CQM’s Latest Ofsted Report Reflects Strong Apprenticeship Delivery and Learner Support

CQM Training & Consultancy is proud to share the outcome of its latest Ofsted inspection, which recognises the quality, relevance and impact of its apprenticeship provision.

The inspection report, published following Ofsted’s visit in May 2026, confirms that CQM met the expected standard across the areas inspected, with safeguarding standards met.

For CQM, the report provides important external recognition of the way its apprenticeship programmes are designed, delivered and supported in partnership with employers. It reflects a practical, workplace-led approach to learning, where apprentices are supported to build knowledge, apply new skills in their roles and make meaningful progress in their careers.

Ofsted highlighted how CQM works closely with employers to shape the curriculum, adjusting course content so that training reflects what apprentices experience in their workplaces. Inspectors recognised that apprentices develop the intended knowledge, skills and behaviours and apply them confidently in their roles, using technical tools such as HACCP, data analysis software and leadership models with increasing accuracy.

The report also praises the role of CQM’s industry-experienced development coaches, who use their subject knowledge and workplace experience to teach with credibility and accuracy. Inspectors noted how coaches contextualise learning effectively, break down complex information and help apprentices understand how technical concepts apply in real workplace settings.

Apprentice support is another clear theme within the report. Ofsted recognised the work CQM has done to strengthen its approach to inclusion, identify individual support needs and make appropriate adjustments. Coaches were found to revisit support arrangements during progress reviews, while maintaining a wider focus on wellbeing and any pastoral issues that could become barriers to learning.

The experience of apprentices is reflected strongly throughout the report. Apprentices were described as enjoying their courses and valuing the welcoming, respectful and collaborative learning environment. They particularly appreciated how structured, purposeful and relevant their training was, alongside the individual coaching they received on their workplace projects.

Many apprentices gain promotion or increased responsibility during or after their apprenticeship, with employers recognising the way apprentices develop as they approach completion. This is central to CQM’s apprenticeship provision, which is designed not only to support qualification achievement, but to help organisations build practical capability, strengthen performance and support long-term workforce development.

Angela Southgate, Quality Manager at CQM Training & Consultancy, said:

“We are incredibly proud of this outcome and what it says about the commitment of our team, our apprentices and the employers we work with. The report reflects so much of what matters to us as a provider: high-quality support, relevant workplace learning, strong employer relationships and a genuine focus on helping apprentices grow in confidence, capability and career direction.

“What is particularly pleasing is the recognition of our coaches and the way they bring learning to life through their industry experience. Our programmes are designed to be practical, purposeful and connected to the realities of the workplace, so apprentices can apply what they learn and make a real contribution within their organisations.

“We welcome the next steps identified by Ofsted. Continuous improvement is at the heart of CQM, and we will continue to build on this outcome to strengthen the experience for apprentices, employers and our wider team.”

The report confirms that CQM leaders have a clear understanding of the strengths and areas for development within the training offered, supported by suitable quality assurance processes and timely action to address areas for improvement.

CQM will continue to build on the findings, with a focus on further tailoring curriculum content to apprentices’ needs, strengthening external oversight and continuing to develop coach practice so that apprentices receive a consistently high-quality learning experience across all programmes.

The full Ofsted report is available to view on the Ofsted website. 

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