Swarm Training C.I.C

Further education and skills inspection report

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding Personal development Good Leadership and management Outstanding Apprenticeships Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Requires improvement

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Information about this provider

Swarm Training C.I.C is an independent learning provider based in Norfolk, offering apprenticeships nationally. It is a not-for-profit community interest company that reinvests its profits into training people and supporting community projects.

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Information about this provider

At the time of the inspection, there were 282 apprentices in training. Around a third study English and mathematics qualifications as part of their apprenticeship. There were 46 apprentices aged 16 to 18 years old.

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Information about this provider

Leaders offer a range of business-related apprenticeships from level 2 to level 5. Two hundred and four apprentices study either accounting and finance, business administration, business management, or marketing and sales apprenticeships.

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Information about this provider

Leaders offer engineering manufacturing apprenticeships from level 2 to level 3. Seventy-eight apprentices study either engineering operative, welding, installation and maintenance or improvement technician apprenticeships.

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Information about this provider

Business apprentices learn through online lessons. Engineering apprentices complete a 20-week face-to-face training programme at Swarm. Apprentices then enter the workplace and attend the engineering centre for face-to-face training one day a week. 28 to 31 January 2025

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

Engineering apprentices quickly develop new skills, such as using drawings to measure and mark out materials, in well-equipped classrooms and practical workshops. Apprentices learn how to work safely, using a range of hand tools before developing their bench fitting skills using advanced machinery, such as drills and lathes. They become confident to use their skills independently. Apprentices demonstrate the expectations of the industry by arriving on time, acting responsibly in hazardous workshops and being courteous.

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

On business-related apprenticeships, apprentices participate in group discussions and quizzes to learn how to motivate people to be highly effective team members. Apprentices respond very positively to the exacting standards of behaviour set by their tutors and workplace mentors. Apprentices learn how to work professionally with colleagues before using these skills to communicate very effectively with external clients in a clear, timely and polite manner.

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

Apprentices feel safe at work, and in lessons. They know who to contact should they have any concerns. Engineering apprentices work safely using appropriate personal protective equipment, such as welding masks and eye protection, when carrying out fabrication tasks. Business apprentices know how to use their workstation correctly to avoid fatigue, eye strain and injury.

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better?

Since the previous inspection, leaders have taken decisive and highly effective action to deal with the areas for improvement identified. The proportion of apprentices who achieve their apprenticeship have improved markedly and is now high. Most apprentices make effective progress and are prepared appropriately for their end- point assessments. A high proportion of apprentices achieve distinction grades. Leaders thoroughly check that the apprenticeships they offer meet the needs of apprentices and employers. Tutors accurately check what apprentices know and can do at the start of their training and adapt training plans accordingly. Apprentices who fall behind in their studies get timely and effective support.

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better?

Apprentices benefit from curriculums that are stimulating and relevant for their job roles. In market research, apprentices learn how to create comprehensive questionnaires which gain high response rates from consumers and produce more useful data. Apprentices learn to accurately analyse patterns and trends in consumer behaviour, opinions and tastes, and advise their clients appropriately.

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better?

Knowledgeable and experienced tutors make highly effective use of a range of learning activities and assessment tasks. On market research executive apprenticeships, tutors use case studies skilfully to explore with apprentices how new products are researched. Apprentices learn that representative market sampling is vital for businesses to gain accurate insights to launch new products successfully. 28 to 31 January 2025

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Apprentices learn how to understand their target market and make informed business decisions regarding product development, pricing and marketing strategies.

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In engineering, tutors use ‘what if’ questions effectively to teach apprentices how to use hand tools safely. Apprentices learn how using hand tools incorrectly can cause personal injury or damage to materials, causing unnecessary cost to the business. For example, apprentices know that a screwdriver should not be used as a chisel, as a screwdriver can splinter when hit with a hammer.

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Tutors provide good support for apprentices with identified learning difficulties and barriers to learning. Apprentices with anxiety receive extra learning resources and more time with their tutor to help them strengthen their understanding. Apprentices with learning difficulties and/or disabilities make good progress and achieve in line with their peers.

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Tutors provide good, personalised teaching for apprentices to develop their English and mathematics skills. Tutors prepare apprentices thoroughly for examinations, and most pass first time. Apprentices develop their English and mathematics skills appropriately within their studies. Apprentices on level 3 human resource management can confidently calculate wages, pro-rata, per annum and complete tax calculations in their job role. A few apprentices have not yet passed the English and mathematics qualifications they need to complete their apprenticeship.

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Leaders provide a comprehensive personal development curriculum that extends beyond apprentices’ vocational learning. Tutors make very good use of discussion topics such as Martin Luther King’s life story to explore topics, such as fairness and democracy. Apprentices appreciate that legislation for equality and diversity has protected people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society, resulting in a more inclusive and considerate Britain today.

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Apprentices have a good understanding of what they need to do to maintain their own mental health and physical well-being. Apprentices learn how to prioritise a healthy work-life balance. They know the risks of regularly taking work home with them, such as the negative impact on family relationships. Young apprentices do not always develop an understanding of age-appropriate healthy relationships.

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Apprentices receive good careers advice and guidance from tutors throughout their training. Apprentices are clear about the progression opportunities available to them. They make suitably informed decisions about their next steps in employment, education and training. Most apprentices receive promotions and additional responsibilities at work when they finish their apprenticeship.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. 28 to 31 January 2025

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Provide the few apprentices who are not making good progress with the individual teaching they need, especially for those who need to pass their English and mathematics qualifications to complete their apprenticeship.  Help young apprentices develop a good understanding of what constitutes healthy personal relationships. 28 to 31 January 2025

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Address

Unit 5 Station Court Station Lane Hethersett Norwich NR9 3AY

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Address

Principal, CEO or equivalent Jennifer Perry

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Address

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Address

Date of previous inspection 4 to 7 October 2022

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Address

Main subcontractors No subcontractors 28 to 31 January 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the quality and compliance director, as nominee. Inspectors took account of the provider’s most recent self-assessment report and development plans, and the previous inspection 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

Mark Care, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Rochelle Saneria His Majesty’s Inspector Teresa Kiely Ofsted Inspector Kevin Dowson Ofsted Inspector Christine Blowman Ofsted Inspector 28 to 31 January 2025

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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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