YMCA Training, one of the largest voluntary sector
training providers in the UK, is celebrating after achieving an
overall quality of provision grade 2* in its recent Ofsted
inspection.
The inspection, which took place in May 2010, focused on both
YMCA Training's young learner and employer-based provision.
Inspectors used a variety of methods during the inspection, such
as group and individual interviews, telephone calls and emails, to
assess the level of service provided.
They also looked at questionnaires which learners and employers
had recently completed on behalf of YMCA Training, and observed
learning sessions, assessments and progress reviews before
collecting evidence from programmes in each of YMCA Training's
subject areas.
The overall results are as follows:
Main inspection report
Capacity to make and sustain improvement - Grade 2
Outcomes for learners - Grade 2
The quality of provision - Grade 2
Leadership and management - Grade 2
Subject areas
Child development and well-being - Grade 2
Employability training - Grade 3
YMCA Training chief executive, Anne Linsey, said:
"The Ofsted process is challenging and rigorous, but paints an
important independent and unbiased picture of the work we do.
I'm very pleased that the hard work commitment of our staff and
learners has been formally recognised by Ofsted, and look forward
to building upon the results we achieved over the coming
months."
Highlights from the inspector's report include:
"Individual and personal support for learners is
excellent. Staff have a very good understanding of the
individual needs of learners and ensure that everything possible is
done to support learners to achieve their potential."
"Apprentices and learners on Train to Gain programmes achieve
good results and develop good work skills to the benefit of
employers."
"Attention to health and safety is good and learners say they
feel safe. A good range of activities supports the understanding of
healthy living and enables learners to contribute well to the local
and wider community."
"Arrangements for safeguarding learners are good. Robust
procedures support a clear and detailed policy for the safeguarding
of children and vulnerable adults."
"Teaching, learning and assessment clearly focus on meeting
individual needs through thorough initial assessment, good teaching
with high quality learning materials and very effective support to
develop literacy and numeracy skills."
"The provider is particularly good at working with a wide range
of partners to engage with prospective learners from disadvantaged
groups and guide them onto the most appropriate programme. The
level of support for those learners on programme is excellent."
For the full Ofsted report click here