Cannington College (UCS College Group),

Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 1 Cannington College (UCS College Group) Cannington College (UCS College Group), Cannington, Bridgwater, Somerset TA5 2LS Inspection of residential provision Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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residential accommodation

Cannington College is part of the UCS College Group and provides residential accommodation at the Cannington site. At the time of this inspection, 42 full-time students and 11 block release under-18 students were living in lodges there. The inspectors spent time speaking with students.

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residential accommodation

There are a number of accommodation lodges for students. Each lodge has communal facilities, including a kitchen and lounge, and each bedroom has full en- suite facilities.

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residential accommodation

Students aged under 18 are accommodated mainly in the week during term time. Flexi-boarding is available by arrangement.

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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.

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good

Date of last inspection: 10 October 2022

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good

Overall judgement at last inspection: outstanding Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 2

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Students make good progress. Staff support students to set meaningful and achievable targets, which helps them to establish positive routines, stay motivated and recognise achievements. Students benefit from a wide range of activities, including bowling, clay pigeon shooting and quad biking. These experiences build their confidence, strengthen social skills and help them to develop friendships. The college subsidises activity costs so that students can take part, including those who may otherwise not have these opportunities.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Staff build trusting and secure relationships with students. Students say that they get on well with staff and can talk to them if they are upset or worried. One student, who has previously struggled to seek emotional support, is now able to do so because of staff’s caring and consistent approach. Two students described staff as ‘having their backs’ and said that any concerns about staying at the college are addressed quickly and effectively.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Students feel listened to by staff. They have access to a range of forums that they can use to express their views and share their experiences of college life. Managers and staff demonstrate a clear commitment to listening to students and acting on their feedback. This helps students to feel heard and valued and contributes to a strong sense of community and togetherness.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Students have access to excellent educational facilities that support their academic and vocational learning. Regular communication between teaching staff, residential staff and apprenticeship employers helps students to stay focused and fosters ambition. Students benefit from a breadth of educational opportunities and unique experiences that help build their skills, knowledge and aspirations. Paired with regular careers advice, students are supported to leave the college on a positive pathway. Of the students who provided feedback to leaders and managers after leaving the college at the end of the last academic year, all went on to continue their studies or enter employment.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: good

Before students come to stay at the college, they are provided with clear and accessible information to help them to understand what living in the accommodation will be like. Staff take time to get to know each student, which facilitates a collaborative approach to planning their care and support. Induction arrangements are welcoming and well organised. As a result, students quickly understand expectations, how to stay safe and how to access support when they need it.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Staff provide students with helpful advice and guidance. Students are supported to access a range of internal and external services that promote their health and wellbeing. In-person support includes counselling, financial advice, careers guidance Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 3 and sexual health services. Students also have access to written information on important topics, such as staying safe, tolerance and wellness. The accessibility of guidance enables students to seek help in the way that feels most comfortable for them.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Students are offered mentoring and support sessions with staff. These sessions give staff valuable opportunities to build positive and trusting relationships with students. Sessions are also used to check in on students’ wellbeing, identify additional support needs and explore whether students have any worries or concerns. Due to the positive impact of mentoring sessions, managers are considering how to expand this provision further.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Managers and staff consult with students, their families and educational professionals when assessing students’ support needs. They take a balanced approach to risk management that recognise students’ strengths as well as their vulnerabilities. Students’ wellbeing is prioritised, and staff monitor absences to ensure that the support that is being provided to students is effective.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

There have been no referrals to the local authority designated officer regarding residential staff. However, referrals relating to staff from other departments have been made and managed appropriately. Leaders and managers monitor low-level concerns about staff and identify patterns and themes. When necessary, this has resulted in disciplinary action, including dismissal.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

There are occasions when students are not offered the support that they need swiftly enough. Opportunities for early intervention are sometimes missed, which can adversely impact students’ progress. In addition, concerns about students’ safety are not always shared with the relevant external agencies.

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How well young people are helped and protected: good

Recently, leaders and managers have reviewed the systems used to record and monitor concerns about students’ safety and wellbeing. They have implemented new processes and procedures that strengthen oversight and accountability. Although these arrangements are in their infancy, there are early indications that they have had a positive impact.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers have a concrete understanding of what it is like to be a student staying at the college. They are dedicated to maintaining a culture that places students at the forefront and champions their success and progress.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Very few complaints have been reported since the last inspection. This reflects leaders’ and managers’ commitment to resolving concerns early so that they do not escalate and negatively impact students’ experiences. Families say that their children ‘love staying’ at the college and that staff are ‘brilliant’. They can clearly identify the progress their children have made, including increased confidence, improved life skills for adulthood and enhanced academic success. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 4 Some challenges have been experienced due to staff shortages. Although leaders and managers report that this has not affected students’ day-to-day experiences, it has impacted record-keeping and monitoring. This has contributed to the delays in staff recognising students’ changing needs and offering timely support.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

The quality of the residential accommodation varies. Leaders and managers have clear plans to refurbish the lodges that need it the most. Communal spaces are welcoming and provide students with opportunities to spend time together. The common room acts as a social hub, with a range of games and activities available. For a quieter time and study, students can use the ‘internet café’ and library. Students can also use a well-equipped fitness suite, small tuck shop, laundrette and tearoom.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: good

Leaders and managers have a clear understanding of the residential provision’s strengths and areas for development. They recognise the positive impact of recent organisational restructuring, which has increased managerial presence and oversight. Strong communication systems support effective information-sharing between college departments. This helps to ensure that students receive holistic, well-co-ordinated support that is centred around their needs. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 5

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Recommendation

 Leaders and managers must ensure that robust arrangements are in place to safeguard and promote the welfare of residential students. Leaders and managers must ensure that staff have the skills and experience to identify, and swiftly and effectively respond to, concerns about students’ safety and welfare. When appropriate, leaders and managers must ensure that concerns are shared with the relevant local services, including local authority children’s services or adult services. (Further education colleges with residential provision: national minimum standards, page 12, paragraph 11.1)

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Points for improvement

 The college’s leadership and management must consistently fulfil their responsibilities effectively to ensure that the standards are met. In particular, robust oversight and monitoring systems must be used to ensure that students are provided with the support that they need.

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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: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 6

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accommodation details

Social care unique reference number: SC045170

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Inspectors

Martin Brown, Social Care Inspector Tara Webb, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Cannington College (UCS College Group) 7 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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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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