Interserve, the international support services and construction group, has recently been awarded a Grade 2 Ofsted rating (of a four-point grading system) for its provision of education services.

The company is one of the few facilities management suppliers to achieve this level of recognition by Ofsted. With over 300 learners currently undergoing QCF (NVQ) qualifications, Apprenticeship programmes and Skills for Life courses Ofsted stated 'outcomes for learners are outstanding', with an overall success rate of 96 per cent - 10 percentage points above the national rate.

The inspection, in accordance with Interserve's responsibilities as a National Employer Service (NES) account holder, was primarily a 'quality of learning' audit, which focused on the experience of the learner and the appropriateness and effectiveness of the learning provision.

Three Ofsted inspectors spent four days undertaking a detailed inspection and review of training, including over 40 interviews with Interserve employees, line managers and supply partners at sites across the country where learners are employed in security, cleaning and facilities management positions within various businesses including offices, hotels, hospitals, colleges and shopping centres.

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The inspection criteria were spread over 13 areas and covered safeguarding, leadership and management, quality of provision, outcomes for learners and equality and diversity.

The company’s capacity to improve and overall effectiveness were also graded. The programmes inspected achieved five Grade 1’s and eight Grade 2's giving Interserve a Grade 2 score for its Overall Effectiveness of Provision.

Bruce Melizan, Executive Director at Interserve said: "This is the first time Interserve has been audited by Ofsted, and to achieve this rating is an incredibly positive accomplishment. It is a great endorsement of the quality of training across our business and is another step on our pathway to becoming the 'employer of choice'.

"The feedback from Ofsted shows that our programmes have very good systems, processes and outcomes and that our employees are gaining a great deal from the programmes both inside and outside of work. However it is the individuals who we help every day that make the difference to these programmes success. Last year we had around 300 learners completing courses at any one time, and over 50 individuals completing the pioneering cleaning apprenticeship, this is just another part of our approach to improving the skills and careers for all our employees."

The Ofsted report stated 'Interserve has a very clear and well-articulated strategic vision supported by clear priorities, targets and timescales' continuing 'managers and staff implement exceptionally effective procedures for maintaining the safety and welfare of learners. They provide memorable induction training for all learners, which they routinely reinforce through a range of methods. Learners are particularly sensitive to their responsibilities in maintaining a safe working environment for themselves and others'.

(CD/GK)