Wiltshire College and University Centre

Progress monitoring visit residential provision of FE colleges report

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Wiltshire College and University Centre Wiltshire College and University Centre, Lackham Park, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2NY Monitoring visit

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Context of the inspection

At the full inspection carried out from 28 to 30 March 2023, the college was judged to require improvement. This monitoring visit was carried out to assess the progress leaders and managers had made to address the areas of weakness identified at the full inspection.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Leaders and managers have taken effective action since the previous inspection. Significant improvement is noted against all areas of weakness previously identified.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The college’s assessment and risk processes have improved. These assessments begin at the application stage and, when needed, throughout a student’s stay. When the need for a risk assessment is identified, these are put in place in partnership with students and their parents. Risk assessments are detailed, providing clear information about the risk and how this is to be mitigated.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Safeguarding events are well managed and kept under scrutiny to ensure swift and effective action is taken to ensure students’ safety. Key safeguarding staff meet regularly to discuss all safeguarding concerns and/or students where potential concern or risk have been identified.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Overall, the quality of student accommodation has improved, with further developments planned. The chill-out rooms are now welcoming, comfortable, well-furnished and colourful lounges which students enjoy spending time in. Each house has its own colour identity, chosen by the students. In one of the halls, the downstairs bathroom floor is looking worn and does not provide an inviting space in which to bathe. Plans are in place to replace the baths with shower units. Students said they are happy at the college and feel safe, saying it is a very safe campus to walk around. They like the improvements that have been made to the residential provision. They like the location of the college, find staff approachable and have made friends.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff have developed good relationships with parents, starting at the welcome meeting and open days. Staff recognise the importance in fostering positive relationships with families in order to support the students effectively.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Effective systems are in place for monitoring the engagement and progress of students against their individual targets. When targets are not being achieved, effective holistic support is put into place. Teams across the college work cohesively together to help the students achieve the best possible outcomes.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff hours have been increased to provide an increased offer of different enrichment activities for students. Students are fully involved in this process.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The number of staff on duty overnight has also been increased, from one member of staff to two, providing additional support for the students.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff have received appropriate training in safe handling and administration of medicines, which helps them support students’ well-being and health needs.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Staff have regular team meetings where the focus of discussion is on the students’ needs and the development of the team.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The quality of staff recruitment records has improved. Records of interviews now reflect the discussion held and the rationale for appointing applicants.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

Records of fire drills now include the names of students who have taken part in the drill. This enables staff to ensure all students have taken part in a fire drill. These records also include any remedial actions needed.

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Summary of the progress made in implementing the action plan

The management investigations and records of complaints have improved. Leaders and managers have implemented a new process which includes additional scrutiny and tracks complaints to ensure they are swiftly addressed.

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National minimum standards

All the previous recommendations have been met.

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Points for improvement

 College leaders should ensure the downstairs bathroom floor in the residential hall is replaced.

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Information about this college

Wiltshire College and University Centre has four main campuses, in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge, with a smaller satellite centre in Castle Combe.

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Information about this college

At present, residential provision for students aged under 18 is only available on the Lackham campus. The Lackham campus is a land-based college that also offers an expanding range of further and higher education courses in areas such as rural environmental management, animal science and management, equine management and agricultural engineering. Lackham has a working farm that provides students with hands- on experience of the rural economy.

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Information about this college

At the time of this inspection, the Lackham campus provided accommodation for 18 students under the age of 18.

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Information about this college

The inspector only inspected the social care provision at this college.

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College details

Unique reference number 132779 Social care unique reference number SC042852 DfE registration number 865/8001

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College details

This inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989, as amended by the Care Standards Act 2000, having regard to the national minimum standards for further education residential accommodation.

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College details

Principal Iain Hatt Date of previous residential inspection 28 March 2023 Telephone number 01225 350035 Email address principal@wiltshire.ac.uk inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners 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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College details

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College details

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College details

T: 0300 123 4234 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.co.uk/ofsted

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