Delivery Intent Statement – Post Covid-19

Introduction

The Covid-19 pandemic posed considerable challenges for Independent Learning Providers during the contract years 2019-2020 and ongoing through 2020-2021. Varying levels of infection rates have necessitated NWCS Training Ltd to act swiftly to adapt its approach to teaching, learning and assessment to be a fully remote teaching and learning model. NWCS previously has offered a blended approach, ensuring to maintain a safe learning environment, which enabled learners to continue to attend their training centres, taking part in both theory and practical sessions with their tutors. NWCS now believe that this risk is too high and will adopt a remote model for the future as detailed below.

Model

Learners access learning and resources through the department ePortfolio platform https://www.htponline.co.uk/NWCSProgress/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2fNWCSProgress%2 or via eAssessor https://www.e-assessor.co.uk
Learners access learning sessions via a remote learning platform MS Teams or Zoom.
Training Officers as previously will continue to access workplace premises to facilitate learning. However, we do envisage difficulties with this as workplaces will be conscious as to access onto their premises.
Learners access 1 to 1 support for specific issues upon demand.

NWCS Training Ltd envisage that this model will continue indefinitely, however have the following facilities available to enable learners sitting exams and/or specific support needs:

Maggie O’Neill resource centre – L36 8HT
Warrington training centre – WA1 2NN ** – Awaiting LCR Strategic Investment Funds to enhance the learning environment

At NWCS Training Ltd we pride ourselves in the quality of our delivery. We understand that delivering a great learning experience is essential and we strive to ensure we meet our learner, client as well as our own, high expectations. Remote delivery is already established for many of our trainers and learners, we will now simply deliver remotely on a larger scale. With this in mind, we would like to reassure you that the quality of our delivery and the experience each learner receives will remain high and in no way be impacted and our commitment to our vision is maintained

NWCS Apprentices utilise an on-line portfolio, HTS/Progress, which means they can access their portfolio from any device at any time. All planning and feedback is detailed on HTS/Progress and all teaching and learning is also recorded for them to refer back to.

Delivery to Apprentices in the event of a lockdown will follow the planned timetabling of events within the curriculum with the only differentiation being an adaptation to assessment methods if needed and face to face teaching moving to Zoom/Microsoft teams/Skype/WhatsApp Video.

What does a great remote learning experience look like?

Personal
Clear
Engaging
Accessible

How do SMT and trainers achieve this?

This has placed an enormous strain on trainers and resources over recent months, with staff having to ‘upskill’ within a very short space of time. NWCS Trainers have stated that they would like more help and support, both in terms of the delivery and quality assurance of remote learning. What does Ofsted expect to see? What will inspectors focus on? Can providers be sure that they are getting it right? In response to these questions and in order to support trainers further, NWCS through their partnership with LCR engaged the services of QLS Ltd (Quality for Learning and Skills) to deliver a package of support and training which will cover the following:

Equip trainers with the knowledge and tools to embed quality assurance processes into remote learning delivery.
Engage and enable trainers to complete informed self-assessments to identify areas for development, aligned to continuous improvement processes
Set out a model of what ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ remote learning looks like, transferable across curriculum areas
Outline the different aspects of quality assurance that should be included in planning remote delivery
Identify practical techniques and approaches to teaching and learning assessments
Embed methods of feedback that assess and improve the learner experience

Personalisation is key to any great experience related interactions, knowing someone’s name, remembering information they have shared and making it about that person are all crucial in achieving the desired experience. Our trainers always ensure they create and maintain excellent rapport with their learners and will continue to do so. Being clear from the start is imperative, what is expected and what both the learner and the trainer want to achieve during the session, reviewing at the end and ensuring clarity of any difficulties as well as setting expectations ahead of the next session.

Remote delivery has one major difference when it comes to delivering an experience, the lack of eye contact, body language and facial expressions. Instead trainers will use tone of voice, enhanced questioning and active listening skills, all of which can contribute to engaging, personalised and successful session. Also, the use of screen share, videos, webinars and other online tools can all support how engaged learners feel with the content being delivered.

Trainers will encourage learners to check certain things to support the remote learning experience, such as internet and phone signal, as well as ensuring all login details are to hand. In the event of any issues, trainers and leaners alike can contact our support channels who are all available to help.

What skills are our trainers utilising to support the learner experience?

Empathy
Flexibility
Adaptability & Resilience

Many people will find themselves effected or impacted by current global events, our trainers will be empathetic to this and understand that people react differently. We must first and foremost ask how our learners are, ensuring we offer support where needed. Our trainers will also be empathic to any change in a learner’s circumstances as well as the change to how they are receiving their learning, offer reassurance and guide the learner through their learning and encourage engagement in between remote visits.

Given that some learners may be working from home for the first time, or at least have a change to their normal working routine, our trainers will be flexible in their approach to training and what that looks like for each learner. There may be more or less distractions at home, it may be harder or in fact easier to arrange remote delivery sessions, working together to create a successful plan will help ensure learners continue to progress and achieve their goals.

We will approach any challenges in remote delivery with an open mind and a positive attitude, adapting when needed and feeding back to central teams to make adjustments if and where necessary. Our teams will do this with minimal disruption to the learner themselves but always be open and honest to continue with the trusting partnership we hold in high regard. It is our job to maintain a consistent and high-quality experience.

Valued Experience

Experience is intrinsically linked with emotion, how something or someone makes us feel directly impacts the experience we receive. NWCS Training Ltd are experts in delivering successful, engaging and life changing training, we are also experts in people and are

confident that despite unsettling times, we will continue to support and guide each and every learner through their apprenticeship, continuously monitoring and adapting to support a great learning experience.

Apprentices will continue to meet the 20% ‘off the job’ element by a range of flexible models already in place by their vocational area curriculum teams. Microsoft Teams and or Zoom are used for live streaming of support which forms the main part of the remote offer. All reviews are currently conducted remotely with employers and apprentices to ensure knowledge, skills and behaviours continue to be developed. Targets and actions will be set accordingly and progress reviewed with performance monitored against planned expected end dates.

Learners taking exams or EPA

NWCS Training Ltd IT facilities remain open and accessible to those apprentices who may have problems accessing ICT. These facilities will be available for learners to sit EPA aspects or Functional Skills exams.

Remote Education Offer requirement

This ‘Delivery Intent Statement’ is different to that of the Remote Education Offer published in accordance to the detail below ‘In order to provide transparency and clarity, the Department for Education (DfE) requires Further Education and Skills (FES) providers to publish details of their remote education offer. NWCS have complied with this request and the offer can be located at the following link upon their website here