Learning Environment Approvals Hub

Home Learning Environment Approvals Hub

What are Learning Environments and Approvals (LEA's)

A learning environment is a general practice or PCN setting that provides high‑quality, supported learning for students, trainees and the wider primary care workforce. This includes clinical supervision, protected learning time, safe systems, and a culture that supports education and development. 

Learning Environment Approval is the formal process that confirms a practice or PCN meets agreed quality standards to host learners. Approval provides assurance to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), commissioners and regulators that learning is safe, effective and well governed. In Derbyshire, LEA is being implemented at PCN scale, with individual practices contributing evidence as part of a shared approval. 

LEA brings together existing quality activity rather than duplicating it. Evidence from inspections, training standards, workforce development and quality improvement is aligned into a single, structured approval outcome. 

How LEA benefits your PCN or practice 

LEA approval provides clear benefits at both PCN and practice level. 

For practices and PCNs: 

  • Recognition as a high‑quality learning and development setting. 
  • Increased confidence to host a wider range of learners, including undergraduate and postgraduate roles. 
  • Makes hybrid/rotational placements possible by 'sharing' out placements between practices and teams that may not have the capacity to host full time placements. 
  • Enhance workforce development by creating high-quality learning environments that attract and retain future clinicians 
  • A clearer framework for supervision, education governance and workforce planning. 
  • Reduced duplication by aligning education assurance with existing quality processes. 
  • Reduce administrative burden through PCN-scale approvals (fewer site visits, streamlined document, one, yearly renewal process for whole PCN) 

For workforce and patients 

  • Better supported learners and supervisors. 
  • Improved recruitment and retention through positive learning experiences. 
  • A stronger culture of learning, reflection and improvement. 
  • Safer patient care through structured supervision and oversight. 

For the system 

  • Consistent quality assurance across Derbyshire. 
  • Better data and oversight of learning capacity. 
  • Support for integrated workforce planning at PCN and place level. 

Process for application 

LEA applications in Derbyshire are coordinated by The Hub Plus at PCN level. 

Step 1: PCN engagement and readiness: The PCN confirms its intention to seek LEA approval and identifies a PCN education or workforce lead. Practices within the PCN are briefed on expectations and evidence requirements. 

Step 2: Evidence gathering: Practices provide agreed evidence against the LEA domains. This typically includes: 

  • Governance and leadership arrangements. 
  • Supervision and educator capacity. 
  • Learning culture and learner support. 
  • Patient safety, quality and safeguarding. 
  • Facilities, digital access and space. 

Where possible, existing evidence from inspections, training standards and quality reviews is used to minimise additional burden. 

Step 3: PCN‑level submission: Evidence is collated into a single PCN submission. The Hub Plus supports PCNs to ensure submissions are complete, consistent and aligned with HEI requirements. 

Step 4: Site Visit/s: The TH MDAT team will arrange site visits to key practice/s required for Learning Environment Approval. The visit is not intended to ‘catch you out’ but rather a two-way process for the Training Hub team to gain assurance on suitability as a recognised Learning Environment and for sites to ask any questions they may have about hosting learners. Visits typically last no more than 2 hours. 

Step 5: Review and decision: The submission and site visit notes are reviewed through a Multi-Disciplinary Assessment Panel (MDAT) and a recommendation is sent out to Quality Review and Remediation Process (QRRP). Outcomes may include approval, approval with actions, or further information required. Approval is granted at PCN level with practice‑specific conditions where appropriate. 

Step 6: Ongoing assurance: LEA approval is not a one‑off exercise. PCNs and practices are expected to maintain standards and respond to issues identified through MDAT, QRRP or other quality routes. 

Yearly updates and maintaining LEA approval 

Learning Environment Approval is maintained through light‑touch yearly updates rather than full re‑application. This approach ensures learning environments remain safe, effective, and supportive, while minimising administrative burden for PCNs and practices. 

Annual Self‑Declaration 

All PCNs with LEA approval are required to complete an annual self‑declaration. This confirms that learning environments continue to meet agreed standards and that no significant risks have emerged. 

The annual self‑declaration focuses on: 

  • Changes to staffing, supervision or education leadership 
  • Changes to premises, digital access or learning space 
  • Updates to governance, safeguarding or quality processes 
  • Confirmation that appropriate learner support remains in place 

Self‑declarations are completed at PCN level (for PCN-scale initial applications), with practices contributing information where required. 

Use of Quality Intelligence 

Annual updates are considered alongside existing quality information, including: 

  • MDAT outcomes and action plans 
  • QRRP activity, where applicable 
  • Learner feedback provided via HEIs 
  • Other relevant inspection or assurance information 

Where no concerns are identified, LEA approval continues automatically. Where changes or risks are identified, The Hub Plus will work with the PCN, practices and HEIs to agree proportionate actions and timescales. 

Links 

Applying for Learning Environment Approval 

Primary Care Networks and practices across Derbyshire are encouraged to apply for Learning Environment Approval to support high‑quality education and workforce development. 

How to apply 

  1. The PCN notifies The Hub Plus of its intention to apply for LEA approval 
  2. A PCN Education Lead or Workforce Lead is identified 
  3. Practices within the PCN contribute required evidence 
  4. The PCN completes and submits a single LEA application form 

The Hub Plus will review applications and confirm next steps, including timelines, MDAT arrangements and support available. 

LEA application form 

The LEA application form captures: 

  • PCN and practice details 
  • Named education, clinical and managerial leads 
  • Current and planned learner activity 
  • Confirmation of readiness against LEA domains 

Links 

Support from The Hub Plus 

The Hub Plus provides: 

  • Guidance and templates for LEA evidence. 
  • Coordination with HEIs and system partners. 
  • Support for PCN education and workforce leads. 
  • Alignment of LEA with existing quality and workforce activity.