Nottingham College Ofsted Report
Nottingham College’s most recent Ofsted inspection report is now available and confirms that the college is now a GOOD college, a result that recognises the pace of change and improvement the college has undergone in the last 2 years.
The inspection took place in early December 2022 when a team of 19 inspectors visited the college and spent four days going into classrooms, observing lessons and meeting with students, teachers, staff, managers, employers and community stakeholders.
The key findings from the report include:
- Learners and apprentices develop the skills and knowledge they need to make progress in education or to secure and sustain employment.
- As a result of their studies, apprentices become more confident when at work.
- Adult learners develop character and confidence.
- Tutors have good levels of subject expertise, which they use effectively in their teaching. They keep their subject expertise up to date through links with industry.
- Tutors teach well. They provide well planned and interesting lessons.
- The large majority of learners and apprentices develop the skills and knowledge that they need to move on to positive education or employment destinations. Those that want to study at university develop effective study skills.
- The large majority of learners and apprentices have positive experiences at Nottingham College. They find that the courses they study meet their needs, and that the college environment is calm and safe.
- Managers and tutors set clear ground rules for behaviour and attendance in classrooms and workshops. During lessons, tutors build effective relationships with the large majority of learners.
- Leaders and managers work hard to develop links with an array of employers.
- Managers with responsibility for adult learning courses develop strong links to the local community
- Learners and apprentices feel safe when they study at college.
- The college works well with stakeholders to design and deliver courses in the community for disadvantaged people.
- The College is keen to engage widely with other education institutions, local government and local employers to understand local and regional skills priorities and needs. This proactive approach means that the college has a reputation for being a responsive and trusted partner within the local and regional skills offer.
The above statement recognises the college’s emphasis on being an outward facing, trusted and collaborative partner locally and regionally and our continued commitment to this role in the future.
Emtec Ofsted Report
The College is delighted to have received its first Outstanding Ofsted grade at its most recent inspection, marking the start of a new chapter for the college as it continues its journey towards becoming an Outstanding college, across all provision, over the next three years.
This most recent inspection looked at the college’s residential provision – this is apprenticeships provision that sees students from across the UK come to the college for their training, with overnight and often weekly stays, in Nottingham.
The inspection graded the overall experiences and progress of young people on our residential programmes, how well they are supported and protected and the effectiveness of leaders and managers. The college received an Outstanding grade in all three key areas.
More than 400 apprentices participate in the college’s residential provision, attending their training at our automotive centre in Ruddington. The apprentices are working in national automotive centres and dealerships for the bulk of their training but attend the Emtec automotive centre at regular and scheduled intervals to complete their classroom and workshop training with our teaching team. Students are here for days or weeks at a time and stay in local hotels and accommodation.
This inspection, that took place in February 2024, not only reviewed the quality of the apprenticeship training received, the facilities and resources used and the standard of teaching, but also reviewed the protections and safeguards we have in place for students staying away from home. They looked specifically at the suitability of their accommodation, the wrap around support they receive and how the efforts of leaders and managers ensure the overall experience of the student for the time they are with us.
- Students receive individualised and tailored programmes that fully consider their needs both academically and more holistically.
- Student inductions are exceptional.
- The experience of college life and opportunities presented by the college’s residential provision enhances the life chances of the students.
- Students have positive relationships with their tutors and well-being coordinators.
- Throughout the college, students are spoken about with pride. Lecturers are rightly proud of the apprenticeships they offer and the opportunities students are given.
- Students are supported to develop independence and social skills that benefit their future employability prospects.
- Student’s emotional health and well-being needs are considered and regularly reviewed and there is support and help available.
- Young people say they feel safe at the college, and there have been no incidents of bullying, going missing or challenging behaviour.
- Young people are provided with clear and consistent boundaries and there are high expectations around conduct and behaviour.
- College staff provide pastoral support, including tutorials and training around societal issues that may impact on students’ health and welfare.
- Leadership and management arrangements are strong, and the students are put at the centre of everything.
- Leaders and managers are ambitious and inspirational and have high expectations and ambitions for all the apprentices.
- Leaders and manager work with parents, employers and students in creating a supportive learning environment that extends to developing independence and employability skills, alongside academic studies.
Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
Nottingham College has been awarded with the highest level of judgements possible by the Quality Assurance Agency, recognising the college’s impressive academic achievements at HE level.
The review identified no specific improvements for the College to make, only areas of development to further strengthen its offer.
For more information about the Quality Assurance Agency and The QAA Higher Education Quality Review, please visit: http://www.qaa.ac.uk
