Quality Assurance (QA) isn’t merely a function at Fleet Education Services; it’s an assurance for clients and educators alike. It creates a thriving environment of educational excellence. Our Quality Assurance team ensures that every learner makes progress. Through standardised tests and objective scoring, learning is benchmarked, enabling schools, teachers, and parents to witness and measure the growth of their learners.
The role of the QA Department
The Head of Quality Assurance is supported by a team of regional Education Advisors (EAs). For fully managed programmes such as Fleet’s Alternative Provision (AP) programmes, Programme Leads are provided. These are education leaders with experience in key areas, including:
- SEN: Special Educational Needs
- SEMH: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
- SEBD: Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Difficulties
Learners are allocated a Programme Lead who writes an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), sets educational targets, behaviour and attendance standards, and provides ongoing programme management.
The benefits of Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance ensures that Fleet Education Services remains true to its accountability and integrity core values. Reporting mechanisms are robust, and high-quality service is maintained at all times.
Pupil progress every step of the way
QA checks tutor reports to ensure progress and attainment are made; objective scoring is used; and evidence of progression is provided to Fleet’s school and local authority clients. The reports that are checked include:
- Individual Learning Plans (ILPs)
- session and progress reports
- attendance records
QA helps hold tutors accountable for their performance. It sets expectations and standards for tutors, making them responsible for the quality of their work and the outcomes of their learners.
Why is QA important?
Thanks to Fleet’s bespoke approach, 86% of their learners met or exceeded their targets during the 2022/23 academic year. For the same academic year, 88% of learners made progress of 5% or more and there was 67% attainment. This is a testament to the strong quality assurance at Fleet.
QA enforces consistency across tuition delivery and reporting. This ensures that educators adhere to best practices and maintain high-quality standards in their teaching methods and assessment procedures. When agencies do not have QA in place, it can put additional pressure on educators and often means that pupils will struggle to make progress.
Observations
The Fleet QA team intervenes if they or the client feel that more progress is required. If this is the case, EAs will observe tuition sessions. This can be across any key stage or level. They will observe the resources used, the methodology, and the ideas the educator uses. Following the observation, there will be a one-to-one with the EA and the tutor.
One of the Education Advisors recently observed a tuition session. This is what she observed: “Tom was well prepared for the lesson I observed. The resources were excellent. Tom’s enthusiasm for the subject ensured that delivery was interesting and engaging. He asked open questions to develop the learner’s thinking. Tasks were challenging yet achievable for the learner. She was engaged in the learning and felt comfortable enough to make mistakes and ask questions. With his encouragement, Tom has created a positive learning environment for the pupil.”
Constructive feedback is something that the QA team and EAs deliver and a recent example comes from an EA to a recently appointed educator. “To improve, I would suggest sharing the learning objectives at the start, so the learner has a clear focus for the lesson. Also, I would advise having slides prepared beforehand, as this will allow for learning time to be used more efficiently. Making the subject matter link to real life can give the learning a context and make maths more relatable. Overall, though, an interesting and enjoyable lesson to observe.”
Peer to Peer Support
Educators can take advice, learn from, and develop from those more experienced in the field. QA processes provide valuable feedback to tutors, which can be used for self-improvement. Tutors can identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to adjust their methods and techniques to be more effective.
The primary goal of tutoring is to help pupils learn and achieve their educational goals. QA ensures that the tutoring process is effective in helping learners grasp the material, leading to improved learning outcomes.
Safeguarding
The QA team also functions as Fleet’s Safeguarding team, ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners. The Head of QA takes on the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead, emphasising the commitment to the safety and security of all individuals involved.
Fleet Education Services adheres to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance and puts safeguarding at the heart of its recruitment and vetting as well as its work with schools, pupils, educators, and other stakeholders.
Monthly Reporting
Clients receive monthly reports. These give a transparent view of the learners’ progress and educational journey. This regular feedback ensures clients are continually informed and can make decisions about their learners.
Programme Leads can attend the learner’s annual review meetings when needed, including personal education plans (PEP) and Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP). They will also keep in touch with parents and carers.
Tutor Forums and Accessibility
Fleet Education Services’ QA team organises tutor forums, for educators new to Fleet. These forums serve as platforms for welcoming, networking, interaction, and sharing experiences. Educators at Fleet Education Services are not alone; they have a dedicated team for guidance and support. This support system is crucial in nurturing educators’ professional growth. The team is always reachable via email, providing support.
Educators benefit from regular communication and the exchange of best practices. QA creates an environment where tutors can collaborate, share experiences, and enhance their teaching skills.
Training and Development
With the Head of QA, EAs deliver training sessions and prepare tutors for their first tuition session. Tutors must complete mandatory training modules before any tutoring commences. QA is involved in training educators and providing courses including the Assessment for Learning Course. These courses prepare tutors for their assignments and help them understand the reporting criteria, assessment methods, and individual learning plans.
Education Advisors also facilitate the completion of CPD opportunities for educators such as Childhood Trauma and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Learning from the Best Educators
QA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Fleet Education Services only provides the best educators. All new educators are observed in their first few months. This commitment to quality guarantees that clients receive the highest standard of education for their pupils.
Quality assurance is an ongoing process. It encourages continuous improvement in tutoring methods and practices, allowing for adaptation to changing educational needs and advancements in teaching and learning.
The Quality Assurance department at Fleet Education Services ensures that both clients and educators receive the best possible experience. With a dedicated team of Education Advisors, rigorous reporting mechanisms, and continuous support, you can trust Fleet’s commitment to delivering exceptional education services. To find out more, contact us today. https://fleeteducationservices.com/contact-us/