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Ofsted’s praise for college’s renewed “confidence, enthusiasm and belief”

Effective action to turnaround the fortunes of a Teesside college has been recognised today by Ofsted.

Staff, leaders and governors at Redcar and Cleveland College have been praised for their dedication leading to rapid progress in improving the services and performance of the college.

The Ofsted report published today stated that college leaders have “transformed the ethos of the college”.

The inspectors added: “They [college leaders] have engendered a renewed confidence, enthusiasm and belief in the college’s future direction among managers and staff.”

The report follows the education inspectorate’s second monitoring visit to Redcar and Cleveland College after it received an Ofsted grade 4 last year.

Highlighting significant progress so far, inspectors found that the determination and actions of governors, leaders, managers and staff to make improvements and ensure the college’s future sustainability have already had an impact on improving learners’ progress and achievements.

The report noted that attendance has been higher, there has been a significant improvement in the proportion of learners who remain on their programmes and the college is seeing higher-quality teaching in many areas.

With praise for the governing body’s continued progress, Ofsted inspectors found the board has maintained a strong focus on improving the experience and success of current learners and the college’s future.

The report stated: “Governors are highly committed to the college and to ensuring its future sustainability.”

Improvements so far haven’t gone unnoticed by those from the surrounding area. The report read: “The actions that leaders, managers and staff have taken to turn the college around are being increasingly recognised by the local community.”

Outlining plans for the upcoming merger of Redcar and Cleveland College and Stockton Riverside College, Ofsted said: “A strong commitment exists in the college and in the local community to ensure the existence of a sustainable and high-quality college in Redcar.”

The report stated: “The merger aims to ensure the continued existence and planned growth of Redcar and Cleveland College, as part of a larger college.”

Welcoming the report Chair of Redcar and Cleveland College Board and Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, Sue Jeffrey, said: “Staff, managers, leaders and governors are working exceptionally hard to secure the future of Redcar and Cleveland College as a high-quality further education and skills provider for the people of Redcar and Cleveland and its surrounding communities.

“Our students are at the heart of everything that we do at the college and we are delighted to see their progress, achievements and outcomes increase as a direct result of the actions being put into place to further build the quality of our teaching, learning and assessment.

“There is still more to be done however it is fantastic that Ofsted recognises not only the exceptional progress being made within the college but also the commitment the surrounding community has for its college.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Turbill .