Changes to the Education inspection framework effective September 2019

by

Following the detailed consultation conducted by Ofsted, the inspection framework is changing in terms of what focus and emphasis is placed on the learning criteria.

The consultation process started back in June 2017, over 200 engagement events have taken place in a range of forms and the feedback from the events has helped shape the new inspection framework, learn more

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/education-inspection-framework-2019-inspecting-the-substance-of-education/education-inspection-framework-2019-inspecting-the-substance-of-education#about-ofsted

Collating and maintaining accurate records is a fundamental requirement for your Ofsted inspection, learn how an ePortfolio can help you achieve Ofsted excellence…

ePortfolio systems are transforming the learning journey for both education providers and learners.  In addition to helping learners achieve their full potential, there are also several benefits for trainers and educators, to include being fully prepared for Ofsted inspections, having accurate records available at the touch of a button.

 

3 ways an ePortfolio can help to achieve excellence in education delivery: –

 

1 Monitor the learning journey 

 

One of the main benefits of ePortfolios compared to more traditional methods is the ability to centralise the entire learning journey, making it accessible to both learners and assessors at any time.

Within a few clicks, it is possible to review:

  • The number of hours assessors are spending with learners
  • Whether any ‘sessions’ have been cancelled and the reason behind this
  • The number of hours of guided learning each learner has received.

With all of this information at hand, progress can be monitored and data can be mined and extrapolated to show overall levels of attainment and performance.

 

2 Manage performance 

 

Rather than wait until end of year assessments, assessors are able to logon to a digital portfolio at any point during the course of the learning programme and review the learner’s progress. Should a learner be falling behind or if attainment is lower than expected, assessors can investigate and intervene with a view to getting the learner back on track.

 

3 Quality of teaching 

 

The nature of vocational training and further education courses often place a greater emphasis on learner’s managing their own workload and the amount of face to face contact is therefore relatively small. This can make it difficult to demonstrate the quality of teaching being delivered. With an ePortfolio system, it is possible to contact and interact with learners remotely and record those interactions, helping you deliver and evidence outstanding teaching and learning.

 

Interested in learning more about the changes and how an ePortfolio can help you? Contact Paul today to book a free no obligation demonstration of the Quals Direct system.

What is an ePortfolio

by

Quals Direct are a cloud based ePortfolio solution, providing an outstanding user experience when delivering effective eAssessment with built in learner management, evidence gathering and quality assurance.

Our ePortfolio has been developed to work with Apprenticeships, Trailblazers, BTECs, vocational and classroom qualifications.  We actively embrace and encourage new ideas from our customers which has contributed to the growth, development and success of our ePortfolio.

Features

Learner Dashboard

An instant overview of the learner progress including planning, feedback, resources and access to assessment gathering tools to help them complete their qualification.

Reporting

You don’t need to be an IT wizard to use our report builder, create reports and save them, to build your own customised reporting suite. Great for monitoring and analysing the performance of your business.

Global Overview

Who, what, where and when is essential information when managing either your own time or that of others, our diary provides an overview of monthly, weekly or daily activities.

Intuitive Navigation

Our thought through design is simple and easy to understand yet powerful to make your processes quicker.

Online Assessments

Capturing learner’s knowledge can quickly be achieved by creating your own online assessment questions, then easily cross-reference their answers to their ePortfolio.

Evidence Gathering

Collect evidence in a number of simple and helpful ways; learner submissions, assessor observations and reports, knowledge tasks and the QD Messenger, then cross-reference it against multiple qualifications and units.

Plan, Review, Feedback

Assessors and IQAs can plan, review and feedback to the learner in numerous ways to ensure the quality and accuracy of a portfolio whilst learners are kept engaged.

Notifications

All users receive an email notification and an alert on their homepage if any activity requires an action or to be reviewed; enabling the learner to complete their qualification more efficiently.

QD Messenger & Forum

One to one advice and peer to peer support can all be provided and recorded on the ePortfolio using QD Messenger or our forum helping the learner to feel supported through their learner journey.

Keep Informed

Build your own library of resources to provide support to your learners and other ePortfolio users, with the ability to manage which users can access certain information.

Benefits of an Apprenticeship

by

Employing an apprentice is widely known as a highly cost effective way to increase your workforce. But aside from cost, there are many other benefits to employers who take on apprentices.

 

‘Grow your own’ experts

Perhaps one of the main benefits of taking on an apprentice is the opportunity to grow and mould your own workforce as opposed to taking on more experienced staff, who will already have learned behaviours and their own way of doing things, possibly with bad habits they have picked up along the way.

Employing an apprentice provides you with a blank canvas, they will be keen to learn and will have often come directly from an educational background, meaning they will be receptive to learning new skills and more importantly grateful of the opportunity to be employed as an apprentice.

 

Helps fill the skills gap

The skills gap is fast becoming a very real issue for many employers and more prevalent in specific industries.

Years ago, YTS schemes were widely used to grow the skill set of essential trades such as plumbers and electricians allowing individuals to learn whilst on the tools, setting them up for life with a skill and trade. Today apprenticeships provide a solution for employers to fill that gap.

 

Higher staff motivation and loyalty

Engaging and motivating individuals to ensure they are productive can be challenging, apprentices have a fresh approach and are often really keen to get on and learn in their chosen career path, meaning they are highly motivated and have a good work ethic from day 1.

Furthermore, apprentices will often feel a sense of loyalty towards the company who supported them to gain qualifications. In the days of loyalty becoming a scarcer trait to find, employing apprentices is being seen by some companies as a way to improve staff retention.

 

Lower staff turnover

Relationships play a vital part in any business as does experience, looking after and providing ongoing opportunities for apprentices will benefit both parties in the long-term.

Although employing an apprentice does take a commitment of time on the part of the employer, the gains on the other side, in terms of workforce longevity and retention often far outweigh any initial investment.

 

Positive return on investment

 

Statistics published by the Government1 show the positive impact apprenticeships are having not only on the apprentice themselves, but also in the companies they train with.  87% of employers said they were satisfied with the programme, 76% say that productivity has improved and 75% reported that apprenticeships improved the quality of their product or service. All of this contributes to a positive return on investment for employers that take on apprentices.

To find out more about how our cloud based ePortfolio helps apprentices to progress through their qualification, allowing you to support and monitor their progress get in touch with us.

 

 

Sources:

1 – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/key-facts-about-apprenticeships/key-facts-about-apprenticeships