Crosby Aviation Training Limited

Crosby Aviation Training Limited Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Glenise Burrell, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address: Cheviot Centre 12 Padgepool Place Wooler NE71 6BL Monitoring visit: Crosby Aviation Training Limited, 29 and 30 April 2025

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Context and focus of visit

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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Context and focus of visit

Crosby Aviation Training Limited provides apprenticeships to the aviation industry. At the time of the monitoring visit, there were 11 apprentices enrolled on the level 3 aviation ground specialist (flight operations) apprenticeship. All apprentices were over the age of 19.

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Significant progress

Leaders and trainers have selected an apprenticeship route to help fill skills gaps in the aviation industry. They have strong knowledge and understanding of the aviation industry, which they use very effectively to plan the curriculum. The apprenticeship initially covers content that is fundamental to all aspects of aviation operations, such as the role and function of the Civil Aviation Authority and the importance of equality and diversity at work. The curriculum then progresses to more specialised material such as unforeseen events that can impact flights. Later stages of the curriculum enable apprentices to apply their knowledge to tasks such as flight dispatching, crew scheduling, crisis management and resources analysis. Apprentices learn how to work with a wide range of other aviation professionals and make safe and effective decisions under pressure.

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Significant progress

Leaders recruit experienced staff with a high level of industry knowledge and teaching expertise. They then support trainers in developing professionally through extensive training and support. This includes training in safeguarding and using current and appropriate teaching and assessment methodologies, as well as ensuring trainers maintain their currency within the aviation industry.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers have strong oversight of the quality of their apprenticeship provision. They carefully evaluate the standard of teaching and assessment. They have appropriate systems in place to monitor the progress apprentices are making Monitoring visit: Crosby Aviation Training Limited, 29 and 30 April 2025 and make sure apprentices receive helpful support and feedback to help them stay on track.

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Significant progress

Leaders have in place a governance board that oversees the organisation very well. Board members bring a high level of expertise in finance, educational leadership and quality assurance, which allows them to challenge leaders effectively.

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Significant progress

Trainers use extremely effective teaching methods with clear explanations of complex content and group activities to ensure all apprentices make good progress. Trainers recap and rephrase apprentices’ answers to emphasise key points and use metaphors and similes skilfully to help make information memorable. They quickly and sensitively address any misconceptions, including directing apprentices to more reliable sources of information. Apprentices are attentive, responsive and thoughtful in class.

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Significant progress

Apprentices quickly develop expertise that is highly useful at work. Trainers carefully teach apprentices how to decode weather forecasts, and employers give them daily opportunities to practise decoding at work. Apprentices quickly develop fluency and accuracy in spotting trends in complex meteorological data. This enables apprentices to make vital changes to schedules when necessary.

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Significant progress

Apprentices benefit from quarterly face-to-face group workshops held in locations of significant interest and value to them in their careers. For example, they visit major airlines, a wind tunnel, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and local airports. This helps them develop specialist knowledge and skills in a range of areas relevant to their careers, such as aviation safety.

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Significant progress

Tutors use assessment well to check on and consolidate apprentices’ knowledge. Assessment includes written assignments, quizzes and questions in class. Tutors provide helpful feedback on assessed work that apprentices use to improve their work further. Apprentices feel valued because of the careful attention tutors devote to assessing their work.

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Significant progress

Apprentices benefit from high-quality mentoring at work and opportunities to shadow experienced professionals in a range of roles. This helps them understand how their knowledge and skills can be used in a wide variety of settings at work. Apprentices quickly understand the new information and contexts they learn about and take on increased responsibilities at work. Monitoring visit: Crosby Aviation Training Limited, 29 and 30 April 2025

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers have in place qualified designated safeguarding officers who undertake further safeguarding training annually to ensure that their knowledge is current. Leaders also make sure all staff and apprentices are trained appropriately in safeguarding. As a result, apprentices feel safe and know how to report any concerns they might have. They develop expert, professional knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding risks related to their industry and wider life.

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Significant progress

Leaders and managers have developed relevant policies and processes so that the organisation is compliant with safeguarding legislation. These include a thorough safeguarding and preventing radicalisation policy and an appropriate ‘Prevent’ duty risk assessment and action plan. Monitoring visit: Crosby Aviation Training Limited, 29 and 30 April 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 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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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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Significant progress

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Significant progress

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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