Ofsted inspection is an important way to demonstrate the quality of our apprenticeship provision, and show the dedication our teams have to giving learners and their employers the best possible learning experience. It allows Buttercups to continue to train the latest generation of pharmacy professionals to the highest standard.

We are delighted to announce the release of our Foundation Practice Programme (FPP). The FPP is designed for pharmacy technicians who wish to update their knowledge and skills in line with the latest GPhC initial education and training (IET) standards, emphasising the importance of person-centred care, team working, communication and professionalism.

It was many years ago that I spoke at a national debate on behalf of a motion to allow registration of pharmacy technicians. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I join other voices to celebrate ten years of registration for pharmacy technicians and the part that Buttercups has played to support their career development.

Vanessa Kingsbury, founder and CEO of Buttercups Training

July 2021 marks the ten-year anniversary of pharmacy technicians being on the GPhC professional register, and what a ten years it has been.

As part of delivering apprenticeship funded programmes, training providers are subject to Ofsted inspection as schools and colleges are. In March 2021, Buttercups received an Ofsted monitoring visit.

The last year has been an incredibly difficult year apprentices working in pharmacy, and yet pharmacy and apprentices across the country have pulled together and delivered outstanding support to patients, colleagues and their wider communities. Apprentices have shown great resilience and dedication, offering their time and ever-growing expertise to support the COVID response wherever they can, and in doing so shown that the future is in safe hands. Pharmacy apprentices working in the NHS, community and general practice are helping to #BuildTheFuture.