Tyne Coast College

Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 1 Tyne Coast College St. Georges Avenue, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE34 6ET Inspection of residential provision Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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residential accommodation

Tyne Coast College was established in August 2017 following the merger of South Tyneside College and Tyne Metropolitan College. South Shields Marine School, which forms part of South Tyneside College, offers a range of maritime training programmes designed to prepare students for careers at sea. Students attend for both short and extended courses, with the youngest learners being 16 and 17 years old. In addition to maritime students, a number of sports students also reside in the on-site accommodation.

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residential accommodation

Residential students are accommodated at Dr Winterbottom Hall, an on-site hall of residence. At the time of inspection, there were 148 students residing there, including three students under the age of 18.

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residential accommodation

The accommodation consists of several blocks, which are separated by both age and gender. Students have access to either shared or ensuite facilities.

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residential accommodation

The residential provision is managed by an experienced residential manager, who has been in post for over 11 years and holds a relevant leadership qualification.

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residential accommodation

This inspection focused solely on the social care and welfare provision for residential students aged 16 and 17 years attending this further education college.

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good

How well young people are helped and protected good

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good

The effectiveness of leaders and managers good

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good

The college provides effective services that meet the requirements for good. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 2 Date of last inspection: 14 March 2023

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 3

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Staff know the students well and develop positive, trusting relationships with them. Students were consistently positive about all staff, particularly the security officers and cleaning staff. Students described them as approachable and reassuring presences around the site. Parents also express confidence in the support provided by staff to their children.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Students have access to a range of mental health and emotional well-being support services. They can self-refer online or seek assistance in person through the ‘Student Services Office’. Information about well-being support is clearly advertised across the residence and the main campus. This support is introduced to students during their induction and is reinforced throughout their time in residence.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Residential students can access additional learning activities. All Marine School students benefit from extended learning experiences that complement their core curriculum. These include taking overnight ferry trips, visiting a magistrate court and participating in industry-related competitions such as ‘Butts and Buckets’.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Data on college leavers shows that residential students achieve grades above the national average. On average, residential students also achieve higher grades than their non-residential peers in the college. Most students progress to positive destinations, including higher education or employment. This is particularly evident among students attending the Marine School.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Staff support students effectively in developing their independent living skills. They offer guidance and practical opportunities in areas such as cooking and laundry. Cooking sessions are delivered to promote healthy eating and encourage positive lifestyle habits. This support helps students build independence and prepares them well for adulthood.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

The activity timetable is updated each term and displayed prominently across the campus. Residential students have free access to the on-site gym as part of their provision. However, not all students are aware of the full range of support available to them, such as the daily breakfast club.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

All students reported feeling safe living in the residence. They know where to access help and support and are confident that any requests for assistance will be responded to promptly.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Students are supported to engage with a range of relevant and topical issues through initiatives such as ‘10 Minute Takeovers’ and the ‘Hot Topics’ programme. These sessions address themes including vaping, misogyny, personal safety and other Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 4 current matters affecting young people. This helps to raise awareness, promotes open discussions and encourages students to make positive choices.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Safeguarding concerns within the residence remain very low. Staff consistently follow safeguarding procedures, promptly reporting any concerns to the designated safeguarding leads. Although there have been no safeguarding incidents involving students in residence, examples of good practice were noted from the wider college provision. All reported concerns are investigated, with appropriate referrals made to relevant agencies, including ‘Prevent’ duty and social care.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Student behaviour in the residence is positive. This is supported and reinforced by workplace sponsors. Any low-level behaviours are quickly addressed and effectively managed. As a result, students benefit from a calm and respectful living environment that supports their learning and personal development.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

The single central record is regularly reviewed. This ensures that all required safer recruitment checks are completed in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ guidance. This means that only staff who are checked as safe to work with children are employed.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Curfews are in place to promote students’ safety. Students have a clear understanding of these expectations and the consequences of not returning on time. When students anticipate being late, they contact the security officer to keep them informed. Staff apply a sensible and flexible approach, for example when delays are caused by public transport. However, if lateness becomes a recurring issue, staff carry out appropriate checks to address the pattern.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The head of residence is an experienced and stable leader who works effectively with residence staff to ensure students receive appropriate support. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood by all team members. Day-to-day operations are managed efficiently, and students’ needs are met.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff supervisions are held termly to support ongoing professional development and well-being. These meetings clearly document safeguarding matters, reinforcing the priority of student safety. Staff welfare, achievements and any concerns regarding practice are regularly reviewed and addressed during these sessions.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Governors are well informed about the activities and future development plans for the halls of residence. The halls are a standing agenda item at all governing body meetings. Governors also carry out regular walkarounds of the residence to maintain a first-hand understanding of the environment.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Clear plans are in place to improve the halls of residence, including a move to a new building. However, some students have expressed anxieties due to a lack of clear information about what these changes will mean for them and their future Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 5 placement. Consultation with students has not yet begun, but leaders and managers intend to start this process as soon as the final plans are confirmed.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Staff feel well supported by the head of residence and report that communication systems are helpful and consistent. Regular team meetings provide opportunities to discuss support and development needs, and staff feel well informed and up to date.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The head of residence and staff provide effective oversight of students in residence. However, there is scope to strengthen the evaluation of how the residential provision contributes to outcomes for 16- to 17-year-old students. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 6

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Recommendation

 The college’s leadership, management and governance should actively promote the well-being of residential students. In particular, the residential manager should develop systems where information specific to the experiences of 16- to 17-year-old residential students is easily available. (‘Further education colleges with residential provision: national minimum standards, page 14, paragraph 13.5)

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of young people, using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under The Children Act 1989 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the national minimum standards. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 7

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accommodation details

Social care unique reference number: SC054502

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Inspectors

Jo Birtwhistle, Social Care Inspector (Lead) Gina Lightfoot, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Tyne Coast College 8 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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