Jon Mitchell Associates Limited (trading as JMA Training)

Jon Mitchell Associates Limited (trading as JMA Training) Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Helen Whelan, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: Kammac (Logistics) Warrington Dallam Lane Warrington WA2 7NT Monitoring visit: Jon Mitchell Associates Limited, 12 and 13 June 2024

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Context and focus of visit

Ofsted undertakes to carry out monitoring visits to all newly directly funded providers of adult learning provision where the provision offered is in scope for inspection. This monitoring visit was undertaken as part of those arrangements and as outlined in the ‘Further education and skills inspection handbook’, especially the sections entitled ‘Monitoring visits’ and ‘Monitoring visits to providers that are newly directly publicly funded’. The focus of these visits is on the themes set out below.

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Context and focus of visit

JMA Training is an independent learning provider that provides Skills Bootcamps for adults in leadership and in heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) driver training. During the visit, there were 20 learners enrolled on HGV Skills Bootcamps and no current learners on leadership Skills Bootcamps. Learners are based across Cheshire and Warrington. HGV training is provided at a logistics site in Warrington and is taught by a subcontracted partner. Bootcamps run for 16 weeks and learners attend approximately 10 days of training to cover driving theory and to develop their practical skills.

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Reasonable progress

Managers have a clear strategy for providing Skills Bootcamps. They are aware of the significant skills gaps that exist for HGV drivers in the local area. Managers are committed to helping learners progress to employment or gain promotion in a sector that affords learners many opportunities.

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Reasonable progress

Managers respond well to the needs of learners and employers. Tutors provide flexible training on an individual basis to meet learners’ needs. This supports learners effectively, particularly those who have been out of employment for some time and lack confidence. Employers appreciate that managers are receptive to their training requirements and equip learners with the valuable skills that they need.

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Reasonable progress

Managers work closely and effectively with a specialist subcontracted partner who has extensive experience in HGV training. Tutors maintain their professional currency through timely retraining and licence renewal. Learners find tutors knowledgeable, helpful and insightful. Learners have access to specialist resources including a fleet of trucks – both articulated and rigid – so that learners can systematically practise their driving skills. Managers provide learners with a well-devised mobile phone application so they can readily access learning and assessment resources. Monitoring visit: Jon Mitchell Associates Limited, 12 and 13 June 2024 Managers are keen to continue to improve the quality of training they provide. They undertake a thorough self-assessment of their provision and know their strengths and areas for improvement. Managers conduct appropriate checks on the quality of training through observations and standardisation meetings. However, they

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Reasonable progress

recognise that these processes need further development to ensure they can drive improvement. Managers have recently put in place governance arrangements. These are still in their infancy and yet to have a discernible impact on the provision.

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Reasonable progress

Managers carefully collect and analyse learners’ progression and destination information. They use this to set themselves challenging targets, which they achieve. Almost all learners gain their qualifications and positive employment outcomes.

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Reasonable progress

Managers design the curriculum carefully to comply with the regulatory requirements of HGV licencing. They structure training to cover the demands of stringent external tests. Tutors cover theory first and prepare learners for a range of tests about topics such as hazard perception. Tutors ensure that learners complete end-of-topic theory assessments to check on their learning and revisit any areas they struggle with. Tutors then move to practical training, focusing on off-road manoeuvres, reversing and approaching bays. They also include on-road training in readiness for the practical tests.

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Reasonable progress

Before they start the Skills Bootcamp, managers and tutors assess what learners already know and can do. Tutors deliver the entirety of the curriculum because of the legal requirements of licencing. Where learners have prior accreditation, they move straight to the practical training. They adapt their teaching to focus on learners’ individual strengths and areas for improvement as drivers.

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Reasonable progress

Learners talk confidently about the new knowledge and skills they develop because of their training. They understand the value of their training and the importance of the enhanced driving licence that comes with successful course completion. Learners identify a range of potential future employment opportunities in HGV driving roles. This gives learners, especially those who have struggled to find employment, an increased feeling of self-worth and belief.

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Reasonable progress

Learners know more and can do more because of their training. They benefit from useful feedback that helps them to identify the strengths and weaknesses in their practical driving skills. Tutors routinely log, track and monitor learners’ progress. They maintain an accurate oversight of the progress that learners make towards readiness for their theory and practical tests. Learners know what they do well and Monitoring visit: Jon Mitchell Associates Limited, 12 and 13 June 2024 what they need to improve. This helps them to develop their confidence, along with their competence and driving skills.

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Reasonable progress

Managers provide a safe, secure learning environment for learners. They ensure that learners understand and comply with health and safety requirements. Learners wear appropriate personal protective equipment and act responsibly.

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Reasonable progress

Learners benefit from training on the practical actions they should take to keep themselves safe when on the road or staying in their vehicles overnight. Learners know how to secure their cab, use safer parking areas and avoid risks of theft or hijack.

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Reasonable progress

Managers recognise that they need to provide more training around the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism and how these risks relate to learners’ professional and personal lives. Monitoring visit: Jon Mitchell Associates Limited, 12 and 13 June 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 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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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable progress

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Reasonable 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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