Cambian Wing College

Cambian Wing College Monitoring visit report

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Name of lead inspector: Kathryn Rudd, HMI

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Type of provider: Independent specialist college

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Address:

126 Richmond Park Road Bournemouth Dorset BH8 8TH Monitoring visit: Cambian Wing College, 7–8 October 2020

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Context and focus of visit

Cambian Wing College is an independent specialist college providing study programmes for 45 students between 16 and 25 years of age. All have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, often coupled with behavioural and emotional difficulties and mental health conditions. Students either live at home or in one of the Cambian houses located in the nearby community. Cambian Wing College was inspected by Ofsted in November 2016 and the overall effectiveness was judged to be good. Safeguarding was judged to be effective.

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Context and focus of visit

This was an unannounced safeguarding monitoring visit following concerns that had been reported to Ofsted and that remain under investigation by another agency. The purpose of the visit was to assess whether the safeguarding arrangements at the college are effective. Inspectors’ judgements were informed by actions taken by the provider’s leaders and managers in response to the concerns that had been reported to Ofsted, alongside other evidence available at the time of the visit.

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Context and focus of visit

Ofsted is aware of the challenges that COVID-19 (coronavirus) is currently posing to those we inspect. During this visit, inspectors took into consideration the impact of any measures being taken by the college to slow the spread of COVID-19. This has included the effect these measures have had on the current attendance of the students and staffing arrangements.

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Reasonable progress

Leaders have established safeguarding processes that comply with relevant requirements. They are well designed and meet the needs of their students. For example, they track carefully small variations in students’ behaviour and use this information to identify any underlying issues. Leaders use daily staff briefings to share information about each student. They hold weekly meetings to monitor closely the most vulnerable students. As a result, student issues rarely escalate, and physical restraint is rare. Staff undertake appropriate mandatory safeguarding training, which is updated at least annually. Leaders have redesigned the training programme to ensure that staff improve their knowledge of students’ diagnoses. For example, leaders have introduced weekly training on topics such as pathological demand avoidance. Staff Monitoring visit: Cambian Wing College, 7–8 October 2020 particularly value the sessions with guest speakers, who have first-hand experience

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Reasonable progress

of specific conditions. Leaders have developed strong links with a range of organisations, which helps them gain information about potential students’ needs and aspirations. They use this information carefully to assess whether they can meet their needs. Leaders have introduced a new risk assessment process that helps them prepare for new students joining the college. This includes working with current students to help them accept and support new students. As a result, the majority of students cope well with the move to college, even those who have had extended periods out of education. Leaders have reviewed and modified their safeguarding procedures and provided additional staff training in response to recommendations from local agencies, such as the local authority and college safeguarding audits. However, governors have taken too long to identify and set safeguarding actions for leaders. This means that they

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Reasonable progress

are unable to assure themselves that leaders’ actions are having the required impact.

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Reasonable progress

Staff respond promptly and effectively to students’ concerns. They treat students as adults and provide personalised, sensitive support. Students value their approach. The college has three designated safeguarding staff who spend much of their time working with staff and students across the college. They model how staff should work with young people. As a result, staff and students share potential concerns with the safeguarding team, which provides ongoing advice and support. Therapists and education and support staff work together closely to ensure that they understand and respond effectively to individual students’ requirements, for example in understanding when students find it difficult to verbalise their concerns and instead use negative behaviours to communicate. Staff encourage students to reflect on and improve their behaviour after any incident. Managers support staff to consider their own approaches with students and

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Reasonable progress

to identify any additional training needed. Staff appreciated the individual meetings introduced by line managers during COVID-19 restrictions to check on their health and well-being. Staff highlight that keeping safe online is a significant issue for many students. Online safety is reinforced in lessons and through one-to-one support. Staff use social media examples to help students understand concepts such as the difference between opinion and fact. Staff identify students who may be at risk of radicalisation and monitor their activities carefully. They work closely with local agencies to gain additional assistance. Therapists and behavioural staff provide support for families to help ensure that any strategies used with students at college are also used consistently at home. Monitoring visit: Cambian Wing College, 7–8 October 2020 Staff have introduced new contact procedures, including daily phone calls to students

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Reasonable progress

and parents and carers, to help monitor students’ attendance. However, it is too early to see the effectiveness of these strategies. Monitoring visit: Cambian Wing College, 7–8 October 2020 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for students of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for children looked after, safeguarding and child protection.

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Reasonable progress

If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 1231, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Reasonable progress

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T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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