Probusiness Edge Limited

Further education and skills inspection report

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Overall effectiveness Good

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

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Information about this provider

Probusiness Edge Limited is an independent learning provider based in the Fazakerley area of Liverpool. It provides apprenticeship training in youth support work. Leaders began offering apprenticeships in September 2022. At the time of the inspection, there were 16 apprentices studying the level 3 youth support worker apprenticeship. Fewer than five apprentices were under the age of 18. 6 to 8 August 2025

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

Tutors create a calm and welcoming classroom environment for apprentices that is conducive to learning. Apprentices display positive attitudes to their learning. They are attentive and contribute enthusiastically to discussions and activities. Apprentices’ attendance at training is high.

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

Apprentices improve their confidence because of their apprenticeship. They confidently and competently manage events at the local town hall, where large groups of young people, from various local youth clubs, attend workshops on topics, such as mental health, knife crime and children’s rights.

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

Tutors actively promote inclusivity. Apprentices build young people’s trust by treating them with dignity and respect. Apprentices advocate for the young people they work with. They make sure that young people are heard by using open, truthful and sympathetic communication.

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

Apprentices have a secure knowledge of the local risks near to where they live and work, such as gangs, drug and knife crime. They know how to keep safe when working in the community, such as walking in well-lit areas and being aware of their surroundings. Apprentices have a secure understanding of radicalisation and extremism and the signs of grooming. They know how to report any issues they may have.

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better?

Leaders have a clear rationale for the apprenticeship they offer, which meets the local community need for qualified youth workers. They work closely with employers to ensure that the apprenticeship meets the individual needs of apprentices and employers across a range of settings in the voluntary sector and in local authorities. Almost all apprentices achieve their level 3 diploma in youth support work. However, around one-quarter of apprentices leave before completing the apprenticeship.

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better?

The curriculum is ordered so that apprentices incrementally build their knowledge, skills and behaviours. Apprentices firstly learn about the role of the youth support worker, the importance of communication, building trust with young people, and working within legislative requirements, such as child protection. They then develop and apply their skills, for example, when managing conflict. Finally, in the latter stages of their apprenticeship, apprentices learn about making referrals to external agencies, and working with local partners and stakeholders. Apprentices become competent and caring youth workers.

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better?

Tutors are experts in youth work and are qualified teachers. They have substantial experience in the youth work sector, including targeted support such as child sexual exploitation. They are ambitious for their apprentices. Consequently, they train highly competent youth workers who benefit their local community. 6 to 8 August 2025

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Tutors use a range of effective teaching strategies. They clearly explain aspects of youth work, such as building professional relationships between youth workers and young people, in a way that apprentices understand and remember. Tutors routinely use questioning to skilfully check, consolidate and quickly identify gaps in learning.

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Apprentices quickly develop new knowledge and skills. They make weekly activity plans for and with young people, such as gardening, growing vegetables and cooking meals. These activities educate young people about the value and skills of sustainability, when nurturing, growing, cooking, and eating their own produce.

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Tutors provide apprentices with useful feedback following assessment. This tells apprentices what they have done well and what they need to do to improve their work. Apprentices appreciate this and routinely act on feedback to improve the quality of their work.

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Apprentices benefit from a comprehensive careers programme. Previous apprentices talk to current apprentices about their journey into youthwork. Apprentices talk to and shadow youth workers in different roles, such as community settings and detached youth worker roles so that they can make informed decisions about their next steps.

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Governance arrangements are weak. Governors have limited experience and expertise of apprenticeships. Leaders rely too much on governors’ advice and guidance, which is often inaccurate.

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Quality assurance processes are mostly effective. Despite ineffective governance, leaders accurately monitor the progress of apprentices and the standard of work they produce. Leaders are realistic in the evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses. Leaders monitor the quality of teaching effectively. Observations of tutors’ teaching accurately identifies strengths and areas for improvement. High- quality staff development activities help tutors to continuously improve the quality of their teaching.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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What does the provider need to do to improve?

 Reduce the proportion of apprentices who achieve their qualification but leave before completing their apprenticeship.  Improve governance arrangements. 6 to 8 August 2025

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Provider details

Address Adlam Activity Centre Adlam Road Fazakerley L10 1LG

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Provider details

Website https://www.probusinessedge.co.uk

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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 None 6 to 8 August 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

Anita Pyrkotsch-Jones, lead inspector His Majesty’s Inspector Kim Bleasdale His Majesty’s Inspector 6 to 8 August 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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