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Oct 2022

Last Updated: 14/10/2022

Education

Ofsted praise for Harrogate training centre's new salon-based approach

by Vicky Carr

| 17 Oct, 2022

Rating Intuitions Ltd 'good', inspectors said the 'high-quality training' was delivered by staff who have 'care and passion'.

A Harrogate training centre for people in the hair and beauty industry has received praise from Ofsted in its latest inspection.

Rating Intuitions Ltd 'good', inspectors said the "high-quality training" was delivered by staff who have "care and passion".

The business has recently moved to a new model of delivering training, with most of its lessons delivered one-to-one or in small groups in the salons where apprentices are training.

Ofsted inspectors said:

"Apprentices studying the level two hair professional standard, who are new to the profession, quickly develop their understanding of the high standards of professional behaviours expected in the salons in which they work.

"They behave professionally, and are mature, polite, courteous and respectful to other staff, educators and clients.

"Educators encourage learners and apprentices to take pride in their work, and this is evident in learners’ well-presented portfolios. They are effective role models and have a wide range of industry experience, which inspires learners and apprentices.

"Educators ensure that their appearance reflects professional industry standards, and this reinforces the expectation of apprentices to adhere to the expected standards of dress code in their salons."

Inspectors said trainees were quick to improve their skills and were pleased with what they achieved even at an early stage of their training.

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However, they recommended staff could do more to develop their other skills, such as by correcting spelling in all written work and giving more comprehensive careers guidance.

The report added:

"Targets set by educators following frequent and comprehensive reviews of work are focused, and apprentices are clear about the progress that they are making.

"Educators clearly identify strengths and areas for improvement, and apprentices know what they need to do next. They share the information with employers in comprehensive reports.

"Apprentices are supported well by their employers, which contributes to the good progress that they make."

Now based in Wizu Workspace at Royal House on Station Parade, Intuitions was founded almost 30 years ago. It has been run by Michelle Oliver since 2000 and has grown significantly during that time.

Intuitions Ltd has a new home on Station Parade, but delivers most of its training in salons.

Following the challenges of covid, Ms Oliver told the Stray Ferret the new model of delivering training has been well-received.

"We're enjoying delivering the new model. It's nice to be able to go into a business and see the learners using their skills in a real setting.

"That's what we're here for - to create the hairdresser for the salons. That's the beauty of apprenticeships: they're in the workplace, earning money - not much, but it could be £200 a week, which is a lot when you've just left school.

"They're seeing professional people working alongside them and learning from them all the time."

Ms Oliver said her own experience of working in a salon while training showed her the value of learning how to behave in a workplace and how to engage with clients.

She said she hoped the supportive comments from Ofsted and the professional standards on show from the learners might encourage more people, as well as local high schools, to do more to promote apprenticeships as a potential career path for their students.

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Ofsted praise for Harrogate training centre's new salon-based approach

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