Tech Educators Demonstrates Significant Progress Following OFSTED Monitoring Visit
Written by James Adams
In a recent OFSTED monitoring visit, we are delighted to have achieved significant progress in two out of three areas. The full report can be seen on the official OFSTED website.
We were delighted to be commended for our ambitious curriculum which was noted to be designed to address the skills gaps in the digital sector. OFSTED outlined how Leaders have crafted a curriculum that not only meets but exceeds local and national employers' needs. Commenting how our proactive approach to widening participation in the digital sector ensures that more adults can access alternative entry routes into careers in this field.
OFSTED also pointed out that offering courses from office spaces shared with other digital companies, created a unique learning environment, immersing students in a digital workplace community, effectively preparing them for employment. It was great to see that OFSTED recognised that having our instructor team, and engagement team work alongside software and games development employers, ensured we stay up to date with the latest industry developments, ensuring that students receive current and relevant instruction.
Effective Career Preparation
We were also pleased to read how OFSTED noted our focus on career readiness. From the outset of our programs, students engage with our in-built careers readiness program. We ensure that employers play an active role in the curriculum by providing mock interviews and advising on portfolio compilation, and that effectively cut through with the OFSTED visit. This direct involvement from industry professionals was a contributory factor in demonstrating that most students from our courses are successful in their job applications, seamlessly transitioning into employment, as outlined in the report.
Tailored Learning and Support
A key element noted by OFSTED was our onboarding process, which they felt ensures that students are well-informed and suited to the intense nature of the courses offered. By assessing students' technical skills and knowledge at the start of the program, tutors can tailor learning activities to meet individual needs. Students requiring additional support receive necessary adjustments, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.
OFSTED has a clear grasp of our courses, noting our Software Development course offered a structured program begins with web fundamentals, teaching students how websites work and the different coding languages used in the industry. Within five weeks, students are capable of building a website from scratch. This hands-on, practical approach ensures that students swiftly gain the skills needed for employment in the digital sector.
Continuous Improvement, Reflective Culture, Safeguarding and Student Wellbeing
Comments on our continuous improvement highlighted a reflective culture aimed at continuous improvement. Safeguarding was found to be with regular checks on student welfare and repeated reminders about available support to ensure that students feel safe and supported.
Following on from this recent OFSTED inspection, we are delighted to have welcomed Mark Wickham from Norwich University of the Arts to have joined our education board, to continue to further the work and increase the quality of our courses, as we seek to iterate and continue to improve our offering to students.
About the Author
James has 8 years with Fortune 200 US firm ITW, experience of managing projects in China, USA, and throughout Europe. James has worked with companies such as Tesco, Vauxhall, ITW, Serco, McDonalds. James has experience in supporting start-up and scale up companies such as Readingmate, Gorilla Juice and Harvest London. James completed his MBA at the University of East Anglia in 2018.
