TheLightbulb Ltd

TheLightbulb Ltd Report following a monitoring visit to a ‘requires improvement’ provider

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Name of lead inspector: Georgina Ager, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: Edison House 2-3 Paycocke Road Basildon Essex SS14 3DP Monitoring visit: TheLightbulb Ltd, 8 and 9 January 2025

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Context and focus of visit

TheLightbulb Ltd (TLB) was inspected in February 2024. At that time, inspectors judged the overall effectiveness of the provision to require improvement.

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Context and focus of visit

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

TLB is an independent learning provider. In 2022, TLB became part of the Get Set UK Group. Leaders provide adult learning courses for the Greater London Authority. They also provide Skills Bootcamps in digital subjects for the Department for Education and Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.

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Context and focus of visit

TLB provide a range of adult learning courses, including hospitality and catering, essential digital skills, teaching assistants, health and social care, employability skills and English for speakers of other languages. At the time of the visit, there were 411 adult learners. A further 113 learners were studying Skills Bootcamps in web development, cybersecurity and digital marketing.

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Context and focus of visit

There were 131 apprentices, most of whom were studying business-related apprenticeships, with a few on digital-related apprenticeships. Since the previous inspection leaders no longer offer apprenticeships in adult care. Leaders have recently started to offer level 5 operations manager apprenticeships working predominantly with local councils.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have improved the quality of information they collect before learners start their courses. Staff on the cybersecurity Skills Bootcamp have designed a thorough skills scan. They use this skills scan effectively to check learners’ prior digital skills and their knowledge of cybersecurity. Teachers plan courses effectively to ensure that learners develop new knowledge. Learners on the cybersecurity Skills Bootcamp gain an understanding of cybersecurity risks such as phishing and voice scamming.

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Reasonable progress

Teachers frequently check that learners have understood new concepts during their lessons. Teachers on cybersecurity Skills Bootcamps use cybersecurity awareness Monitoring visit: TheLightbulb Ltd, 8 and 9 January 2025 escape rooms to check what learners can remember and recall. They check learners’ understanding of password cracking and multiuser authentication. Teachers on entry level 3 essential digital skills courses use recap activities effectivity. They check what learners have understood and can recall from previous lessons. Teachers use whole- class demonstrations effectively to show learners how to set up new folders and change the names of these. Teachers then set tasks that enable learners to practise these skills. In the few instances where learners are struggling to understand concepts, teachers adapt their teaching to provide additional support and explanation. Learners quickly become able to complete tasks that they were not able

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices are now recruited through a more rigorous and structured sign up and induction process. Staff provide apprentices and employers with accurate realistic advice and guidance. Staff make sure that apprentices know about the challenges of studying alongside their professional roles. Apprentices are better able to make an informed decision about taking on an apprenticeship.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices and workplace line managers understand their roles. They know what the requirements of the apprenticeship are. Apprentice’s line managers know what they need to do to support them effectively. Apprentices who have started their programme more recently have valued this enhanced support and guidance. These apprentices are making effective progress with their studies.

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Reasonable progress

Apprentices understand better the demands of their course. Employers provide apprentices with time at work to complete their studies. Apprentices appreciate the support they receive from their learning development mentors and their workplace line managers. Staff plan one-on-ones and reviews thoroughly and help apprentices to learn.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers have strengthened the quality of careers advice and guidance that apprentices and learners receive.

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Reasonable progress

Staff meet with them at the start of the course to discuss their short- and long-term career and personal goals. Learners and apprentices receive helpful information on possible career routes. They receive support with updating their CV’s. Monitoring visit: TheLightbulb Ltd, 8 and 9 January 2025 Apprentices know the transferable skills they are developing can lead to a wide range of career pathways. However, a few apprentices in the early stages of their apprenticeship have not yet had the support they need to consider their future aspirations and career.

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Reasonable progress

Skills Bootcamp learners now receive valued continual support from specialist IT recruiters. These staff support learners in developing their employment skills and helping them seek employment. This support continues well after learners have finished their Skills Bootcamps.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders and managers have ensured that learners receive the appropriate support they need to prepare for interviews. IT recruiters offer learners specialist recruitment support and help them with making job applications. IT recruiters help learners set up social media networking accounts and teach them how to network effectively using social media with employers. Learners undertake practice interviews and receive effective feedback. However, it is too soon to see the full impact of these measures. Monitoring visit: TheLightbulb Ltd, 8 and 9 January 2025 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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Reasonable 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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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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