Training company found inadequate on Foundation Learning Programme

The Maidstone-based company, which runs childcare training on behalf of further education and training organisations, was inspected on its Foundation Learning Programme in July.

The Foundation Learning Programme, which accounts for less than one per cent of its training, was the only provision to be inspected. Parenta’s vocational childcare services are delivered under sub-contract arrangements to other providers and have been graded satisfactory in separate inspections.

Inspectors found that both outcomes for learners and quality of provision for those enrolled on Parenta’s Foundation Learning programme were inadequate.

Parenta is appealing the findings of the report, as it claims that inaccurate data was used to calculate success rates of the programme, and it was marked down for not providing ICT key skills, when it is not a course requirement.

In this contract year, 2011-12, 63 learners, aged 16-18, enrolled in the Foundation Learning programme. Currently there are 22 learners on the programme.

All learners on the Foundation Learning programme work towards vocational qualifications in childcare at level 1.

According to Ofsted, 30 per cent of learners leave without completing the programme. During 2011/12, less than half of learners progressed into employment or went on to further education or training.

The report states, ‘Learners receive poor care, guidance and support. Advice and guidance available are inadequate to ensure that learners are offered and placed on an appropriate programme to match their academic level. In addition, too few exit interviews occur to help with learners’ next step.’

It goes on to say that success rates and functional skills in mathematics are satisfactory, but functional skills achievements in English are very low.

Ofsted inspectors claim that IT is rarely used in lessons and learners have limited opportunity to take relevant IT qualifications. A lack of work experience to help learners develop practical childcare skills is also mentioned in the report.