MGrid - Middlesbrough Education Grid for Learning

The Valued Provider Framework carries out checks to provide information to staff in schools to enable them to make decisions about the suitability of provision for their learners.  The Framework seeks to provide information in relation to young people being safe from harm or risk of harm at all times. In addition, the quality of the learning experience is reviewed.   Click here to see the approved list of providers.

The checks that are carried out are as follows:

Health Safety and Welfare

A Health and Safety Assurance Visit is carried out by an experienced Health and Safety Manager.
The purpose of the visit is to review health and safety systems and procedures to gain assurance that –  

• Learning takes place in safe, healthy and supportive environments,
• An effective health and safety management system is in place and operating;
• The development of safe learners is promoted

An assessment of H&S systems and procedures is carried out by means of discussions with relevant personnel and a review of documentation and records and if appropriate the working/learning environment.

Health and Safety Checks cover

Insurance -

• Employers Liability.
• Public Liability.
• Motor Vehicle (where applicable).

H&S management systems and procedures -

• A satisfactory H&S Policy is in place.
• Risk Assessments (including fire).
• Appropriate H&S Systems and procedures are in place.
• Young Persons Risk Assessments.
• First Aid arrangements.
• Accident recording, reporting and investigation procedures.
• Equipment and Machinery maintenance procedures.
• Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and enforcement of correct use.
• Assessment of working and learning environments.
• Learner H&S induction and ongoing training.
• Smoking Policy.
• E-safety procedures.

Assurance that the organisation has a satisfactory safeguarding policy and that CRB checks are carried out is also sought during the Health Safety and Welfare checks the checks seek assurance that-

• Assurance that the organisation has Safeguarding policy
• Communication to all of safeguarding policy and procedures
• Staff recruitment procedures consider safeguarding issues.
• CRB and other check procedures are in place.
• Procedures for dealing with allegations of abuse.
• Procedures for dealing with suspected cases of abuse.
• Staff safeguarding training policies and procedures.
• Procedures for dealing with staff involved in allegations.
• Confidentiality.
• Contact information for other appropriate agencies is recorded.
• Designated members of staff and deputies are in place.
• Policies and procedures refer to appropriate legislation.
• Supervision arrangements.

CRB Verification procedures involve

• Reviewing the CRB disclosure forms of either all staff, a sample of staff or Key members of staff depending on the type and size of the provider.
• The CRB reference number and date of check are recorded (the disclosure must be less than 3 years old).
• The identity of the employee is confirmed.

Disclosures are checked to determine that

• Appropriate checks have been carried out.
• They are free from endorsements or that any endorsements are not safeguarding related.
• The disclosure has the appropriate security features.

Quality of Provision

The provider is required to submit a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that they meet the following criteria relating to the quality of provision.

1. All staff delivering programmes of learning must be demonstrably qualified and competent.
2. Providers must be able to show quality assurance and self-assessment systems, including performance management, are rigorous and cover teaching and learning, IAG and personal support for learners.
3. Data on achievement of qualifications on the QCF (s96 and s98), progression, attendance, behaviour and retention are within agreed parameters.
4. There is evidence of the impact of evaluation and feedback from young people, partners, employers, parents and carers.
5. Individual programmes offer qualifications that are appropriate, on the QCF, support progression and ensure learners can access their other curriculum entitlements.
6. Information, advice and guidance is in line with the national quality standards.
7. Assessment processes are appropriate
8. Learner data is kept in line with data protection procedures and shared with relevant partners (with permission).
9. Providers show commitment to equality and diversity.

Quality is assessed through the review of a provider evidence portfolio, discussion with the provider and observation, where appropriate.