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The Isle of Wight based SMART Training and Recruitment has been handed a critical Ofsted report.
The organisation's been branded inadequate both for the support it gives to its apprentices and also for its capacity to improve.
SMART Training and Recruitment is based in Newport but operates 10 centres across England. Its latest Ofsted paints a picture of learners who don't complete their courses on time or to the best ability and of learners who don't progress onwards when their training ends, although the report does say the quality of training and assessment is satisfactory.
Ofsted says success rates are low, especially in business administration and law where the organisation's results lag 12 points behind the national average.
Although learners say staff members are enthusiastic and helpful and they feel training and support is good, Ofsted calls for more support and wider opportunities for the 16 to 18 year old clients.
SMART Training and Recruitment has responded to the inspection claiming it has a current success rate of over 85% and that the report is based on historical data.
The provider says it will produce a development plan based on the inspectors findings to ensure it's provision improves.
The provider will be re-inspected in 12 - 15 months time.
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