Ofsted recognises ‘highly supportive and inclusive’ apprenticeships at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service

Ofsted has recognised that apprenticeships offered at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service are ‘highly supportive and inclusive’ in its latest report.

We have met ‘expected standard’ in four areas and ‘strong standard’ in another.

These ratings, which were given as part of a further education and skills inspection report published on Friday (3 July), follows an inspection on Tuesday 19 May.

Ofsted noted that we meet ‘expected standard’ for inclusion, leadership and governance, saying that our ‘revised strategy aims to reduce barriers to entry and improve the support for apprentices’.

For apprenticeships, we met a strong standard for participation and development, and expected standard for achievement and curriculum and teaching.

The report recognises that: “Station managers foster a highly supportive, inclusive culture at their stations, where apprentices feel welcome and valued.

“Trainers draw on operational experiences to reinforce classroom learning with well-planned practical activities.

“Apprentices practise and refine their skills in safe training environments.”

Summing up what it’s like to be an apprentice at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the report says, “Apprentices are proud to be firefighters.

“Apprentices contribute enthusiastically to a wide range of community activities […] This helps them to develop technical skills, confidence and the ability to work with the public.”

Head of Learning and Development, James Green, said: “I am proud that our ongoing efforts to provide outstanding apprenticeships has been recognised by Ofsted.

“I am thrilled that the report notes our ‘highly supportive, inclusive culture’ which makes our apprentices feel ‘welcome and valued’.

“We will continue to strive to deliver the best outcomes for our trainees and the people of Staffordshire.”

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: “I’m delighted to see that the quality of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue’s apprenticeship schemes has been recognised by Ofsted in their report. 

“Firefighter apprenticeships are not only an investment in the future of the apprentices, but also the Fire and Rescue service itself. I wish them all the very best of luck as they progress their careers.”

To read the full report, visit the Ofsted website here - Staffordshire Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority - Open - Find an Inspection Report - Ofsted.