Endorsed providers are required to conduct their own internal quality assurance process to ensure that the standard of training and assessment that learners are receiving is of a consistently high standard.
For providers with Bundle or Unlimited endorsement, PD:Approval (PDA) will undertake external quality assurance checks on behalf of REPs Ireland to ensure that endorsed training programmes and assessments satisfy REPs Ireland criteria.
Quality assurance checks will take place post approval at least once during each one year endorsement period and initially within the first 6 months of approval. The checks will be conducted by sector specific, qualified and experienced External Quality Assurers (EQAs) who will evaluate the training provision against the published endorsement criteria. A report will be issued and time framed actions may be required to be completed to ensure that any quality issues are managed.
For providers with Pay As You Go endorsement, PDA operates a sampling process for a formal self-evaluation check to ensure the standard of the evaluated submission is maintained. If your organisation is selected for sampling, a self-evaluation pack will be sent out explaining all of the critera and evidence required to be evaluated, eg internal quality assurance procedures, marketing and assessment, which is in line with the evidence an External Quality Assurance visit would cover. The completed pack will be formally submitted by a specific deadline. PAYG providers may also be visited as part of PDA's sampling process, where a PDA EQA will contact them to arrange a visit and observation.
The cost of the EQA visit and self-evaluation is included in the endorsement fee, however if a visit is required as a result of a sanction or actions not met, the cost of £380 (approx €430 - VAT will be applied if not registered) for the visit will be charged to the training provider. Once an endorsed provider’s programme has been reviewed, the organisation will be graded according to their level of compliance to PD:Approval quality standards.
Grade Characteristics: Outcomes for Learners
The EQA will review and evaluate the overall effectiveness of the programme, including the quality and effectiveness of teaching, learning and assessment and align their judgement and grading to Ofsted’s grading characteristics*
EQAs will evaluate the evidence seen using the following grading scale:
1. Outstanding
The quality and consistency of the teaching, learning and assessment is outstanding. The content is highly relevant and there is evidence of a commitment to continuous improvement. All learners are achieving and are actively encouraged, through leadership, teaching and management to achieve their full potential.
2. Good
The quality of teaching, learning and assessment is good or better. There is evidence of a positive and conducive learning environment. Most learners are achieving and learning outcomes are being met and there are measures in place to support learner achievement.
3. Requires improvement
The quality of teaching, learning and assessment, although it may good in places, is inconsistent in its overall quality. Some learners may be meeting the outcomes, and some learning and outcomes may require improvement.
4. Unsatisfactory
In general, the effectiveness of the programme is inadequate. The quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the outcomes for learners are inadequate. There are weaknesses in leadership and management and learners’ ability to succeed is impaired.
Full details of our Sanctions Policy can be found here.
* Ofsted, Handbook for the inspection of further education and skills, January 2015.
