Action Community Enterprises CIC (ACE)

Further education and skills inspection report

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Inspection of Action Community Enterprises CIC (ACE)

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Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Adult learning programmes Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Information about this provider

Action Community Enterprises CIC is a not-for-profit organisation in Norfolk. Leaders provide Skills Bootcamp courses for adults in Norfolk and Suffolk. They provide courses in construction groundworks, warehousing and logistics, and teaching assistants.

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Information about this provider

At the time of the inspection, there were nine learners on construction groundworks Skills Bootcamp courses. Most learners are unemployed, and many have significant personal barriers to gaining employment. Two learners have recognised learning difficulties. A few learners who have completed their studies in teaching assistant and warehousing and logistics are receiving ongoing careers support to gain employment.

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Information about this provider

Leaders work with a subcontractor, Mervyn Lambert Plant Limited, to provide accredited qualifications needed to work in the construction industry. 3 to 5 June 2025

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

Learners are highly motivated and have a very positive attitude towards their studies. They value the opportunity to learn new skills and gain the qualifications they need, to work in construction. Learners participate enthusiastically in sessions and follow the instructions of trainers closely. They learn about the hazards of the construction environment and comply with the necessary health and safety requirements. Learners develop professional behaviours that are valued highly by employers. Learners present themselves in an appropriate way for industry and use personal protective equipment correctly. They are punctual and respectful to their peers and trainers.

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

Learners develop confidence to work as plant operators because of the training they receive. They develop the technical skills needed for their jobs as they progress with their courses. Learners know how to operate plant machinery, such as a forward tipping dumper. They know the importance of carrying out routine checks to maintain the safe use of equipment and machinery.

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

Learners feel safe during their training. They are aware of the local risks, such as knife crime and drug dealing. Learners thrive in an environment that is respectful and inclusive. They feel confident and motivated to make good progress and achieve.

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better?

Leaders work closely with employers, local authorities and Jobcentres to understand the skills and employment priorities in Norfolk and Suffolk. Leaders use this knowledge strategically to plan courses with employers to meet those needs. Learners benefit from courses that provide the skills and qualifications they need for industry roles. In construction, learners gain the Construction Skills Certification Scheme and Construction Plant Competence Scheme cards. These additional qualifications allow them to legally work on construction sites and operate plant machinery. Leaders and managers take great pride in the opportunities they provide for the unemployed.

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better?

Tutors and instructors have extensive experience of working in the construction industry. They make good use of their experience when discussing topics with learners. They explain concepts patiently and offer good examples that help learners to understand. Tutors coach learners effectively to identify a wide range of risks that exist on a construction site, such as from moving vehicles and overhead cranes.

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better?

Learners become competent in the operation of plant machinery, such as dumper trucks. Learners develop safe, driving practices such as avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns, and watching for soft or uneven ground that may cause tipping. They know to drive slowly with a raised load, keeping the dump bed as low as possible. 3 to 5 June 2025

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Tutors provide developmental feedback which helps learners produce written work of a good standard. On teaching assistant courses, learners thoughtfully evaluate the support they provide to children. They then devise effective strategies for learners with dyslexia. Learners use phonics-based games usefully to enhance pupil participation. Learners develop a good understanding of adaptive approaches to meet individual needs.

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On teaching assistant and warehousing courses, learners improve and become effective in their use of English and mathematics. Tutors identify learners’ spelling errors and help them to apply mathematics appropriately in their work. On warehouse courses, learners estimate the centre of gravity of a load, before lifting it with a forklift truck. However, on construction courses, feedback often does not help learners improve their use of written English.

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Tutors provide effective help for learners with learning difficulties. Learners have coloured overlays for reading and extra time and support from their tutors and support workers. Learners make effective progress and achieve in line with their peers.

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Learners receive very good guidance and support to overcome personal difficulties. They value this highly to help them improve their lives and employment prospects. Advice includes help with housing issues, finances, mental health, and childcare difficulties. Most learners complete their course and progress into work.

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Staff provide learners with good career advice, supporting them with their CV writing and job applications. Tutors ensure that learners are prepared effectively for interviews and that they get useful developmental feedback to improve if they are not successful.

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Most learners develop an effective understanding of British values. They recognise the importance of respect and tolerance for those with different faiths and beliefs. Learners can recognise the risks and signs of radicalisation, such as becoming withdrawn and sharing extreme views on social media. A few learners have a limited understanding of British values and how it applies to them.

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Leaders’ quality assurance arrangements are effective. Leaders are aware of what they do well and what they need to do to improve. They implement plans to bring about improvement promptly. Leaders ensure that the standard of training is reviewed regularly, including subcontracted training.

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The board of governors have the appropriate skills and experience to support and challenge leaders effectively. Leaders work closely with their board to form their strategy and monitor performance and improvements.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. 3 to 5 June 2025

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Provide support to learners in construction so that they develop effective English writing skills.  Help learners to develop an effective understanding of British values. 3 to 5 June 2025

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Provider details

Address 16-18 Alpha Road, Gorleston-on-Sea Great Yarmouth NR31 0LQ

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Provider details

Principal, CEO or equivalent Lou Gardiner

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Provider details

Provider type Independent learning provider

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Provider details

Date of previous inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider details

Main subcontractors Mervyn Lambert Plant Limited 3 to 5 June 2025

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Information about this inspection

The inspection team was assisted by the Managing 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 Shahram Safavi Ofsted Inspector 3 to 5 June 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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