Xact Consultancy and Training Limited

Xact Consultancy and Training Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Bev Ramsell, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection dates: 18 and 19 September 2024

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: Unit 3 Abby Lane Court Abby Lane Evesham WR11 4BY Monitoring visit: Xact Consultancy and Training Ltd, 18 and 19 September 2024

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Monitoring visit: main findings

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 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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Monitoring visit: main findings

Xact Consultancy and Training is a national training provider based in Evesham. They started teaching apprenticeships in February 2023. They teach the level 3 fire safety advisor and the level 4 fire safety inspector apprenticeships. At the time of the inspection, 46 apprentices were enrolled. Most apprentices study the level 4 fire safety inspector apprenticeship, and all apprentices are over the age of 19.

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Monitoring visit: main findings

The provider does not work with any subcontractors.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders are subject specialists in fire safety. Following the fire at Grenfell Tower, leaders recognised the need for national fire safety training. They worked with the National Fire Chiefs Council on the trailblazer group to bring the apprenticeships to fruition. Because of this, leaders understand the apprenticeship requirements and use their knowledge and experience successfully to create an effective curriculum.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders offer a comprehensive curriculum that extends beyond the apprenticeship. For example, they enhance the fire safety order enforcement module with a five-day interactive course. Leaders use actors to simulate court scenarios, ensuring that apprentices experience the pressure of being cross-examined. This approach results in apprentices successfully embedding detailed knowledge into their memory.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders ensure that appropriate levels of vocational teaching staff are in place so that apprentices receive high-quality teaching from specialist trainers. All trainers are experienced, knowledgeable and well qualified for their roles. However, leaders have yet to recruit enough trainers to provide an effective English and mathematics curriculum. Because of this, a few apprentices have not been able to start learning the English and mathematics skills they need to be successful. Monitoring visit: Xact Consultancy and Training Ltd, 18 and 19 September 2024 Leaders have a solid understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. They have created an appropriate quality process to monitor the performance of the apprenticeship provision. They gather measurable information through various activities such as apprentices’ feedback and observations of teaching and learning. Leaders track, monitor and review key points of these activities, ensuring that areas

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have developed an appropriate governance structure. The governance board contains experienced practitioners and business leaders who challenge leaders’ performance effectively. Governors receive relevant reports that provide an appropriate overview of the quality of the provision. They use these reports to challenge leaders. As a result, governors have a good understanding of the provider’s strengths and weaknesses.

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Reasonable progress

Trainers teach apprentices substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours through a successfully structured curriculum. The level 4 fire safety inspector apprenticeship builds on learning throughout the curriculum. Apprentices start with an introduction to the role of a fire safety inspector. They then progress through fire safety principles, fire safety legislation, alarm systems, extinguishing systems and building safety. As apprentices advance, they explore more complex topics. This structured approach ensures that apprentices develop the skills they need to be successful.

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Reasonable progress

Trainers use effective teaching strategies to help apprentices learn. They use teaching methods such as recap and recall techniques. They regularly evaluate apprentices’ knowledge and reinforce learning. This is to ensure that apprentices receive and retain essential information. The feedback provided is helpful and supports apprentices in improving their quality of work and understanding of fire safety legislation. Therefore, apprentices make good progress through their apprenticeship.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices benefit from successfully coordinated on- and off-the-job learning, which leads to fluency in applying newly acquired knowledge and skills. Leaders collaborate with employers to ensure that apprentices get time to study and practise their new skills. Following lessons, apprentices can swiftly apply and practise classroom learning in the workplace.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders use various tests to identify apprentices’ initial knowledge and skills. For example, before apprentices start learning, they sit tests in English and mathematics and meet with experienced mentors to discuss their experience. While leaders accurately assess apprentices’ starting points, trainers do not use this information to Monitoring visit: Xact Consultancy and Training Ltd, 18 and 19 September 2024 tailor teaching effectively. Consequently, a few apprentices do not make the rapid progress they are capable of.

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Reasonable progress

The designated safeguarding lead and assistant are suitably experienced and qualified. They diligently track and monitor referrals through to resolution. When needed, they refer apprentices to the most suitable agencies to ensure that they receive the correct level of support.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have appropriate recruitment processes in place. They conduct relevant checks on staff before employment. Staff and governors attend training in safeguarding and the ‘Prevent’ duty.

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Reasonable progress

At the start of the apprenticeship, apprentices undergo training on safeguarding, radicalisation, extremism and fundamental British values. However, only basic training is provided for staying safe online, potentially leaving apprentices vulnerable to online threats. Monitoring visit: Xact Consultancy and Training Ltd, 18 and 19 September 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

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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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