Charnwood compared Nationally are ahead of the game

Steve Smith and Jeremy Scorer , Managing Partners of a leading Hospitality Training Provider, Charnwood Training Group, along with its Staff, Learners and National Employers were delighted with the excellent praise received from their recent Ofsted inspection, which graded the National training provider as 'Good Grade 2 across the board' and 'when compared on a National scale is ahead of the game'

Charnwood training group provides commercial and government funded work based learning and workforce development training within the catering and hospitality industries.

Over the last 12 months Charnwood has witnessed phenomenal growth and development; including the introduction of a new Managing Director (Gerwyn House) in December 2010, the addition of two prime subcontractors, continual internal performance realignment to support the growth and its formation of new partnerships with National Employers. Despite these diverse developments, 'managers provide clear strategic direction for the company and manage change well.'

Inspectors were 'very impressed with the internal support and management of performance.'

Out of a total of 9 categories looking at the Training Providers overall effectiveness, capacity to improve, achievement and standards, personal and professional development for learners, the quality of provision and leadership and management, the training provider received 8 'good' judgements.

Of particular merit was the way learners enjoy their training, and statistics prove that most go on to further training or gain promotion at work. In this section 'outcomes for learners', Charnwood was recognised for  'The support and care given to learners is a rare quality to be seen in a work based learning provider and Inspectors commented that 'training officers maintained strong relationships with Learners and showed a genuine passion for training.

Although the Training Provider were expecting an inspection as their last was completed in 2007, they didn't realise they would be inspected under a framework released just 4 weeks prior.

Managing Director, Gerwyn House, Lead Nominee for the Inspection stated "In light of this context in which Training Providers are now inspected we are extremely pleased to have achieved such a positive report. These judgements represent the best Ofsted report in Charnwood's history and we are all very proud of the result and team effort demonstrated during the Inspection."

Charnwood's unique delivery methods offer Employers the opportunity to receive personalised training that is relevant to their business. 'Charnwood closely links the content of employers' in house training and the workplace experiences of learners to the apprenticeship frameworks.

This approach of delivery enables learners to progress well with the employer and a great testament to the work of all training staff is the progress made by learners. 'Many learners often progress from Intermediate level to advanced apprenticeships and develop good practical skills and a broad vocational knowledge.'

'Learners develop high standards of occupational skills and improve their confidence, which are very useful in their job roles'.

Inspection evidence confirmed that 'learners enjoy learning and are well motivated. They develop a more professional attitude and become confident at work, 'increasing their understanding of relevant hospitality legislation and improve standards of customer service and team working.'

In terms of learning resources, 'Charnwood is building an extensive library of very useful learning materials in preparation for the development of its online learning model.' Induction to training is delivered in two parts, the first online and the second fact to face in the workplace. Training staff test the learner's knowledge regularly and 'recollection of content, particularly health and safety topics, is good.'

The Training Provider has close working relationships with Schools, Employers and with professional organisations within the hospitality and catering industries. They have been involved directly with the development of a new apprenticeship for the Licensed Hospitality sector which is accredited by the licensing body, BIIAB.

Teaching and Learning Provision for 14 -- 16 years old within the Academy are of a 'high quality and extremely well maintained, learning is effective in meeting the needs and interests of all learners.'

A summary of learner and employer views were confirmed by Inspectors and optimistic evaluations were received. Learners liked 'support and guidance received from training officers and were able to clearly see their rate of progress and future targets.'

The employers whom Charnwood work with gave extremely gratifying feedback and were keen on 'Charnwood's excellent understanding of hospitality, the support to reduce staff turnover rates and the improved development of learners' customer service skills.'

Employers that were asked to provide suggestions for improvement about the service Charnwood delivered, all reported that they felt 'no improvements were necessary.' 

"Charnwood has achieved a massive accomplishment that cannot be underestimated when you consider the very turbulent economic climate across the UK."

"We are determined to continue to build on our successes and strengths and are resolute in our determination to make Charnwood the provider and employer of choice." Gerwyn House, Managing Director

Read the full report here.

For further information please contact : Samantha Shaw 0845 437 4000 / samantha.shaw@charnwood.co.uk

About Charnwood: Founded in 1998, Charnwood training group is the UK's fasting growing training providers for the catering, hospitality and security industries. In 2010, Charnwood was recognised as the Next Generations learning provider for Hospitality and have supported over 5000 Learners and up to 2000 Employers with personal and professional development.
 

• Ofsted Report 2011