In May 2017 the Trust took on the awe inspiring challenge of not only delivering apprenticeships within a hospital environment but delivering them under a newly launched national initiative where often no precedent existed. The suite of programmes delivered has now grown to 9, across 12 employers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) for 238 apprentices.
The Centre underwent an OFSTED full inspection in October 2021. The focus of these visits was across four main themes, overall effectiveness of provision and apprenticeship delivery. The outcomes for these are noted below.
· Overall effectiveness Good
· The quality of education Good
· Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
· Personal development Good
· Leadership and management Good
· Apprenticeships Good
This is a fantastic achievement and one which the Centre is exceptionally proud of. OFSTED noted that leaders and managers have developed a curriculum that meets the needs of the healthcare profession well. They have selected and adapted courses to tackle local and national skills shortages in nursing and healthcare assistant roles. Leaders work effectively with external organisations such as The Nursing and Midwifery Council to prepare apprentices well for the demands of working in challenging healthcare settings.
Teachers also place a considerable focus on the broader skills that apprentices need. Apprentices at all levels develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to perform well at work and progress in their careers. High numbers of apprentices gain distinction grades. Apprentices rightly feel very positively about the new skills, knowledge and behaviours that they develop through their studies. They enjoy their learning and develop the skills and confidence to take on important new responsibilities at work.
Leaders place a heavy focus on apprentices’ personal development, such as supporting apprentices to live healthy lives. Leaders devise activities to help apprentices understand the diverse local population that they serve, the importance of equality at work, and fundamental British values; ensuring that apprentices with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive helpful support. Leaders are unwavering in their focus on improving the quality of apprenticeships. arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
The full report can be viewed here Ofsted | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
