Our apprenticeship programmes are at the heart of everything we do at First Intuition Maidstone. We are really pleased that Ofsted recognises the dedication, commitment of our team and the difference that our programmes are making to local employers and the careers of our apprentices.

Since launching our apprenticeships in 2019, our team has consistently strived to ensure our apprentices receive high-quality training in both their professional and apprenticeship qualifications, embedding our Impact Skills Programme and putting support at the forefront of everything we do.

Here is what our Leadership team have said about this successful result:

Ian Fidock, Managing Director at First Intuition Maidstone said: 

“Nearly 12 years ago we set out on our mission to help individuals develop their vocational skills and maximise their potential by achieving their educational and career goals.

We wanted to provide companies across Kent and Sussex with qualified, motivated, well-rounded employees. Employees who can add value and contribute to the goals of the business. We set out to achieve this by providing excellent teaching, innovative learning and first class customer service.

Today all of our efforts have been overwhelmingly validated.

Apprenticeships will continue to be central to everything we do as we continue our journey in partnership with local employers helping them to RECRUIT, TRAIN and RETAIN talent in the region.

I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved as a training provider, the positive impact our apprenticeship programmes have had and will continue to have going forwards.

I would also like to personally thank my staff, the wider FI Group, our employers and our learners who have all played a vital role in achieving this Ofsted success for First Intuition Maidstone & Canterbury.”

Ashley Bean, Head of Courses at First Intuition Maidstone said: 

“I’m thrilled that the partnerships our tutors and coaches foster with our learners has been recognised. In particular, the Ofsted report illustrates how we work as a team to ensure that our apprentices maximise their achievements.  

This would not be possible without our excellent staff. Staff who not only bring their excellent skills and experience, but more importantly really care about our learners.”

Shane Reeves, Head of Apprenticeships at First Intuition Maidstone said: 

“This Ofsted report is the culmination of 4 years of hard work from the entire Maidstone & Canterbury team and I am really pleased this reflects their dedication, hard work, and commitment, which has been so instrumental in being able to deliver the quality of programmes that we do. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them, and the support of our employers and apprentices.

Apprenticeships provide a vital route into the profession, and develop those key knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers require. This report shows that the decisions we have taken, whether it be the introduction of the L2 apprenticeship, or the advice and guidance our team provides to apprentices and employers, makes a difference and the contribution apprentices have to their employers is invaluable.

I would like to thank all of our employers for the collaboration, and support they provide to their apprentices. I would also like to thank our apprentices for their resilience and commitment to their studies and careers. This result really belongs to all of them!”

Ofsted Grading:

Our official result of Ofsted in the below 5 areas includes:

Overall Effectiveness – Good

Quality of Education – Good

Behaviour and Attitudes – Outstanding

Personal Development – Good

Leadership and Management – Good

View our full report on Ofsted’s website

Here are some excellent quotes from our Ofsted report:

“Apprentices benefit from good quality training. Highly qualified tutors use their industry experience well to bring learning to life in teaching sessions”

“Employers greatly value the positive working relationships they have with FI Maidstone staff. Employers receive frequent, helpful reports and progress updates.”

“Leaders and managers use their industry expertise well to meet the needs of employers in the finance and accounting sector successfully”

“Apprentices quickly become valued members of their local community and contribute positively to employers’ corporate social responsibility activities.”

“Leaders benefit from close collaborative working with other members of the First Intuition national network, which enables them to monitor the quality of education with a network of specialist finance and accountancy providers.”

“Leaders have a clear commitment to widening participation routes into the profession. profession. They have introduced a level 2 finance assistant apprenticeship for younger learners who do not yet have the skills or qualifications to enter the level 3 programme.”

Kent and Sussex Classroom Study Centres: Maidstone | Canterbury

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