The Vocational Academy Essex Ltd

The Vocational Academy Essex Limited Report following a monitoring visit to a ‘requires improvement’ provider

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Name of lead inspector: Mark Care, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection dates: 16 and 17 October 2024

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: 1 Eldon Way industrial Estate Hockley Essex SS5 4AD Monitoring visit: The Vocational Academy Essex Limited, 16 and 17 October 2024

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Context and focus of visit

The Vocational Academy Essex Limited was inspected in July 2023. At that time, inspectors judged the overall effectiveness of the provision to require improvement. 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

At the time of the monitoring visit, there were 41 apprentices in learning. 13 apprentices were studying level 4 children, young people and families practitioner (CYP) and two were studying level 5 children, young people and families manager.

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Context and focus of visit

In business support, management and administration, 11 were studying the level 7 senior leader. At the time of the monitoring visit, there were fewer than five apprentices in training for the following apprenticeship standards: level 5 operations and departmental manager, level 4 digital product manager, level 3 team leader/supervisor, level 3 human resources support, level 3 business administrator, level 2 customer service specialist, and level 2 community activator coach.

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Context and focus of visit

At the time of the monitoring visit in construction, there were fewer than five apprentices in training for level 2 roofer, and level 2 carpentry and joinery.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders do not have sufficient oversight of apprenticeship programmes and the progress that apprentices are making. Leaders have made changes to systems and processes to improve the recruitment and management of apprentices. These changes are not fully implemented or effective.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders do not accurately identify the progress they have made towards the areas for improvement identified at the previous inspection. Leaders have devised action plans, but they fail to monitor their lack of progress towards improving the retention and achievement of apprentices. Very few apprentices now achieve their qualification.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders do not have sufficient resources in place to bring about the improvements needed. Since the previous inspection, most tutors have left the organisation. Leaders have acted too slowly to recruit replacements, and most current apprentices Monitoring visit: The Vocational Academy Essex Limited, 16 and 17 October 2024 do not have a tutor. Too few apprentices remain on the course. Apprentices who remain do not have the teaching and support needed to make good progress.

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Insufficient progress

Governors do not provide effective support and challenge to leaders. Leaders do not provide governors with detailed and accurate information. Governors do not know that few apprentices remain on programme or achieve their qualification.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders have not taken effective action to ensure that apprentices make good progress and achieve their apprenticeship. Too few apprentices complete their studies because the vast majority leave the programme early. Most remaining apprentices are behind where they should be in their studies and are not ready for their final assessments. Most apprentices and employers do not know the skills apprentices should be practising and developing when they are at work.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders have failed to ensure that CYP apprentices have received the teaching they need to achieve their qualification. Some apprentices report staff losing their work. Most CYP apprentices have not developed new knowledge and skills. Where apprentices have it has been because of their own independent research or the training they receive from their employer.

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Insufficient progress

Apprentices studying English and mathematics qualifications have not had contact with their tutor or received any teaching for over 5 months. Apprentices are not sure what they now need to do to pass their examinations.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders, managers and tutors do not ensure that apprentices are prepared effectively for their final assessments. Too frequently, apprentices believe they are ready without having completed substantial elements of their course. Senior leader and CYP apprentices have not completed their portfolio of evidence to demonstrate how they can apply their knowledge in the workplace. At the time of the monitoring visit, no apprentices had successfully achieved the senior leader or CYP apprenticeships.

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Insufficient progress

Leaders have not taken sufficient action to ensure that apprentices receive effective careers advice and guidance. Therefore, most apprentices still do not understand the career options available to them. Monitoring visit: The Vocational Academy Essex Limited, 16 and 17 October 2024 Most CYP apprentices are not aware of the different routes they could take once they have completed their apprenticeships or how their training develops their transferable skills for alternative career roles and pathways.

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Insufficient progress

Tutors have discussions with a few senior leader apprentices to reflect on their potential next steps and possible career routes. Apprentices consider becoming chartered managers or completing further study, such as a postgraduate degree. Monitoring visit: The Vocational Academy Essex Limited, 16 and 17 October 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 looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Insufficient progress

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Insufficient 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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