ESNFT earns first 'good' Ofsted report for apprenticeships

The East of Suffolk and North Essex Trust (ESNEFT) has been overall graded ‘good’ in its first inspection by Ofsted which took place at Colchester Hospital, in Turner Road, on August 6 and August 8.

The trust, which runs Colchester Hospital, provides apprenticeships in predominantly healthcare, business, and management.

Training typically takes place at Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals, and at the time of inspection, there were 148 apprentices studying.

Close-up - the main entrance at Colchester Hospital (Image: Newsquest) The Ofsted report, which was published on Monday, reveals that the trust has been graded good in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management categories.

It said: “Apprentices gain significant new knowledge, skills and behaviours.

“Apprentices quickly become more self-assured and effective in their role.

“Particularly in frontline patient-facing services, apprentices’ attendance is negatively affected by operational pressures relating to staffing levels on wards, where patient safety is prioritised.

Healthcare setting - a ward inside a hospital (Image: PA/archive) “Leaders have a clear and ambitious rationale and vision for the apprenticeships that they provide.”

It also states how trust leaders have “recognised” that the NHS has an overreliance on international recruitment and that it “was becoming increasingly difficult to fill clinical roles”.

“They recognised that the NHS has an overreliance on international recruitment and that it was becoming increasingly difficult to fill clinical roles.

ESNEFT has also made an accessible curriculum to potential apprentices “who face barriers to learning or entering the world of work” – this is through the level two HSW academy for those with “limited or no previous care experience”.

Peter Cook, associate director for innovation and education at ESNEFT, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have been awarded a ‘good’ rating by Ofsted for being a training provider for apprenticeships.

“We took the opportunity to set ourselves up as a training provider for our own apprentices and to be part of a commitment for our staff across the trust.

“As well as encourage new recruits interested in joining the NHS and work in healthcare now and in the future.

“Apprenticeships are a recognised qualification offering people the opportunity to gain new skills and create a route into employment.

“We know developing skills and working also supports people’s health and lifestyles.

“We are using apprenticeships to drive investment in training and ultimately benefit patient care.

“We want to bring new talent into the trust and also enable staff to develop their skills - whatever level they’re at.”