Reaseheath FE College

Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Reaseheath FE College 1 Reaseheath FE College Reaseheath, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DF Inspection of residential provision Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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residential accommodation

Reaseheath College is a specialist provider of vocational education and training in further education (FE) and higher education (HE) for businesses, industries and communities that are mainly, but not exclusively, rural and land based.

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residential accommodation

Four halls of residence on the Reaseheath campus accommodate learners aged from 16 to 18. These include male and female students.

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This monitoring visit

This further education college was judged as requires improvement to be good at the social care inspection on 6 February 2025. Ofsted identified two breaches of national minimum standards for further education residential accommodation. These related to national minimum standards 11.1 and 13.1.

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This monitoring visit

A monitoring visit was completed on 10 June 2025. This visit was carried out to monitor the action taken by the provider to meet the national minimum standards for further education residential accommodation. Inspectors found that suitable action has been taken to meet the standards.

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This monitoring visit

There are substantial and impactful plans in place to address the shortfalls identified in the previous inspection. Some of these plans have already been implemented and there is evidence of improvements as a result. Some plans are ongoing or are scheduled to tie in with the new academic year and new intake of residential students.

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This monitoring visit

There is now a much-improved integrated system for identifying and acting on concerns related to residential students. All aspects of each complex situation are identified and responded to for students on campus and their off campus lives. This includes allegations made against other residential students and worries that students express about their home situations. Learning and reflection throughout, Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Reaseheath FE College 2 informs training for staff and promotes student empowerment to raise any issues they may face.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have taken action to revisit safeguarding training and practices with the residential staff team. There is also planned training for specific safeguarding areas relevant to the students, including those with additional learning needs and vulnerabilities. The members of the management team have reflected on areas to be improved from the inspection with the staff team. This makes sure that staff have clear roles and responsibilities and have a shared sense of ownership and accountability, and it promotes reflective practice and development within the team.

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This monitoring visit

There is an improved link between the well-being team and the residential team to support students’ experiences. Weekly safeguarding monitoring meetings are now in place to discuss any students of concern. A well-being representative also attends the residential team meetings to strengthen the working relationship between the teams.

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This monitoring visit

The college has made financial investment in approving additional staff with a safeguarding and pastoral focus. These roles will commence from the new academic year. They have also re-organised existing roles to provide clearer lines of accountability and responsibility. The introduction of daily triage of incident reports has improved inter-departmental collaboration and ensured that prompt action is taken to support students. They have improved recording systems and are upskilling staff in capturing the correct detail.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have improved their systems for the monitoring and oversight of the residential provision through audits and quality assurance systems alongside external scrutiny. These systems are used to identify shortfalls and areas for development and to promote progress.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have sought guidance and support from external agencies, who have provided a report which is an active work in progress. It provides assurances that actions are being taken that focus on improving student safety and welfare and improving inter-departmental information gathering and sharing. It makes recommendations, accepted by the college, for further improvement. In addition to this external scrutiny, the college is also seeking peer support from external agencies to review processes and approaches and share best practice. This supports their drive for improvement.

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This monitoring visit

Dates of last inspection: 4 to 6 February 2025

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Information about this inspection

Using the social care common inspection framework, this inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989 to monitor the service, and to consider how well it complies with the national minimum standards. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Reaseheath FE College 3

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accommodation details

Social care unique reference number: SC041920 Principal/CEO: Mr Marcus Clinton

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Inspectors

Katie Tomlinson, Social Care Inspector Cheryl Field, Social Care Inspector Denise Jolly, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Reaseheath FE College 4 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 looked-after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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