Ofsted inspectors have praised Keele’s approach to apprenticeship delivery after a recent monitoring visit, with the University’s apprenticeship provision being commended for making “significant progress” across all three inspection themes.

The inspectors commented that Keele “exemplifies best practice to all areas of apprenticeship delivery and ensure a consistent approach is taken to quality assurance of apprenticeships across the University.”

The Ofsted monitoring visit covered Keele’s entire provision as a university apprenticeship training provider, with in-depth assessments undertaken on Keele’s Senior Leader, Registered Nurse, and Nursing Associate programmes.

Three inspection themes were assessed, including Leadership and Management, Quality of Education, and Safeguarding and Prevent, with new providers being assessed against expected progress.

Keele launched its apprenticeship scheme in 2018 and currently has nearly 300 apprentices from over 60 different employers learning through six apprenticeship programmes.

Professor Pauline Walsh, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean and Lead Nominee for the visit, said: “I am delighted that we have received such a positive inspection report. All the staff at Keele and partner organisations are committed to ensuring that apprentices have an excellent learning experience which has a positive impact on their life moving forward, and to see this recognised in this way is a testament to everyone and should give confidence to both students and employers.”

Lou Taylor-Murison, Head of Apprenticeships and Experiential Learning at Keele, added: “It was particularly pleasing to see Ofsted note how the institutional coordination of apprenticeships and the rigorous quality assurance processes we have created ensure high quality provision, as well as how our closeness to the communities we serve has enabled us to be responsive to changing needs in the pandemic.”

Ofsted has held the extended inspection remit for all apprenticeships since April this year.

Visit the Ofsted website to read the full report.