A national teaching programme co-founded by a Blackburn education trust has been ‘praised’ following an Ofsted inspection.

National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) are widely recognised qualifications in the education sector for current and aspiring leaders.

Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE), NPQs provide training and support for teachers and leaders at all levels.

The NIoT was founded by Star Academies Trust, The Harris Federation, Oasis Community Learning, and Outwood Grange Academies Trust.

Each of the four founding trusts anchors one of the NIoT’s four regional hubs across the country. 

Star Academies manage the North and West and there are currently 1,135 participants enrolled on NPQ programmes delivered by the NIoT.

The aim of the inspection was to assess the quality of the NPQs via a series of interviews, observations and surveys conducted with leaders, facilitators and participants.

The report said: “Leaders plan the curriculum for each NPQ programme meticulously. 
They give careful thought to the curriculum design, the sequencing and the modes of delivery. 

“Leaders design modules that are based on current and relevant research. 

“Participants build their knowledge and skills progressively, with regular opportunities to engage in deliberate practice and apply their learning.

“Expert, serving school leaders bring the accessible self-study materials to life. NPQ participants overwhelmingly praise the face-to-face seminars and live video sessions that they receive and they describe the facilitators as inspirational.”

The reports says: “NIoT leaders ‘hand pick’ their facilitators and have high expectations of them. 

“In return, facilitators receive highly effective training, as well as nuanced support and feedback, through quality assurance activities.

"Facilitators are mindful of remaining compliant with the set programme, but enhance the training materials, so that participants can benefit from their ‘real-life’ examples and expertise.”

It also says: “Leaders have designed well-thought-out systems for the formative assessment of trainees. However, they are still in the early stages of implementing these systems. 

“Leaders acknowledge that formalising and embedding their approach to formative assessment is an important next step in their programme development.

The inspectors scrutinised documents and met with lead provider representatives and senior leaders, delivery partner senior leaders, delivery partner staff, NPQ participants and facilitators to discuss the NPQ programmes that the NIoT delivers. Inspectors also watched recorded training sessions. 

Executive Director of Programmes, Reuben Moore, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that we have received such a positive outcome from our first Ofsted visit.

"We want our programmes to be useful to leaders every day. It was great to hear that our participants agree and that they share our ambitious vision for education.

"We also know how busy leaders are and that Ofsted recognised how we ensure that workload of the programme is managed effectively.

"Of course, there is always more to be done, and we look forward to welcoming Ofsted back for a full inspection soon."