Today's news review looks at Learndirect's latest Ofsted inspection report.
It has been widely reported that on Thursday 17 August Ofsted will publish its latest inspection report for training provider Learndirect, which will rate its apprenticeships and adult education training provision as inadequate. In line with DfE policy, we have confirmed that Learndirect’s apprenticeships and adult education training contract will be terminated at the end of July 2018 and we are working closely with Learndirect, employers, apprentices, and learners to minimise any disruption.
The contract will be gradually wound down rather than immediately terminated in order to protect both learners and users of Learndirect’s essential public services.
It has been reported that this constitutes the Department giving Learndirect “special treatment”. This is not the case. Our policy clearly sets out that contracts should be wound down over a minimum of three months. However, the notice period can be longer where it is determined that is in the best interest of learners. In this case, the size and scale of the contracts involved mean the best way to minimise disruption and protect learners is to wind them down over a year.
A Department for Educations spokesperson said:
We are creating a world-class technical education system and already have the highest number of apprentices on record. We are determined to build on that success and where providers are failing to meet the required standards it is right that action is taken.
We are working with Learndirect, and employers to put safeguards in place and ensure no apprentices lose out as a result of the contract ending.
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