Apprenticeships offered at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service have been described as "highly supportive and inclusive" in the latest Ofsted report.

The fire service met 'expected standard' in inclusion, leadership and governance, achievement and curriculum and teaching and met 'strong standard' in participation and development.

These ratings, which were given as part of a further education and skills inspection report published on Friday (3 July), follows an inspection on Tuesday 19 May.

The report stated: "Station managers foster a highly supportive, inclusive culture at their stations, where apprentices feel welcome and valued.

"They set high expectations for all staff and provide effective support to help apprentices rise to these standards. Apprentices contribute to a strong team ethos and a positive working environment."

Inspectors observed that "apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become an effective firefighter" and explained that leaders have implemented "a well-sequenced curriculum".

Commenting on what it is like to be a learner at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the report stated: "Apprentices are proud to be firefighters."

The report added: "Apprentices contribute enthusiastically to a wide range of community activities, including employer visits to school and home visits to assess fire risks.

"This helps them to develop technical skills, confidence and the ability to work with the public."

As next steps, the inspectors suggested: "Leaders should support trainers to use the results of apprentices' initial assessments to plan learning and improve apprentices' English and mathematics skills.

"Trainers should routinely use apprentices' existing knowledge and skills to tailor training during the initial 16-week programme, so that apprentices do not unnecessarily repeat learning.

"Leaders should continue to improve the teaching skills of trainers, so that all teaching is well planned and taught."

Head of Learning and Development, James Green, said: "I am proud that our ongoing efforts to provide outstanding apprenticeships has been recognised by Ofsted.

"I am thrilled that the report notes our 'highly supportive, inclusive culture' which makes our apprentices feel 'welcome and valued'.

"We will continue to strive to deliver the best outcomes for our trainees and the people of Staffordshire."

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams, said: "I'm delighted to see that the quality of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue's apprenticeship schemes has been recognised by Ofsted in their report.

"Firefighter apprenticeships are not only an investment in the future of the apprentices, but also the Fire and Rescue service itself. I wish them all the very best of luck as they progress their careers."

To read the full report, visit the Ofsted website here.