ASPIRATIONS APPRENTICESHIPS PRAISED IN NEW REPORT

Leaders of the Aspirations Learning Institute (ALI) are celebrating as a recent Ofsted inspection praised the high standards of training it is providing.

The Institute is part of Hounslow-based Aspirations Academies Trust which became an employer-provider for apprenticeships in 2021, with their first cohort beginning courses in November 2022. Since then, twenty seven members of the organisation have embarked on courses ranging from Level 3 Teaching Assistant to Level 7 Senior Leader. Others are studying for the Level 5 Coaching Professional apprenticeship.

The monitoring visit by Ofsted found that ‘significant progress’ has been made in all areas of the provision and that, ‘as a result of the training, apprentices become highly motivated to learn, achieve at work, and progress in their careers.’

Director of Aspirations Learning Institute, Nick Appleby, commented, 

“We are delighted with the findings from the Ofsted team. As a new provider we are keen to establish and maintain high standards. Aspirations academies are already exciting places to teach in, and our aim is to build the expertise of existing staff in their current roles as well as develop them for future leadership within the Trust. It is very rewarding to read that Ofsted is already observing indicators that this strategy is successful.”

Funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the apprenticeship levy, directly funded providers like Aspirations Learning Institute offer employers choice and greater flexibility in the training of staff.

“We are able to tailor training to fit the needs and objectives of the Trust,” explains Nick. “As a learning organisation we are keen that all staff seek opportunities to develop their skills so

as better to serve the students in our schools. We aim to create a high quality, aspirational workforce focused on improving outcomes for all.”

The report acknowledged the proactive approach of the leaders and managers of the apprenticeship programmes, and their openness to external scrutiny, which, it concluded, ‘makes sure that training programmes are well designed and  taught so that apprentices quickly develop new knowledge, skills and behaviours.’

“Critical reflection is key to our success,” adds Nick. “As education innovators we want to take a lead for others to follow. We have worked hard to overhaul the curriculum to include purposeful learning, employability and power skills for our young people, and through the apprenticeship programme we want to create confident, expert and inspiring teachers and leaders. We are extending our training programmes in the coming year and are keen to hear from teachers who share our values and are looking to upskill.”

Aspirations Academies Trust oversees four schools locally:  Rivers Academy West London, Space Studio West London, Oriel Academy and Oak Hill Academy. 

 

This article first appeared in the Hounslow Herald 05/01/2024: https://hounslowherald.com/aspirations-apprenticeships-praised-in-new-report-p24059-95.htm