National Infrastructure Solutions Limited

During the monitoring inspection, inspectors focused on the following themes:

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 leadership and governance - specifically the progress leaders and managers have made in designing and delivering relevant adult learning provision that has a clearly defined purpose, and in identifying and supporting the needs of adult learners

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 inclusion - specifically the progress leaders have made in identifying the needs of individual learners putting suitable support in place, in particular for those who are disadvantaged, those with SEND or high needs, those who are known (or previously known) to social care, and those who may face other barriers to their experiences and opportunities, including those without level 2 English and/or mathematics

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 curriculum, teaching and training - specifically the progress leaders and managers have made in ensuring that learners benefit from high-quality adult education that prepares them well for their intended job role, career aim and/or personal goals

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 safeguarding arrangements - specifically whether leaders and managers have ensured that effective safeguarding arrangements are in place

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Leadership and governance

Reasonable progress : the provider’s actions are already having a beneficial impact on learners and/or apprentices. Improvements are sustainable and are based on the provider’s thorough quality assurance procedures. Leaders work with a broad range of stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Commerce, West Midlands Combined Authority, employers and probation officers, to design and teach a curriculum that meets the skills needs of employers and learners. Through their curriculum, leaders prepare learners, most of whom are unemployed, with the priority skills that employers need. Learners are well prepared for high-demand job roles in construction, such as traffic marshals, general labourers and ground workers. National Infrastructure Solutions Limited The Very Light Rail National Innovation Centre, Zoological Drive, Dudley DY1 4AW

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monitoring inspection report:

11 and 12 February 2026 Monitoring inspection report: National Infrastructure Solutions Limited 11 and 12 February 2026

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Leaders have effective systems in place to monitor the quality of training that learners receive. They use the information they gather to prioritise training for staff, which leads to improvements in the provision. For example, they have worked to develop trainers’ craft of teaching to help trainers to use a wider range of teaching and assessment methods. Leaders ensure that trainers are well experienced and qualified to teach their subjects. Trainers complete industry qualifications to gain registered traffic management operative status and plant operator instructor qualifications. Leaders have sensible plans in place to strengthen their oversight with the appointment of an advisory board to provide challenge and support, in order to raise standards and ensure that they meet their statutory responsibilities. However, these plans are not yet in place.

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Inclusion

Reasonable progress : the provider’s actions are already having a beneficial impact on learners and/or apprentices. Improvements are sustainable and are based on the provider’s thorough quality assurance procedures. Leaders and staff capture information about learners’ additional learning needs at the start of the programme. They identify special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), criminal convictions, care experience and caring responsibilities. Staff share this information with trainers so that trainers are aware of any potential barriers to learning. Trainers work with learners to plan appropriate support. For example, learners with dyslexia are given learning resources before lessons to help them prepare so that they can contribute fully. Trainers work with learners who have recently been released from prison to help them to build resilience and develop beneficial skills that employers value

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Inclusion

highly, such as time management. Leaders and staff ensure that learners with temporary disadvantage, such as financial hardship and risk of homelessness, receive the support that they need. Staff refer learners to support agencies, and trainers are sensitive to learners’ needs. Subsequently, learners are able to complete their studies. Leaders do not yet closely monitor the support that trainers give to learners to ensure that it is effective. Teaching staff and managers who have responsibility for learners with SEND have not yet received suitable training to help them confidently identify and meet the needs of disadvantaged learners.

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Curriculum, teaching and training

Significant progress : progress has been rapid and is already having considerable beneficial impact on learners and/or apprentices. Monitoring inspection report: National Infrastructure Solutions Limited 11 and 12 February 2026

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Leaders have thoughtfully designed a curriculum to allow learners to build their knowledge and skills in a logical way. Expert trainers prepare learners, many of whom face barriers to their learning, for a career in the construction industry. Trainers employ effective teaching techniques to improve learners’ knowledge and skills. They use their expert knowledge to demonstrate practical skills, providing frequent opportunities for learners to practise and apply their new learning. Trainers give frequent feedback that helps learners to improve and develop fluency. Trainers ensure that learners develop the essential skills needed to secure long-term employment in the construction industry. They teach learners how to manoeuvre vehicles and manage traffic safely on a construction site. As a result of their learning, learners can use appropriate signals, spot hazards and communicate effectively. Learners gain the

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ability to operate the cable avoidance tool and signal generator to identify accurately buried cables on construction sites before excavation begins. These skills are highly valued by employers. Trainers understand their learners well. They specifically focus on the development of behaviours for work such as punctuality, high attendance, respectful conduct and a consistent positive work ethic, in recognition that learners have been unemployed for a long period.

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Safeguarding arrangements

Reasonable progress : the provider’s actions are already having a beneficial impact on learners and/or apprentices. Improvements are sustainable and are based on the provider’s thorough quality assurance procedures. Leaders have appropriate policies and procedures in place for safeguarding their adult learners. They understand their statutory obligation in relation to the ‘Prevent’ duty. They have conducted a risk assessment and have in place an appropriate action plan to mitigate risks to learners and staff. Leaders with responsibility for safeguarding are appropriately qualified for their roles. Leaders ensure that staff receive frequent training on key topics such as safeguarding, the ‘Prevent’ duty, equality and diversity. Staff are clear about their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding. Leaders have appropriate systems in place for the reporting and recording of safeguarding concerns. Learners feel safe and know who to contact should they need to

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Safeguarding arrangements

report a safeguarding concern. Leaders appropriately assess the risk of learners with criminal convictions. They work closely with probation officers to assess each learner’s suitability for the programme and employment in the construction sector. This safeguards all learners and any potential risks are identified and mitigated. Monitoring inspection report: National Infrastructure Solutions Limited 11 and 12 February 2026

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About this inspection

Ofsted carries out monitoring inspections to all newly directly funded providers of adult learning provision where the provision offered is in scope for inspection.

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About this inspection

The purpose of this monitoring inspection was not to determine grades for any of the evaluation areas set out in the further education and skills inspection toolkit. The purpose was to report on the provider’s progress in relation to the 4 themes set out above.

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About this inspection

National Infrastructure Solutions Limited is an independent learning provider that provides adult education courses, specialising in construction, infrastructure and rail. The provider started to offer adult skills training in September 2024, funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority. It provides training for unemployed adults to support them to progress onto sustained employment or further training. In the current year, 112 learners have been on programme. At the time of the monitoring inspection, the provider had no learners in learning. Inspectors were able to speak to learners who had recently completed their training.

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needs funding at time of inspection

Monitoring inspection report: National Infrastructure Solutions Limited 11 and 12 February 2026

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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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