on and whether this would need more than one person involved. Training consultants teaching nail services use questioning frequently to check adult learners’ acquisition of the skills they are learning. Training consultants skilfully use real work scenarios for learners to apply their knowledge. These training consultants use homework tasks usefully to consolidate learning further.

p.3

3

Apprentices produce work of a high standard. If they have misconceptions or gaps in their learning, training consultants provide helpful developmental feedback. Training consultants highlight spelling or grammar errors to apprentices. As a result, 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.3

4

apprentices understand what they need to do to improve. Their written work improves over time. However, training consultants for level 3 nail services do not focus enough on learners improving their written work.

p.4

4

Apprentices value developing and improving their good mathematical skills. Level 2 horticulture apprentices calculate the amount of grass seed needed for a specific area accurately. Level 2 animal care apprentices calculate confidently the mode, median and mean for behaviour studies. Apprentices recognise the importance of the need to revisit these skills and how this helps them in their daily work.

p.4

4

More recently, too few apprentices have completed their apprenticeship. Leaders have taken decisive action to remedy this. They have changed how they work with employers at the start of an apprentice’s course. Leaders now ensure that employers are clear on the requirements for the apprenticeship course. As a result, more apprentices are now staying to complete their courses. However, retention remains too low on the level 3 senior equine groom standard. Most adult learners complete and achieve their qualifications.

p.4

4

Apprentices develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours while on their courses. Customer service apprentices know how to deal with difficult customers. They understand and apply correctly legislation such as the Consumer Rights Act. Level 2 horticulture apprentices know how to propagate plants. They understand how the soil and placement conditions affect the growth of plants. Apprentices quickly develop skills in using garden machinery such as mowers, lawn aerators and leaf blowers. As a result, employers value the positive impact apprentices have on their businesses.

p.4

4

Leaders have not ensured that apprentices and adult learners receive sufficient, ongoing, independent and impartial careers advice. As a result, apprentices and adult learners are not aware of careers options beyond the sector in which they study.

p.4

4

Leaders and managers have effective oversight of their subcontracted provision. Leaders have decided to stop working with subcontractors. This is due to the high proportion of apprentices who have left early on horticulture courses.

p.4

4

Leaders have ensured that they have appropriate governance arrangements in place. Leaders value the effective external challenge these arrangements provide. As a result of this challenge, leaders and managers have improved the quality and usefulness of their management reports. This gives them good oversight of the quality of education and training.

p.4

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

p.4

Safeguarding

Designated safeguarding leads are appropriately trained. Leaders have undertaken safer recruitment training. KEITS follows safer recruitment processes. 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.4

5

Leaders and managers have ensured that a suitable safeguarding policy and 'Prevent’ risk assessment are in place. Leaders have ensured that safeguarding incidents and welfare concerns are appropriately dealt with.

p.5

What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Ensure that senior equine groom apprentices complete and achieve their qualifications.  Ensure that adult learners receive a planned personal development curriculum so that they develop their skills beyond their technical curriculum.  Ensure that adult learners and apprentices have access to high-quality, ongoing independent careers advice and guidance and are aware of the wider career options available to them.  Ensure that apprentices and adult learners have a good awareness of the local risks in the areas in which they live, study and work. 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.5

Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

p.6

Provider details

Date of previous inspection 16 to 19 July 2019

p.6

Provider details

Main subcontractors Idverde Limited 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.6

Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the director, 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.

p.7

Inspection team

Georgina Ager, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Robert Bamford His Majesty’s Inspector Penny Fawcus His Majesty’s Inspector Rochelle Saneria Ofsted Inspector Claire Griffin Ofsted Inspector Lynda Brown His Majesty’s Inspector Jennie Conde Ofsted Inspector Steve Lambert His Majesty’s Inspector 29 August to 1 September 2023

p.7

8

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.

p.8

8

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 .

p.8

8

You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/ , write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

p.8

8

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

p.8

8

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

p.8