Orangebox Training Solutions Ltd

Further education and skills inspection report

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Inspection of Orangebox Training Solutions Limited

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Adult learning programmes Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Information about this provider

Orangebox Training Solutions Limited is an independent learning provider based in Hartlepool. It provides courses funded by Tees Valley Combined Authority to prepare adults for employment in sectors including construction, security, transport and logistics, and warehousing. At the time of the inspection, there were 10 learners studying towards a level 2 award for door supervisors in the private security industry, alongside level 2 certificates in mental health first aid and understanding safeguarding and the ‘Prevent’ duty. There were also 14 learners studying a level 1 award in transport and logistics at premises in Darlington College. The provider also offers skills bootcamps in stewarding, but these were not taking place at the time of the inspection. 16 to 19 April 2024

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

Learners study valuable short courses which provide them with knowledge, skills and behaviours that they use to secure employment. Leaders work with employers to create courses which meet employers’ specific needs and guarantee learners a job interview. Learners gain relevant qualifications and develop the skills that they need to prepare for employment.

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

Learners have positive attitudes to learning and respond well to the high expectations set by leaders and tutors. They attend well and value the welcoming, respectful environment which tutors create, especially those who have not been in education for many years. Learners develop employment-ready behaviours and grow in confidence.

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

Learners benefit from a curriculum which provides wider awareness of the challenges that they might face in their sector of work. In security, they learn about members of the public who may be vulnerable due to mental ill health and about threats in their role, such as people carrying knives. In transport and logistics, learners are made aware of how to identify modern slavery, human trafficking and county lines within their line of work.

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

Learners receive relevant and impartial careers advice and support during their course, including visits from the National Careers Service. They gain a thorough understanding of the realities of working in their sector and benefit from visits by the employers who provide interviews at the end of the course.

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

Most learners either gain employment immediately on completion of their course or take steps toward it, such as by completing further relevant training for that sector. Tutors and aftercare staff continue to support learners who do not gain employment by maintaining frequent contact to help these learners find and prepare for other job opportunities. Leaders have made recent improvements in their aftercare offer, including accurate tracking of learners after they complete their courses. However, it is too early to see the impact of this.

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better?

Leaders work effectively with large employers and stakeholders in the region to understand the employment needs and opportunities available. They use this to provide opportunities for unemployed adults to gain skills and qualifications quickly so that they can secure jobs. Leaders are committed to getting unemployed people in the region into work as part of their mission for supporting social mobility.

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better?

Leaders create a highly positive culture throughout the organisation. Staff feel supported by leaders and each other, and value their collaborative team approach. Staff are very proud to work for Orangebox. 16 to 19 April 2024

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Leaders have established an external strategic advisory group involving educational professionals who bring a wealth of experience and expertise. Group members provide effective challenge and support for leaders who, in return, welcome the feedback from different perspectives. Group members provide scrutiny and guidance on performance and strategic direction, supporting the steady growth of this agile business.

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Leaders use rigorous quality procedures. These include frequent observations of teaching, learning walks and reviewing learners’ work. The outcomes of these activities are used to provide relevant professional development for tutors and opportunities to share ideas for teaching practice on topics such as enhancing classroom management and assessment skills.

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Well-qualified and experienced tutors plan the curriculum appropriately to enable learners to develop relevant knowledge and skills during the short courses. In transport and logistics, learners gain an understanding of the logistics industry before building on this in more specific areas such as stock control and the environmental impact of the industry.

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Tutors measure learners' starting points accurately, identifying their prior knowledge and skills relating to the course. They use this information to plan individualised learning and provide support where needed. Tutors ensure that learners who require additional support get the help they need to enable them to thrive.

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Tutors use a range of effective and engaging techniques in their teaching. They bring learning to life by using real-life scenarios and sharing their considerable experience of working in their sector. Tutors acknowledge and value learners' contributions in lessons and facilitate discussions constructively.

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Tutors assess learners’ progress carefully. They check understanding frequently and use this to reinforce key concepts to ensure that learners have a sound foundation of knowledge. Tutors use a range of assessment methods including workbooks and simulations. For example, learners in security conduct searches of individuals for weapons and drugs, and tutors provide helpful feedback which learners use to improve their skills.

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Most tutors encourage learners to improve their English skills effectively, including using subject-specific terminology. They support learners to develop accurate and well-presented work, including a curriculum vitae in preparation for employment. However, in a few cases, tutors do not consistently identify how learners can improve their written English, such as the correct use of capital letters.

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Learners make steady progress on their short courses and develop valuable knowledge and skills. Learners in transport and logistics understand important aspects such as stock control and relevant legislative requirements. Learners in security understand conflict management and how to remain calm in challenging situations while treating people with dignity and respect. 16 to 19 April 2024

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Most learners complete their courses and achieve their qualifications. By the end of the course, they have a completed curriculum vitae and feel well prepared for interviews. Many learners progress into relevant employment directly from the course or very soon after.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Ensure that tutors consistently identify how learners can improve their written English.  Continue to implement improvements to support learners in securing employment. 16 to 19 April 2024

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Provider details

Address Tranquility House Harbour Walk Hartlepool Marina Hartlepool TS24 0UX

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Simon Corbett

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider details

Main subcontractors None 16 to 19 April 2024

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the head of career development, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider's most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous new provider monitoring visit 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.

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Inspection team

Karen Anderson, lead inspector His Majesty's Inspector Mark Keen His Majesty's Inspector Jonny Wright His Majesty's Inspector 16 to 19 April 2024

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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.

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