Short Course Provider Full Inspection

Transcription

1 BRITISH ACCREDITATION COUNCIL INSPECTION REPORT Short Course Provider Full Inspection ORGANISATION: ADDRESS: JD Image Promotions Ltd (UK) 2 Lord Hills Road London W2 6PD HEAD OF ORGANISATION: Mr Rajesh Dalal and Mrs Simrit Singh Madan DATE OF INSPECTION: 30 and 31 October 2013 ACCREDITATION STATUS AT INSPECTION: Unaccredited DECISION ON ACCREDITATION: Accreditation awarded for the full four-year period. Decision on accreditation deferred. Award of accreditation refused. Date: 5 Dec 2013 Page 1 of 16

2 PART A - INTRODUCTION 1. Background to the organisation JD Image Promotions Ltd (UK) (the Institute) which trades under the name JD Campus London, was registered as a Limited Company in the UK in June 2012 and has an academic partnership, starting in the same year, with JD Image Promotions India (JD India). JD India is a leading educational provider focusing on ten arts subjects including fashion, fashion communication, textile technology, interior design, jewellery and fashion photography. Within a state-run educational environment where there is only one provider focusing on the fashion industry, JD India has founded 30 institutes across the continent and, with 20,000 alumni, has gained a high reputation within the arts in India, and in particular within the fashion industry. The Institute provides a programme of short, residential courses in arts subjects which have been selected to have a subject affinity with the participants' courses taken in JD India. In this first year of teaching, the programme consists of two courses: Fashion Styling, which is focused within London's unique fashion culture, and Interior Design, which is set in the context of London's environmental design culture. Participants, who are recruited on a voluntary basis, have completed the second year of a degree course or are in the ongoing one year diploma course at JD India, and choose one of the two, one-month long courses, which run concurrently. The Director of Finance, whose role includes Director of Strategy, and the Director of Marketing and Human Recourses are the founders of the Institute. A Director of Education and the Director of Marketing and Human Recourses share the role of Head of Institute. Academic leadership is maintained by the Director of Education who has held the post of Executive Director of JD India for 25 years. JD India provides academic oversight of the Institute's programmes. The current management structure which involves informal interaction between the Director of Finance and the Director of Education is under review, aimed at achieving a formal separation of the management of finance and strategy from academic quality assurance. A Project Manager is in charge of general administration whilst a Project Head is in charge of facilities management. Because these two members of staff have a similar cultural background to the participants they share the role of Pastoral Officer. The Institute is housed on three floors of a formerly domestic premises close to the centre of London, which is owned by and is also the headquarters of a fashion business belonging to the Director of the institute. The Institute has been awarded formal use of the premises by the Director for a period of five years, but the inspector was informed that the lease can be extended for a longer period, should this be required. There are currently 29 participants, the majority of whom are female and all over 18. BAC accreditation is intended to support future expansion in participant numbers who will be from a wider international catchment, with Sri Lanka at the forefront of the Institute's recruitment strategy. Course fees, which are structured to include a discount for participants from JD India, include accommodation and educational visits. There is a fully developed system for refunding fees in the event of a participant's withdrawal. 2. Brief description of the current provision Teaching of the first two, four week courses: Fashion Styling and Interior Design, began on 21 October Courses are taken on a voluntary basis and awards received do not contribute to the level of award within a participant's home programme at JD India. A second set of the same two concurrent courses will run in February For the academic year the Institute plans to run three sets of courses annually. Future business plans include the inclusion in the programme of more subjects, selected from those currently offered by JD India. Participants receive two days teaching per week and teaching is timetabled on different days of the week using one classroom. Course delivery includes a series of lectures, demonstrations and supervised studio work sessions which are fully outlined in student handbooks. Participants undertake weekly assignments which are completed in the Institute or in a participant's hotel room, where broadband is provided. Assignments, which are submitted electronically and do not require the use of specialist hardware or software, focus on a final presentation which simulates practice in both fashion and interior design. Page 2 of 16

3 Formative assessment takes place at the end of assignments, which receive a percentage mark. Summative assessment takes place at the end of the course and final awards are given by JD Campus London. A participant's final award does not contribute to the final grade of their course at JD India because they are undertaken on a voluntary basis and are not duplicated within the curriculum at JD India. Coordination of the the four-person, part-time training team, who bring to the Institute a high level of experience within fashion styling and interior design, is by a well qualified and experienced Course Director. 3. Inspection process The inspection took place with one inspector over a period of two days. Meetings took place with the Director of Marketing and Human Resources, the Director of Finance, and the Director of Education. Meetings also took place with the Project Manager, the Project Head, the Course Director and one part-time trainer. Page 3 of 16

4 PART B - JUDGEMENT AND EVIDENCE The following judgements and comments are based upon evidence seen by the inspector(s) during the inspection and from documentation provided by the provider. INSPECTION AREA - MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION The provider is effectively managed The management structure is clearly defined, documented and understood, including the role and extent of authority of any owners, trustees or governing body. The head of the provider and other senior managers are suitably qualified and experienced, understand their specific responsibilities and are effective in carrying them out. 1.3 There are clear channels of communication between the management and staff and those working at the delivery venue/s. Partially t 1.1 The roles and responsibilities of the Directors are clearly defined. The Director of Finance and the Director of Education communicate closely on a regular but informal basis. However, it is advised that priority should be given to finalising plans currently underway which will formalise the separation of financial and strategic management from academic quality management, within the academic oversight provided by JD India. 1.3 Meetings, which are minuted, currently take place between the Director of Finance, the Project Manager, Project Head and the Director of Education. Discussions currently also take place between the Director of Education and the Course Director. However, a meeting held by the inspector with the Course Director and one trainer demonstrated that channels of communication between the two parties were limited in relation to issues within courses currently underway. Priority should be given to developing a formal and integrated academic management structure which will ensure the full participation of trainers. 2. The administration of the provider is effective 2.1 Administrators are suitably qualified or experienced and understand their specific responsibilities and duties. 2.2 The size of the administrative team is sufficient to ensure the effective day-to-day running of the provider. 2.3 The administrative support available to the management is clearly defined, documented and understood. 2.4 Policies, procedures and systems are well documented and effectively disseminated across the provider. 2.5 Data collection and collation systems are effective. 2.6 Administrative offices are adequate in size and resources for the effective administration of the provider. Partially t Page 4 of 16

5 3. The provider employs appropriate managerial and administrative staff 3.1 There are appropriate policies and effective procedures for the recruitment and continuing employment of suitably qualified and experienced staff. 3.2 Experience and qualifications claimed are verified before employment. 3.3 There is an effective system for regularly reviewing the performance of staff. Partially t 3.3 Informal, staff performance discussions take place on a regular basis, reflecting the current small scale of operations. Following planned increases in scale the Institute is aware of the need to instigate a formal system of staff performance review. 4. Publicity material, both printed and electronic, gives a comprehensive, up-to-date and accurate description of the provider and its programmes Text and images provide an accurate depiction of the provider's location, premises, facilities and the range and nature of resources and services offered. Information on the courses available is comprehensive, accurate and up to date. Partially t 5. The provider takes reasonable care to recruit and enrol suitable participants for its courses Entry requirements for each course, including those relating to language ability, are set at an appropriate level and clearly stated in the course descriptions seen by prospective participants. A formal application process ensures that participants meet the entry requirements and any claimed qualifications are verified The provider replies to all application enquiries promptly and appropriately and briefs all stakeholders properly on the nature and requirements of its programmes. Any overseas recruitment agents are properly selected, briefed, monitored and evaluated. Partially t The recruitment system, which includes the use of agents, is thorough. A Skype interview takes place between applicants and the Director of Marketing who also coordinates pre and post enrolment programme. Page 5 of 16

6 6. There is an appropriate policy on participant attendance and effective procedures and systems to enforce it 6.1 There is a clear and published policy on participant attendance and punctuality. 6.2 Accurate and secure records of attendance and punctuality at each session are kept for all participants, collated centrally and reviewed. 6.3 Participant absences are followed up promptly and appropriate action taken. Partially t Systems are in place for attendance monitoring which include the notification of absence to a participant's parents. It is recommended that the Institute ensures that this process complies with UK data protection regulations. 7. The provider regularly obtains and records feedback from participants and other stakeholders and takes appropriate action where necessary The provider has effective mechanisms for obtaining feedback from participants and other stakeholders (such as staff, partner providers and employers) on all aspects of the provider's provision, including formal participant representation where appropriate. Feedback is obtained, recorded and analysed on a regular basis. 7.3 The feedback is reviewed by management and action is taken where necessary. 7.4 There is a mechanism for reporting on the provider's response to the feedback to the participant body. Partially t 7. The system of feedback to participants on assignments which is under development will be used following completion of the first course later this month. The recording, analysis and resulting actions taken will be incorporated into quality management systems which are currently being developed within the oversight of JD India. 8. The provider has effective systems to review its own standards and assess its own performance with a view to continuing improvement 8.1 There are effective systems for monitoring and periodically reviewing all aspects of the provider s performance. 8.2 Reports are compiled which present the results of the provider s reviews and incorporate action plans. 8.3 Action plans are implemented and regularly reviewed. Partially t 8. Following completion of the first course in vember, the Institute is to put into place systems for monitoring and periodically reviewing all aspects of its performance, set within the systems already in place through the academic oversight of J D India. Page 6 of 16

7 INSPECTION AREA - TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT 9. Programme management is effective There is a suitably qualified and experienced programme manager or management team with responsibility for teaching, learning and assessment and the management of the body of trainers. Classes are timetabled and rooms allocated appropriately for the courses offered. 9.3 The allocation of trainers to classes provides for a consistent learning experience and delivery is monitored to ensure consistency. 9.4 There is an appropriate policy and effective procedures for the acquisition of teaching and learning resources. Partially t 10. The courses are planned and delivered in ways that enable participants to succeed Courses are designed and delivered in ways that allow participants to develop the knowledge and skills which will be required for final examinations or assessments or which meet stakeholders' requirements. Lessons and assessments maintain an appropriate focus on any assessment objectives or statement of learning outcomes established by the awarding body Formative assessments appropriately reflect the nature and standards of summative examinations. Participants are encouraged and enabled to develop independent learning skills The academic backgrounds and particular needs of participants are taken into account in the classroom delivery of the course. Partially t Participant comment was extremely positive about course content being very relevant to their courses in JD India and about the informal and stimulating style of UK education. Page 7 of 16

8 Trainers are suitable for the courses to which they are allocated and effective in delivering them Trainers are appropriately qualified and experienced Trainers have a level of subject knowledge, pedagogic and communicative skill which allows them to deliver the content of courses effectively. The appraisal procedures for trainers incorporate regular classroom observation Trainers are supported in their continuing professional development and enabled to develop further pedagogic techniques to enhance the learning of participants Trainers respond to different learning needs of participants where appropriate, taking various learning styles into account in their planning and delivery of lessons Trainers employ effective strategies to involve all participants in active participation and to check their understanding of concepts and course content. Partially t 11.3 The open-plan nature of the single classroom, which opens onto the stairway, ensures that an informal level of trainer observation is undertaken by the Director of Education. 12. The provider provides participants and trainers with access to appropriate resources and materials for study Partially t Page 8 of 16

9 13. Participants receive appropriate assessment and feedback on their performance and progress, which are effectively monitored 13.1 Feedback is given to individual participants tailored to meet their specific needs and constructive in its nature and delivery Courses are planned to include a schedule of assessments, the procedures and criteria for which are available in writing and in advance to participants and trainers Assessment outcomes are monitored to enable the identification of participants who are not making satisfactory progress and prompt intervention where appropriate Participants are made aware of how their progress relates to their targeted level of achievement Additional support or advice on alternative courses is provided to participants who are judged not to be making sufficient progress to succeed Participants have appropriate access to trainers outside class time. Partially t 14. The provider offers courses leading to accredited awards granted by recognised awarding bodies wherever appropriate Partially t 15. There is a clear rationale for courses leading to unaccredited or internal awards There is a clear statement of the level claimed relative to the NQF/QCF and evidence that participants who receive the award meet the stated requirements for that level. There is evidence of the extent to which the awards are accepted for the purposes of employment or further study. External moderators are involved in the assessment process where appropriate. Partially t Page 9 of 16

10 16. There are satisfactory procedures for the administration of examinations and other means of assessment 16.1 The provider complies with the requirements of the relevant awarding bodies in terms of examination security and administration where appropriate For internal assessments and awards, there are effective systems in place for examination security and administration, and clear procedures for participants to appeal against their marks. Partially t INSPECTION AREA - PARTICIPANT WELFARE 17. Participants receive pastoral support appropriate to their age, background and circumstances 17.1 There is at least one named staff member responsible for participant welfare who is suitably trained, accessible to all participants and available to provide advice Participants receive appropriate advice before the start of the programme Participants receive an appropriate induction and relevant information at the start of the programme. Participants are issued with a contact number for out-of-hours and emergency support The provider has policies in place to avoid discrimination and a published procedure for dealing with any abusive behaviour. Partially t Page 10 of 16

11 18. International participants are provided with specific advice and assistance 18.1 International participants receive appropriate advice before their arrival on travelling to and staying in the UK International participants receive an appropriate induction upon arrival covering issues specific to the local area. Information and advice specific to international participants continues to be available throughout the course of study. Provision of support takes into account cultural and religious considerations. Where possible, participants have access to speakers of their own first language. Partially t 19. The fair treatment of participants is ensured 19.1 Participants apply for and are enrolled on courses under fair and transparent contractual terms and conditions Participants have access to a fair complaints procedure of which they are informed in writing at the start of the course. Partially t Where residential accommodation is offered, it is fit for purpose, well maintained and appropriately supervised Any residential accommodation is clean, safe and of a standard which is adequate to the needs of participants. Any residential accommodation is open to inspection by the appropriate authorities, including Ofsted where participants under 18 are accommodated. Clear rules and fire, health and safety procedures are in place, with appropriate precautions taken for security of participants and their property. A level of supervision is provided appropriate to the needs of participants Separate accommodation blocks are provided for participants under 18. Partially t Accommodation is in shared rooms in a hotel in west London, used exclusively by the Institute, which is a journey of under an hour by public transport. The hotel provides lunch for participants which is delivered to the Institute and an evening meal which is served at the hotel. Participants and their parents sign up to a strict code of conduct at the hotel and the Institute has installed a Resident Tutor at the hotel, who has a supervisory role. During the duration of the first course the Resident Tutor is the Director of Education. When participant numbers increase it is planned to accommodate participants at a hotel closer to the Institute. Page 11 of 16

12 Where home-stay accommodation is organised, the welfare of participants is ensured and the provider's relationship with hosts is properly managed Due care is taken in selecting home-stay accommodation which both provides a safe and comfortable living environment for participants and is appropriately located for travel to the provider and back. Any home-stay accommodation is inspected before participants are placed and is subject to regular re-inspection by a responsible representative or agent of the provider. The provider has appropriate contracts in place with any hosts, clearly setting out the rules, terms and conditions of the provision. Appropriate advice and support is given to both hosts and participants before and during the placement. Clear monitoring procedures are in place with opportunities for participant feedback and prompt action taken in the event of problems. Partially t The provider provides an appropriate social programme for participants and information on leisure activities in the area Participants are provided with appropriate information on opportunities for participation at events and other leisure activities which may be of interest The social programme is responsive to the needs and wishes of participants Any activities within the social programme have been chosen with consideration for their affordability by the majority of participants. Any activities organised by the provider are supervised by a responsible representative with suitable qualifications and experience. Partially t Social and cultural events, related to participant's courses, are an integral part of the programme and are well supervised. Page 12 of 16

13 INSPECTION AREA - PREMISES AND FACILITIES 23. The provider has secure possession of and access to its premises 23.1 The provider has secure tenure on its premises Where required, the provider has access to suitable external premises for training purposes of a temporary or occasional nature. Partially t The Institute currently has no need of external premises. 24. The premises provide a safe, secure and clean environment for participants and staff 24.1 Access to the premises is appropriately restricted and secured The premises are maintained in an adequate state of repair, decoration and cleanliness There are specific safety rules in areas of particular hazard (e.g. science laboratories), made readily available to participants, staff and visitors. General guidance on health and safety is made available to participants, staff and visitors There is adequate signage inside and outside of the premises and notice boards for the display of general information. There is adequate circulation space for the number of participants and staff accommodated, and a suitable area in which to receive visitors. There are toilet facilities of an appropriate number and level of cleanliness There is adequate heating and ventilation in all rooms. Partially t Page 13 of 16

14 25. Training rooms and other learning areas are appropriate for the courses offered 25.1 Training rooms and other learning areas provide adequate accommodation in size and number for the classes allocated to them Training rooms and any specialised learning areas (e.g. laboratories, workshops, studios) are equipped to a level which allows for the effective delivery of each course There are facilities suitable for conducting the assessments required on each course. Partially t 26. There are appropriate additional facilities for participants and staff 26.1 Participants have access to sufficient space and suitable facilities for private study, including library and IT resources Trainers have access to sufficient personal space for preparing lessons, marking work and relaxation Participants and staff have access to space and facilities suitable for relaxation and the consumption of food and drink where appropriate. Participants and staff have access to storage for personal possessions where appropriate There are individual offices or rooms in which trainers and senior management can hold private meetings and a room of sufficient size to hold staff meetings. Partially t COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Declaration of compliance has been signed and dated. Page 14 of 16

15 PART C - SUMMARY OF STRENGTHS AND ACTION POINTS Numbering of action points aligns with that of the minimum standards MAGEMENT, STAFFING AND ADMINISTRATION Provider's strengths An academic management which is highly experienced and a project management team which is very effective. A high level of on-course student satisfaction focused around the course content and style of teaching. Actions required 1.3 Priority should be given to developing a formal and integrated academic management structure which will ensure the full participation of trainers. 3.3 A formal system of staff performance review should be developed and implemented following planned increases in scale. Priority H/M/L High Medium Low High Medium Low TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT Provider's strengths Tutors are well qualified and experienced educators. A course content which is appropriate to the participants' requirements. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low PARTICIPANT WELFARE Provider's strengths The social and cultural programme is well organised and adaptive to the programme demands. A comprehensive induction programme which includes extensive information about navigating London's transport system. The appointment of a Resident Tutor at the student hotel. Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low PREMISES AND FACILITIES Provider's strengths Actions required Priority H/M/L ne. High Medium Low RECOMMENDED AREAS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Priority should be given to finalising plans to separate financial and strategic management from academic quality management, within JD India's academic oversight. The Institute should ensure that the programmed date of December 2013 for the re-launch of the website is achieved. Page 15 of 16

16 Public information should clarify the use of the term 'Faculty' when used in relation to the Institute's academic structure. It is recommended that, whilst the current small scale of operations makes formal staff appraisal inappropriate, this will be kept under review following the planned expansion in the number of courses and the size of the training team. Greater transparency for participants could be achieved if a set of grading descriptors were developed, charting the four assignment assessment criteria: accuracy, interactive ability, innovation and research material, set against each percentage grade. Consideration should be given to including a field on the application form which would allow an applicant, on a voluntary basis, to divulge any special learning need or relevant medical condition. It is recommended that the Institute ensures that the attendance monitoring process complies with UK data protection regulations. COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Page 16 of 16