AJ's Training

Name of lead inspector: Ann Potterton, Ofsted Inspector

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Inspection date: Wednesday 14 February 2024

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: Unit 12, The Barn Coldharbour Farm Whitesmith Lane Chiddingly Lewes BN8 6HP Monitoring visit: AJ’s Training, 14 February 2024

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Context and focus of visit

Ofsted undertakes to carry out monitoring visits to all newly directly funded providers of apprenticeship training provision funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency and/or the apprenticeship levy. This follow-up safeguarding monitoring visit has been carried out consequent to the provider being found to be making insufficient progress with respect to safeguarding at their previous monitoring visit. It follows the arrangements outlined in the ‘Further education and skills inspection handbook.’

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Context and focus of visit

The focus of this visit is only on the safeguarding theme below.

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Context and focus of visit

AJ’s Training is an independent learning provider based in East Sussex. It offers apprenticeships nationally in fencing and highways. It was established in 2009, gaining approval to offer standards-based apprenticeships in early 2023. At the time of this visit, there were 48 apprentices. There were 44 level 2 fencing installers and four level 2 highways maintenance skilled operative apprentices. Seven apprentices were 18 years of age or under. AJ’s Training does not work with any subcontractors.

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Context and focus of visit

At the previous monitoring visit, inspectors reported that leaders did not yet fully appreciate their obligations for ensuring a positive culture of safeguarding. They had not implemented suitable arrangements for apprentices to raise concerns.

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Significant progress

Leaders now use suitable arrangements for apprentices to raise concerns. Leaders have implemented relevant safeguarding training, policies and procedures ensuring staff know how to identify concerns and speak appropriately with apprentices who may be at risk of harm.

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Significant progress

Leaders have now ensured the safeguarding team have undergone comprehensive training and have adequate time to perform their roles competently.

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Significant progress

Leaders complete appropriate checks to ensure that staff are safe to work with apprentices under the age of 18.

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Significant progress

Leaders ensure that the organisation meets the requirements of the ‘Prevent’ duty. They consult well with regional agencies to identify and mitigate potential safeguarding risks. Staff now include regular sessions on risks such as artificial Monitoring visit: AJ’s Training, 14 February 2024 intelligence and radicalisation in their curriculums. Apprentices feel safe at work, in training and online, and they value the close support they receive from staff. Monitoring visit: AJ’s Training, 14 February 2024 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

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Significant progress

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

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