Simply Academy Ltd

Simply Academy Ltd Report following a monitoring visit to a ‘requires improvement’ provider

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Name of lead inspector: Sue Hasty, Ofsted Inspector

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Address:

Thremhall Estates Start Hill Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7TD Monitoring visit: Simply Academy Ltd, 1 and 2 November 2023

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Context and focus of visit

Simply Academy was inspected in September 2022 and January 2023. 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

Simply Academy is an independent learning provider based in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire. They specialise in teaching standards-based apprenticeships for the financial services sector. Apprentices are based in workplaces nationally, and they study their courses online and at work.

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Context and focus of visit

At the time of the inspection, there were 124 apprentices, 55 of whom are aged 16 to 18 years old. There were 77 apprentices studying the level 3 financial services administrator standard and 47 apprentices studying the level 3 mortgage adviser standard.

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Context and focus of visit

Leaders work with one subcontractor to provide functional English and mathematics training to five apprentices.

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Reasonable progress

Since the previous inspection, leaders have focused effectively on making improvements gradually to apprenticeship programmes. They clearly identified the necessary actions they needed to take to improve the quality of education for apprentices. For example, leaders carefully analysed detailed management information to understand why apprentices did not complete their apprenticeship on time. As a result, leaders made several changes to the curriculum, staffing and the entry criteria of apprenticeship programmes. Leaders suitably reviewed learning coaches’ job roles and responsibilities. Coaches assess apprentices’ starting points appropriately to make sure that they meet the updated entry criteria for the programme. They provide apprentices useful and frequent one-to-one guidance to help them with their coursework. Apprentices value highly the support they receive particularly before taking exams. Monitoring visit: Simply Academy Ltd, 1 and 2 November 2023

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Reasonable progress

Coaches work closely with employers to check apprentices’ progress. They work effectively together to help apprentices who struggle with their coursework. For instance, coaches talk to employers about the importance of giving apprentices enough time to finish their off-the-job training activities. When apprentices fall behind, coaches set apprentices clear targets and provide extra help to enable them to catch up. Senior leaders and directors keep in frequent contact with employers. They make sure that employers commit fully to the entirety of the apprenticeship programme. Leaders start by outlining the different components of apprenticeship programmes to employers. This includes explaining employers’ responsibilities in the end-point assessment process. Employers have a better understanding of their obligations. Leaders and managers have an appropriate oversight of apprentices’ progress. They check rigorously each month apprentices’ attendance at learning sessions and

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Reasonable progress

progress reviews. They also check how well apprentices complete their coursework and keep up with off-the-job training. A higher proportion of apprentices now complete and achieve their apprenticeship programme.

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Reasonable progress

At the start of the apprenticeship, leaders and coaches meet with apprentices and their line manager. They do this to identify jointly apprentices’ prior knowledge and experience. Coaches and employers plan appropriate workplace activities to fill apprentices’ skills gaps. Employers have a clear idea about what apprentices learn on the programme and how they can support apprentices at work. Coaches work effectively with employers and apprentices to make sure that most apprentices gain a variety of suitable experiences at their workplace. For example, coaches encourage apprentices to shadow experienced financial and mortgage advisers. Apprentices observe their colleagues when they hold meetings with clients and listen to phone calls. Apprentices learn the technical language advisers use when they deal with clients’ investments and debts. Leaders and coaches work closely with most employers to check that apprentices

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Reasonable progress

apply what they have learned on their course in the workplace. For instance, apprentices new to the financial services sector gain useful knowledge about money laundering regulations. They use this appropriately to complete background financial checks on new clients in preparation for clearance by their senior colleagues. During progress reviews, coaches and employers identify the on-the-job activities apprentices can do to broaden their experience and skills. Employers provide apprentices helpful opportunities to extend their skills such as using data analysis software packages. Employers train apprentices effectively in the skills they need for Monitoring visit: Simply Academy Ltd, 1 and 2 November 2023 their role, such as reviewing mortgage rates. Apprentices record thoughtful reflections on what they have learned in their journals. Most apprentices grow in confidence because of their programme. They improve

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Reasonable progress

their telephone skills when speaking to clients. They also plan and prioritise their time more efficiently. In a few cases, coaches set apprentices’ targets that refer to tasks to complete. Coaches do not describe the knowledge, skills and behaviours they expect apprentices to acquire.

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Reasonable progress

At the start of their apprenticeship, leaders and managers give apprentices detailed information about relevant career pathways. For instance, with apprentices on the level 3 financial services administrator standard, coaches talk about potential progression routes such as becoming a mortgage adviser. During the initial stages of their course, these apprentices research different career routes available within the financial services sector. Consequently, apprentices gain an appropriate understanding of their next steps early on in their apprenticeship. Apprentices value the careers advice they get from their coaches in one-to-one sessions. They appreciate the realistic guidance they get from knowledgeable coaches who have a broad experience of the industry. They welcome the opportunity to talk about their long-term career goals. Coaches helpfully signpost apprentices to career development resources on the National Careers Service website such as the

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Reasonable progress

skills toolkit. In a few instances, coaches and employers help apprentices to write action plans focused on their career development objectives. Apprentices nearing the end of their apprenticeship have clear ideas about their next steps. The vast majority of apprentices secure permanent employment within their company. They frequently progress to higher level qualifications and gain promotion. Leaders have very recently improved resources that help apprentices access wider careers education, advice and guidance. For example, they now enrol apprentices with a national support association aimed at meeting apprentices’ broader professional aspirations. Apprentices benefit from opportunities to attend networking events with apprentices from a diverse range of occupational sectors. They also hear from guest speakers who talk about topics such as evaluating individual strengths and weaknesses and developing their potential at work. However, only a minority of

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Reasonable progress

apprentices are aware of this resource because it is new. Monitoring visit: Simply Academy Ltd, 1 and 2 November 2023

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Reasonable progress

Coaches frequently check apprentices’ well-being during one-to-one sessions and progress reviews. Apprentices know they can talk to their coach in confidence if they find things difficult at work. Coaches help apprentices cope with their workloads and managing anxiety before taking exams. As a result, apprentices feel fully supported by coaches on their courses. Leaders have begun planning activities and designing resources to develop younger apprentices’ knowledge of healthy relationships. For example, apprentices receive a useful handout at induction sessions. This handout explains concepts, such as consent and sexual violence. However, a few younger apprentices cannot recall this information in detail. New apprentices have a better understanding of these topics. They learn about subjects such as sexual harassment in the workplace in online training modules. Younger apprentices know to report any concerns about bullying or discrimination in

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Reasonable progress

the workplace to their learning coach. In the small minority of instances where difficulties occur between apprentices and employers, leaders act promptly to resolve the issues. Leaders have recently created informative newsletters containing features on topical safeguarding themes that affect young people. For example, articles raise awareness about the dangers associated with drinks spiking and smuggling drugs. Leaders make sure that they visit young apprentices in the workplace early on in their programme. This is so that they can check that apprentices feel safe and are safe at work. Leaders also discuss apprentices’ additional support needs with employers. Apprentices appreciate the attention and care leaders place on their well- being. Monitoring visit: Simply Academy Ltd, 1 and 2 November 2023 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

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Reasonable progress

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

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