Ignite Sport UK Ltd is pleased to have been judged good in all areas of its first full Ofsted inspection, which documented the quality of its national apprenticeship provisions.
The inspection was carried out between Tuesday, February 22, and Thursday, February 24, and assessed the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and apprenticeships.
Inspectors scored Ignite’s work as ‘good’ in all five areas, adding that apprentices are set clear expectations of behaviour and professionalism by tutors and they benefit from an inclusive, safe, learning environment. The report added learners develop substantial knowledge, skills and behaviours because of the programmes they study and are supported by staff about their next steps and career plans.
Leaders were described to deliver high-quality training and have a clear vision to inspire people through sport while developing effective community partnerships which provide opportunities for apprentices to work in a range of settings including a response to Covid by adapting and supporting local communities.
The report also said staff training activities are carefully prioritised to ensure a high quality of training.
Justin Merritt, CEO of Ignite, said the Ofsted report is testament to the hard work and dedication of all staff across the country.
“We are very proud to be recognised as good by Ofsted in all areas of our apprenticeship programme delivery,” said Justin. “The achievements and career aspirations of apprentices coupled with the energy and enthusiasm of our committed team of tutors is what allows us to deliver high levels of education and support.
“Our team shares a collective vision to empower learners with job-specific skills, knowledge and behaviours which allow them to pursue a career which interests them and develop key contacts within their industry. Working closely with employers we ensure learning accelerates growth of the learner both in their qualification and on the job hours.
“We’ve witnessed an increase in demand for apprenticeship training since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Organisations and individuals are now beginning to understand their true potential, and how vocational qualifications support people in changing careers or upskilling their existing qualities.
“We’re pleased to have been recognised for our commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) as well, something we prioritise to ensure Ignite is a positive environment to work with.” It was also noted that Ignite are considerate of staff well-being.
Apprentices studying a programme delivered by Ignite’s team of experienced and qualified tutors are currently enrolled onto a variety of programmes including Level 2 Community Activator, level 3 teaching assistant, level 3 junior content producer, level 3 sports excellence professional, level 4 sports coach and Level 5 Learning and Skills Teacher. It was reported that Apprentices know what they need to do to achieve the highest grade possible and are confident that they will do this.
The courses provide a proven development pathway for apprentices to fulfil a successful career in their area of interest or broaden their knowledge via higher education.
Head of Education, Steph McNeil added: “We always aspire to place learners at the very heart of their qualification.
“We achieve this by developing a bespoke education programme which promotes on-the-job development where apprentices can establish skills at a pace which is comfortable for them.
“We understand no two apprentices are the same, which is why our tutors and employers are encouraged to treat learners as individuals by helping them reach their true potential via good communication, effective learning, tailored education and developing roles.”
Operating nationally, Ignite Training is the education and training division of Oxford based Ignite Sport UK and specialises in further education through the training of apprenticeships and adult education nationally.
