Ofsted’s report of their monitoring visit to InFocus College at the start of the autumn term has been published today.

The inspectors spent two days meeting with staff and students, with a particular focus on the quality of education, preparing for adulthood and safeguarding.

Quality of teaching and learning

They found that the InFocus curriculum (introduced last year) is “well-considered” and aims to equip our students “with the skills and knowledge to gain independence and build friendships and relationships”, as well as “encouraging [them] to be healthy and learn how to be employed”.

“Exciting learning opportunities” were also praised, including opportunities for swimming, cooking radio and choir.

Leaders incorporate exciting learning opportunities as part of the curriculum, so that learners can explore and develop their independence, talents, and interests...governors and leaders have taken positive actions since the previous inspection to improve the quality of education at the college”

Ofsted Monitoring Visit Report, November 2021

Thinking about the next steps and life after College

Ofsted recognised the effectiveness of preparing our students well for their next steps through our annual review programme

“Teachers and support staff teach a curriculum that has a good emphasis on the skills and knowledge learners need to be active in their local community, live more independently and gain employment.

Ofsted Monitoring Visit Report, November 2021

Learners have been prepared well for independent living by doing residential placements at the college.”

Ofsted Monitoring Visit Report, November 2021

Since the last Ofsted visit we have continued to improve and adapt the way that our students – many of whom have significant and complex health and learning needs – can still access careers advice and guidance that is meaningful for them.

Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of all our young people is of the utmost importance to us. We are delighted that Ofsted have recognised how we “have maintained a positive culture of safeguarding”, and the way our staff team provides “high quality care and support” whilst “[treating] learners with high levels of respect and dignity”.

“Leaders have maintained a positive culture of safeguarding at the college. Leaders have produced useful guidance on learners’ care and well-being, safeguarding, intimate care and manual handling. Staff follow this guidance and provide high quality care and support. Learners are safeguarded and supported well during their learning.”

Ofsted Monitoring Visit Report, November 2021

“Leaders and managers have clear processes and procedures to manage safeguarding concerns. Staff have received effective training, which has equipped them with the skills and knowledge to manage learners’ safeguarding concerns confidently and effectively.”

Ofsted Monitoring Visit Report, November 2021