Positive Report from the ESFA!
On 5th February 2020, we received a visit from the Department for Education, Carol McDermott was the specialist inspector sent from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to review our Post 16 SEND Provision. We are proud of the review and would like to quote you some elements from the report:
On 5th February 2020, we received a visit from the Education and Skills Funding Agency / Department for Education, Carol McDermott was the specialist inspector sent from the Education and Skills Funding Agency to review our Post 16 SEND Provision. We are proud of the review and would like to quote you some elements from the report:
Observation of session at Normanby PLUS Enterprise Centre
He (The Student) was able to describe the enterprise activities he had undertaken over time and the activities he was focussing on in the lesson at that time. He clearly values the positive and respectful relationships with the staff. The student was polite, enthusiastic, could explain the nature of the tasks he had previously undertaken and showed pleasure and pride with respect to the successes [outcomes] he had achieved. He (The Student) was able to describe safe working practice regarding the use of materials and tools.
Safeguarding
There is a very strong commitment to securing the welfare of students within the organisation as a whole - safeguarding and health and safety arrangements are secure. Safeguarding policy is clearly set out in a comprehensive document and contains all necessary information relating to systems and procedures which ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
"Quality Assurance proccesses are strong"
The report also demonstrated that Quality Assurance processes are strong at the Skills Centre PLUS, with clear policies and procedures (some which you can find by clicking here), promotion of staff well-being, formal lesson visits 3 times a year, constant self-evaluation and a comprehensive programme of CPD for staff linked to organisational priorities.
Staff induction is well supported by leaders.
Organisational policies and procedures are set out clearly.
The organisation promotes and supports staff well-being by ensuring staff are supported in the context of their challenging work; by providing sufficient flexibility in order to support an effective work life balance and by ensuring that home working is kept to an absolute minimum.
Performance management is in place for all staff – irrespective of role.
Lesson visits are conducted formally 3 times a year – and written and verbal feedback is provided with support if required.
The organisation carries out a robust self-evaluation of its own performance.
There is a comprehensive programme of CPD for staff linked to organisational priorities.
Major strengths identified
"Leadership and Management is strong, skilled and experienced. Leaders have established:
A clear, shared and aspirational vision, across all stakeholder groups, for all the work of the organisation.
Highly effective team-work – within the organisation and with other external agencies and partners – specifically North Lincolnshire LA.
Positive and productive relationships other partners – including schools, community groups etc.
A strong commitment to high expectations, across the whole organisation - to providing the very best education and care for students.
A well planned, balanced, relevant and high quality curriculum offer which is well matched to student’s needs.
We hope to keep striving forward and improving and are pleased with how this observation and report reflects us, the amazing staff we have here, supporting the students and being a great team. Here's to the future of the Skills Centre PLUS!