Prevista offers work-based qualifications as stand alone qualifications and via our apprenticeships, amongst a much wider mix of offers not monitored by Ofsted. The challenge often for smaller providers is having the infrastructure and best practice in place to be recognised by Ofsted as a quality provider.

In our first Ofsted inspection we scored a Level 3. This is considered by most as a respectable rating in the context of a multifaceted provider. In particular the inspectors cited Prevista’s diverse customer based and the positive action taken to safeguard the well being of learners as two of the exemplary areas in our provision. The wider recommendations are now integrated into our cross-company Quality Improvement Plan which is used across all our provision to ensure we maintain and develop as a whole company.

Prevista is actively engaged in a range of partnerships delivering projects specifically focused on NEET individuals, alongside the Work Programme and Apprenticeships.

Interestingly in policy and work being commissioned there is an increasing emphasis on inter-generational support, working with the whole family unit to address worklessness. As we enter a more intensive model of support I’m interested to hear your thoughts on whether this model will address some of the root causes for the level of youth unemployment?

Increasing pressure from both customers and funders to seriously respond to sustainability is something I advocate, actively practising what we preach. Having signed up to the Mayor’s Green Procurement Code we were pleasantly surprised when we achieved Silver Status under the first audit. The Procurement Code was set up to showcase organisations across London who positively tackle the capital’s waste problem, reducing carbon emissions through purchasing choices and supplier selection. We demand a lot from our suppliers to ensure we offer a service that is both competitive and socially responsible for both our customers and those bodies commissioning our service. Let me know other green initiatives you are supporting?

Prevista assembled over 20 entrepreneurs who have started their own business working in or supplying to the food industry. Each speaker gave insider knowledge and practical tips to a range of entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own restaurant, catering, cafe or street food business. The three day Bootcamp, the first in a series sponsored by the Royal Bank of Scotland and supported by the Mayor of London, was considered a massive success with all 25 delegates attending all three days.

Hosted amongst Brick Lane – the bustling energy of diverse food supply was mirrored in the training rooms with delegates who have niche products to broader catering aspirations.  Jane Milton, The Food Network, facilitated the Bootcamp providing an excellent mediator between the specialists and delegates. Everyone who attended said they knew someone they would recommend to attend the next event. Here are some of the other comments:

“I thought the event was well above the standard and Jane Milton was amazing at keeping the energy up and keeping everyone in line.”

“I have been on a lot of courses and this was really the most informative and helpful event have attended.”

“This workshop has really incentivised me to grow my business and feel confident I have the right resources.”

We will be working further with Capital Enterprise to build on this positive outcome and grow the Business Bootcamps to further support would be entrepreneurs across the capital. Let me know what you think of the Bootcamp idea.

High Street offices are useful to Prevista as they allow us easily to meet individuals and businesses. In the new Sutton office we have a few meeting rooms, a suite of computers for customers to access and some facilities to make light refreshments.

If you’ve popped by and seen the new window design – let me know what you think?