Richmond Council's apprenticeships "do not always reinforce key aspects such as health and safety, equality of opportunity and safeguarding" for apprenticeships, according to Ofsted.

The government watchdog concluded the council's professional training scheme Way2Work as 'Good' but Team Leadership apprentices do not gain a thorough understanding of key concepts like health and safety.

A statement from the Ofsted report read: "Assessors on the team leading apprenticeship should make sure they consistently discuss health and safety, equality of opportunity and safeguarding during reviews so that apprentices gain a thorough understanding of these topics."

Ofsted's 'Good' standard translates as inspectors judging Way2Work as providing good quality of adult education in most areas for Richmond residents.

Way2Work is the borough's professional apprenticeship training provider offering apprenticeship vacancies and full-time job opportunities for young people aged 16+, with local employers who value and encourage them to achieve their full potential. The provision is delivered by Achieving for Children (AfC), which provides children's services for Richmond Council.

The Ofsted report commended the teaching structures and the curriculum for enabling students to quickly develop knowledge, manage their time effectively and complete tasks without getting distracted.

Assessors were also praised for using a range of activities to help learners develop and providing insight into their industries. The report states that teachers explain concepts clearly, so that apprentices and learners can understand increasingly complex ideas.

The Ofsted team found: "Apprentices benefit from effective careers advice and guidance from their assessors/trainers and employers. Many aspire to achieve promotion at work or take higher-level courses. When they complete their apprenticeship, most remain with their current employer or progress to a higher level of study. A high proportion of apprentices who stay to the end of their courses achieve their qualifications."

Inspectors also recommended leaders and managers should ensure that more apprentices use the resources available to extend their knowledge and interests beyond their vocational training.

'Good' workplace but staff development could be improved

Ofsted noted the staff are "proud" to work for the provider as it creates a "positive culture", are considerate of their workload and staff feel supported in their subject knowledge.

However, the report also found the Way2Work do not sufficiently identify areas for development in individual tutors' practice. It said although "assessors benefit from sharing good teaching practice amongst each other, [they] have limited training that focuses on how to improve their skills further."

Councillor Penny Frost, Chair of the Education and Children's Services Committee, said: "Quality learning opportunities can do more than boost the economy. They makes the borough more inclusive, providing adults of all ages the chance to up-skill and earn high quality employment in the borough they live in.

"That's why I'm proud to confirm that our educational provision has received recognition for its commitment to training residents and setting the stage for further growth in the borough's future."

Read the full report here.