Oracle-UK

Friday, 27 May 2016

Quarter 3 Update:

Quarter 3 Update – May 2016.

Do you know what’s been happening at Oracle in the last 3 months…?

· In our last quarterly update we reported that our learner milestone targets had improved but were still a disappointing 62%. I am pleased to report that this quarter we have made significant improvements to the teaching and learning processes meaning our milestone targets in the last 3 months has increased to 74%; this is up 25% on the beginning of the contract year; we are still not at our target of 80% but are heading the right way. 71% of those milestones were met in a timely manner. Well done to all learners and staff who have worked hard to raise the quality of provision.

· We have had 34 sustained new learners started on programme with us since 1^st February! 31 Apprentices; 2 Traineeships, 2 Study Programme learners, and 1 adult learner! Welcome to all new learners!

· 91% of learners due to complete Functional Skills in the last quarter passed with flying colours!! Well done!

· 88% of learners leaving in quarter 3 achieved their learning aims. Well done you!!

· 95% of those learners leaving and achieving their framework have had a positive destination; either into a job, going self employed or progressing onto an Advanced Apprenticeship or Further Education.

· Oracle attend Doncaster’s ‘Moved On’ meeting organised through DATM training providers, it’s purpose is for providers to signpost learner to other providers in a bid to keep them engaged in learning.

· We are still recruiting for our Traineeship programme. This programme is for individuals who are not ‘job ready’ and need work experience and support before progressing onto an Apprenticeship. If you know anyone who would be interested in this programme, get them to contact our centre and we can book them in for an interview and check their eligibility.

· Tell us what you think! We welcome all productive comments, so if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our service, please post them in our ‘Talk to me Tank’ or email carol.watson@oracle-uk.com

Other Interesting facts about Oracle’s development …….

Did you know that ……?

· We said goodbye to our Italian Students at the beginning of April. After 9 weeks of training and salon experience and an intensive English speaking programme, the girls returned home with heavy hearts on 1^st April. We would like to thank everyone who was involved in the exchange; especially the Salon’s who offered work experience. All the learners achieved either grade 4 or 5 in their English Speaking exam, five of which received a Distinction grade.

· Learner attendance has improved in the last quarter by 9%

· Oracle was re accredited with Matrix Accreditation during March. We received excellent feedback from the assessor and the full report is available, should you wish to read it, from sally.marsh@oracle-uk.com Tank you to all Staff and Stakeholders for their continued support.

· One of our staff achieved a milestone of her own last month, Adele Truswell made it to her 30^th Birthday!! J

· Many of our Salon’s supported the ‘Tour de Yorkshire’ last month by dressing up their window displays. Follow us on Facebook to see some of the creations!

· Finally, we say goodbye to Fay Armitage, one of our recruitment officers, who has gone on to pasture’s new in Barnsley. We wish you all the best for the future Fay!

Monday, 7 March 2016

Quarter 2 update - February 2016

Quarter 2 Update – February 2016.

Do you know what’s been happening at Oracle in the last 3 months…?

· In our last quarterly update we reported that our learner milestone targets had dropped to a disappointing 49%. I am pleased to report that this quarter we have made significant improvements to the teaching and learning processes and of those learners with milestone targets in the last 3 months 62% of milestones have been met; that is up 13% on the last quarter; we are still not at our target of 80% but are heading the right way. What is more encouraging is that 81% of those milestones were met in a timely manner. Well done to all learners and staff who have worked hard to raise the quality of provision. We have still a way to go but early signs of improvements are very promising!

· We have had 21 sustained new learners started on programme with us since 1^st November! 14 Apprentices; 4 Traineeships, 2 Study Programme learners, and 1 adult learner! Welcome to all new learners!

· 67% of our learning sessions were graded good or better in our January class observation cycle, that was up 7% on Septembers report. These grades were based on the new Ofsted Inspection Framework and were carried out by an external consultant, Elaine White.

· 20 learners have successfully completed their Learning Plans in the last three months! Well done you!!

· Oracle welcomes Morthyng Vocational Training into its centre in Doncaster at the end of February. Morthyng specialise in study programmes and will be working along side Oracle.

· Tell us what you think! Our SFA learner survey is still open, if you haven’t already completed the survey, ask a member of staff to do so.

Other Interesting facts about Oracle’s development …….

Did you know that ……?

· Congratulations to our 14 Apprenticeship learners who, at the beginning of January, went on our Student exchange through Erasmus+. Chloe, Chloe, Jordanne, Natalia, Charlotte, Tom, Alex, Andrea, Tara, Phoebe, Leanne, Salv, Joe and Courtney all spent 16 nights in Bergamo, Italy completing a programme that enhanced their professional skills and included Industry technical workshops and Salon experience. Our next trip will be May 2016, so any learners who are in their second year of training can apply now! Application forms are available from reception or any member of staff. Closing date for applications is 1^st April. This is a fabulous opportunity so don’t miss out!

· At the end of January we welcomed 19 Italian Students into Oracle for a nine week exchange. A big thank you to all Employers who have supported us with offering placements. We have had excellent feedback and appreciate all that the Salons are offering our guests. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Homestay families and Doncaster College/High Melton for their continued support.

· We have welcomed three new members of staff in this last quarter; Sam Ellwood is our new receptionist at our Doncaster centre, Faye Trainer is our new beauty trainer/assessor and Bev Wright is our trainer/assessor supporting in Hairdressing. Welcome to you all!

· Finally, we say goodbye to our lovely Emma Hollis who will not be returning from Maternity leave. Emma wants to focus on being a full time mum to baby Henry and we wish her every happiness for the future.