D & A Training & Assessment Ltd

D & A Training & Assessment Ltd Report following a monitoring visit to a ‘requires improvement’ provider

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Name of lead inspector: Steve Battersby, His Majesty’s Inspector

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Inspection dates: 30 and 31 October 2025

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Type of provider: Independent learning provider

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Address:

Star Farm Chippenham Road Marshfield Chippenham SN14 8LH Monitoring visit: D & A Training & Assessment Ltd, 30 and 31 October 2025

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Context and focus of visit

D & A Training & Assessment Ltd was inspected in October 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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Reasonable progress

Leaders have acted effectively to ensure that coaches provide apprentices with the support they need to make the progress they are capable of. Coaches are knowledgeable and passionate about the subjects they teach. They plan and sequence apprentices’ training well, balancing technical and theoretical information which apprentices apply to construction site machinery. Coaches regularly test apprentices’ knowledge and skills through a range of written and practical methods, including repeat observations of their safety checks on machinery before they operate it. Coaches have put in place a scheme of mock tests which build apprentices’ confidence and knowledge and helps them with planning for the assessment at the end of their training.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have improved how they assess apprentices’ starting points, using this information to improve tailored support. As all apprentices speak English as a second-language, coaches plan teaching carefully to develop their language skills. This enables apprentices to communicate clearly and work safely on site. Apprentices learn to apply mathematical principles in machinery operation, such as weight distribution with dumper trucks and reach/load ratios with excavators.

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Reasonable progress

Coaches keep detailed records of off-the-job training, which provide apprentices and employers with feedback on their developing knowledge, skills, behaviours, and attitudes. However, they do not consistently provide clear targets to help apprentices understand what they have done well and what they need to improve further across both on- and off-the-job training.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have sensibly increased the time available for apprentices to complete their training. This allows apprentices more opportunity to practise and refine their skills. Apprentices are making good progress and can operate six types of plant machinery Monitoring visit: D & A Training & Assessment Ltd, 30 and 31 October 2025 proficiently over time. As a result, the majority are now expected to achieve their qualifications.

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Reasonable progress

Since the previous inspection, leaders have introduced a well-structured and purposeful professional learning programme for coaches. This is having a positive impact for the apprentices. The programme includes targeted sessions on inclusive assessment practices and effective strategies for supporting learners with diverse needs. Because of this, coaches are better equipped to ensure that all students receive high-quality, inclusive teaching. Coaches have participated in wider development activities, such as embedding British values and safeguarding principles into their teaching practice. This training is helping coaches to grow in confidence and develop their skills, making them more effective in their dual roles as educators and mentors.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have ensured that professional learning is both focused and relevant. Training is informed by observation of coaching sessions and aligned with strategic priorities, including future workforce development. For example, leaders are preparing for all coaches to undertake a level 5 teaching qualification. Staff training is carefully monitored through a robust tracking system that records all professional development activities. This enables leaders to evaluate the impact of training and make evidence-based decisions about future priorities.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have put together suitable and effective training material. For example, a session on applying functional skills in apprenticeship teaching, gives helpful hints and tips. The training material gives useful suggestions on how this can be implemented, such as, using real-life related scenarios.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have introduced effective tracking and monitoring of their responses to recommendations made during the previous inspection. This includes a comprehensive and detailed quality improvement plan that clearly outlines key priorities and actions. As a result, actions are monitored carefully, enabling leaders to evaluate progress and make timely adjustments where needed. This targeted approach has identified the skills which staff needed to develop, to improve apprentices’ experience. Monitoring visit: D & A Training & Assessment Ltd, 30 and 31 October 2025 Leaders undertake effective quality improvement. For example, they conduct tri- monthly visits to teaching sessions to evaluate coaching and teaching practices. Where gaps in teaching practice are identified or improvements are needed, leaders respond promptly by providing tailored professional development to coaches. This ensures that teaching standards continuously improve.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders judge the quality of the education the apprentices receive through a structured, focused process. This includes evaluating the teaching and learning strategies used by coaches, the learning environment and resources, and learner engagement and progress. For each key focus area, leaders identify strengths and areas for improvement and provide coaches with practical suggestions. However, leaders do not ensure the actions from previously observed sessions are revisited. This limits their ability to evaluate the full impact of earlier feedback. Monitoring visit: D & A Training & Assessment Ltd, 30 and 31 October 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

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Reasonable progress

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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Reasonable progress

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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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