A HAIR and beauty school in Ryedale is celebrating success across the board following a recent inspection and trip to a national awards.
The Academy Hair and Beauty School, which has branches in Norton, Scarborough, and Whitby, has been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.
It works in partnership with Malton School, Whitby Sixth Form, Scarborough 6th Form, in addition to salons and spas in Scarborough, Whitby, and across North Yorkshire to deliver government funded courses and apprenticeships.
The Academy Apprenticeships Team also won the 'Award for Training and Support of Apprentices 2023' at the Association of Hairdressers and Beauty Therapists Conference in Blackpool, which took place from March 10-12.
At the awards, Lindsay Burr from The Academy won the 'Award for Contribution to Local Community 2023'.
Ofsted inspectors visited The Academy’s head office in Commercial Street, Norton, from January 18-20.
'pleased as new framework is very challenging'
Sophie Burr, director, said: “We are pleased with the Ofsted rating as this new EIF (education inspection framework) is very challenging.
“We were also delighted that Ofsted inspectors graded attitudes and behaviours of learners and apprentices as 'Outstanding'.
“We now have the go ahead to expand our apprenticeships training offer into customer service, retail, front of house and administration to support tourism and hospitality businesses in North Yorkshire.”
At the time of the inspection, there were 21 apprentices and four learners on traineeships.
Most learners and apprentices were aged 16 to 18, with a small number aged 19 or over.
In their report, inspectors from Ofsted praised the staff for encouraging learners to demonstrate professional values and to work to industry-related standards.
They also said learners are encouraged to participate in competitions to develop their skills further.
In the report, further praise was given to the relationships that have been formed by leaders and managers with employers to ensure that apprenticeships can continue to go ahead.
Inspectors added that tutors teach learners to promote and actively embrace equality and diversity, with leaders recently appointing an LGBTQ+ ambassador who provides frequent focused talks to promote understanding, tolerance and respect.
“This better prepares learners and apprentices to be more mindful and considerate of others and promotes a culture of inclusivity,” they said.
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Inspectors also found that staff support learners’ mental health and well-being effectively.
The report went on to say that staff support apprentices to develop the English and mathematics skills that they need for working in the sector.
For those on traineeships, however, inspectors said more could be done to support their English skills.
Overall, they found: “Staff develop learners’ and apprentices’ confidence well in a learning environment that is supportive and inclusive.
“Irrespective of their backgrounds, learners and apprentices are valued and respected by staff, and they develop the skills and confidence needed to work in a professional salon.”
The report can be read in full on Ofsted’s website.
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