ESSEX University apprenticeship programmes have been rated good following an inspection from Ofsted inspectors.

The institution, located in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, was awarded the rating after an in-depth exploration of its services in January.

The university provides a range of apprenticeships in health and care standards from levels 5 to 7, at its sites in Colchester and Southend, with a total of 387 apprentices, all aged 18 or above, at the time of the inspection.

Professor Madeline Eacott, vice-chancellor for education said: "We are delighted our apprenticeship provision has received a rating of ‘good’ across all areas.

"The Ofsted report shows our highly effective model of partnership working with employers ensures that our apprentices receive a high-quality education and achieve excellent outcomes.

"We have plans to expand our apprenticeships programmes and so we’re really pleased to receive this very positive endorsement of our work."

Inspectors found apprentices have positive attitudes towards their studies.

Their rate of attendance at university teaching sessions is high.

They also observed the apprentices "quickly develop the professional behaviours required in the health and social care sector" and "gain the new knowledge and skills employers need."

Providing support for its apprentices is one of the areas where the University excelled.

The report said: "Apprentices appreciate the support they receive from their lecturers and personal tutors to help them achieve their apprenticeships.

"Academic staff are helpful.

"Most respond quickly to apprentices’ requests for support."

However, there were a few areas for improvement according to the report.

For instance, inspectors found: "Progress reviews on the registered nursing standard are not consistently used by lecturers to coordinate and plan the on- and off-the-job learning for apprentices effectively."

Also, more monitoring is required to ensure apprentices have a "positive outcome when they finish their courses."

Despite these, it said the university's leadership and investment in resources demonstrate a clear commitment to their apprentices.

The report added: "Leaders have invested in high-quality specialist resources.

"Registered nurse apprentices practise key interventions, such as catheterisation, in high-quality clinical simulation rooms.

"As a result, apprentices build confidence in handling equipment prior to using this on live patients."