The Shaw Trust has criticised Ofsted following an investigation published earlier this month which described its learning provision as "inadequate".

An inspection report published earlier this month into the charity's independent learning provision labelled it inadequate in four out of five categories, including effectiveness of leadership and management; quality of teaching, learning and assessment; outcomes for learners; and apprenticeships.

The category “personal development, behaviour and welfare”, was rated as “requires improvement”.

In a statement, the charity’s chief executive Roy O’Shaughnessy criticised the inspection as "not appropriate" and said the report “failed to recognise improvement” or changes that were taking place to skills delivery.

“We are disappointed by Ofsted’s inspection report into our learning and skills delivery," the statement said.
 
“At the time the inspection took place our skills provision was moving to a new joint venture and as such we do not believe that the inspection was appropriate. Ofsted was made aware of these key changes but still decided to proceed with the inspection. It is clear that the inspection outcome also failed to recognise the degree of improvement in our skills delivery over the last year.”

The charity is currently switching from an apprenticeship training programme to “a skills and training joint venture, known as STAR Skills Limited, with Ixion Holdings, who are rated good by Ofsted”, O’Shaughnessy said.

Although Ofsted was informed of the change, it “did not take into account this move”, he said.

“The move of our skills provision was in line with Ofsted guidance, so it is our firm view that an inspection at this point in time was not right nor in the interests of learners,” he said.

The Shaw Trust is a national charity that supports disabled people to find employment. It currently supports over 50,000 people a year to live independently.