Reaseheath College in Nantwich has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for the way it prepares its students and apprentices for the world of work
The latest Ofsted report on the specialist land-based and technical college, published this week, highlights its high quality practical facilities and ambitious and enthusiastic lecturers and instructors, all of whom have extensive experience of their industries and subjects.
The inspectors were impressed how curriculum leaders and managers continued to develop excellent links with regional, national and international businesses, resulting in students and apprentices having access to very high-quality and modern equipment. In addition, teaching staff expected high standards of work which were consistently achieved by students and showed excellent behaviours and attitudes to learning.
The inspectors also noted that teaching staff frequently helped students and apprentices to develop more complex skills and knowledge than their qualification required and that these additional skills were much valued by employers.
Key strengths in the report underline that a very high proportion of students move into employment or higher levels of training or learning and that they receive very high-quality, impartial advice from specialist careers guidance staff and from their industry-experienced lecturers and assessors.
Also recognised is the high level of care provided by Reaseheath’s safeguarding team, including excellent links to external agencies such as children’s services and mental health support, ensuring that students get expert and timely support when needed.
It is also noted that students with high needs become more independent due to staff support and that they improve their social and communication skills thanks to the inclusive, friendly and welcoming college environment.
The inspectors found many other outstanding features and concluded that students’ achievements and the quality of education and training provided by Reaseheath remains at Grade 2 (Good), the same level as at its last inspection in 2010.
Principal Marcus Clinton said: “I am delighted that the Ofsted inspectors were so positive about the tremendous work going on across all areas of the college. Thanks to the hard work and passion of our staff, students and governors we have received fantastic feedback and an exceptional list of key strengths which far outweigh a very small number of areas to improve on.
“Reaseheath is committed to preparing students for the world of work and ensuring they have the technical and life skills to succeed, so it was pleasing that the Ofsted inspection strongly endorsed this. The inspectors spent two days on campus and were particularly impressed with our industry standard facilities and our close links with employers. In addition, our students told them that they enjoyed their time at college and felt well prepared to enter their chosen industry.”
Reaseheath College and its university centre is one of the UK’s leading land-based training providers and offers diplomas, degrees and apprenticeships in animal, equine and countryside management, agriculture, horticulture, floristry, sport, public services, business management, motor vehicle and construction. It has specialist centres for food processing and agricultural engineering, developed in conjunction with industry partners, and an academy for foundation learning and life skills.
The college has around 2000 students aged 16 to 18, many of whom live on-site in modern halls of residence. It also offers specialist training to 550 apprentices who work for local and regional businesses.
