What to expect during an Inspection… for apprentices

During an Ofsted inspection, you may see Inspectors at your workplace and sometimes in your lessons. Inspectors are here to ensure that City Skills is helping you make progress, enjoy your learning and achieve your goals.

If you see or speak with an Inspector, just be your usual friendly and polite self and try not to be nervous, they are not here to inspect you, they are here to inspect City Skills.

Inspectors might talk to you during lessons, whilst you are doing pair or group work with your fellow apprentices. Here are some of the types of question you may be asked:

• What are you working on (in this task)?
• How will you know if you have done it (the task) right?
• Will you get any feedback on this task?
• What apprenticeship are you doing? At what level?
• Does this apprenticeship provide different grades at the end? If so, what grade are you aiming for?
• What level are you currently working at? What feedback have you had that will help you achieve your target grade?
• Can I see your workbook/notes/any marked work?

Sometimes, Inspectors may call you on the phone or talk to you at work. They may then ask you a little more about your experiences, for example:

• What apprenticeship are you doing? Is it what you expected it to be?
• What level is the apprenticeship? Will you be doing an end-point- assessment (EPA)?
• What do you know about the EPA? What do you expect?
• Do you have a target grade for your EPA? How does the current level of your work compare to your target grade? How do you know?
• How well are you progressing? How would you describe your progress?
• What new skills or knowledge have you developed? How has your behaviour/professionalism improved or developed?
• Do you expect to complete everything by the end date of your apprenticeship?
• Are you doing English or maths? How would you describe your progress in English and maths?
• How do you learn? What do assessors/coaches do that help you learn well? What could be improved?
• What do you know about British values? How do they apply to your course or work?
• How safe do you feel at City Skills and at work? Who would you speak to if you felt unsafe or had a concern about another apprentice?
• What do you know about the Prevent agenda? The Government’s anti-terrorism and radicalisation programme?
• How does your assessor/coach help you make progress? Do you have regular feedback? Do you have any targets that you are currently working on? Could you give me an example?
• Do you receive regular feedback from your assessor/coach? And your employer?
• How often is your progress reviewed? What happens during progress review meetings? Is your employer involved?
•  What can you do now that you couldn’t do at the start of the apprenticeship? What do you know now that you didn’t know at the start of the apprenticeship? Can you give examples? 
• What will you do next? Who do you talk to about the next steps? Have you had any careers advice? 

Inspectors are hoping to hear and see that you: 

• Are on the right apprenticeship and that it is meeting or exceeding your expectations 
• You are receiving training, assessment and support that meets your needs and interests 
• Are making good progress and you know where you are now and what is coming next 
• Are aware of progression routes (to the next level apprenticeship or promotion etc) after your apprenticeship finishes 
• Are developing your English and maths skills 
• Receive regular feedback on your progress 
• Are set targets that do not just focus on tasks or unit completion but on the development of skills, knowledge and behaviours 
• Can see the relevance of British values and Prevent to your everyday life and to work