Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College

Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College Folly Lane, HEREFORD, Herefordshire HR1 1LS Inspection of residential provision Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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residential accommodation

Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College delivers vocational and academic education, apprenticeships and training to young people and adults. The college operates from six main campuses, in Hereford, Oswestry, Walford, The Gateway, Holme Lacy and Ludlow.

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residential accommodation

There are around 2,318 full-time learners aged 16 to 18 and 300 full-time adult learners studying at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College.

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residential accommodation

North Shropshire College (Oswestry) and Walford College account for 24% of the full-time learners.

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residential accommodation

The college provides residential accommodation at Walford College only, with resident learners studying at either the Oswestry or Walford campuses.

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residential accommodation

At the time of inspection, there were 9 learners aged under 18 living on the Walford campus. The other learners living in residential provision were aged 18 and over, so were out-of-scope for this inspection.

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residential accommodation

An experienced and suitably qualified college residential manager has been in post since September 2023.

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outstanding

How well young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College The college provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the college contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good

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Summary of findings

Governors and the college management team ensure that the residential provision continues to develop to meet the needs of the college community. It remains at the heart of the college, providing tailored support to a small cohort of learners. They experience a nurturing, inclusive and respectful environment that reflects the wider college’s established values and ethos.

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Summary of findings

The residential provision is highly valued by learners and their parents They share that the key strengths of this service are the positive relationships between learners and staff, effective partnership work that ensures that learners receive individualised support and the priority that is given to learner’s safety and well-being.

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Summary of findings

Successful academic progress and outcomes, independence skills learnt and positive experiences gained by residential learner’s enables them to confidently move on towards adulthood, further learning opportunities and employment. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

The whole college community is actively involved throughout a residential learner’s college journey and into further education, employment and independence. Assessment, target-setting and monitoring processes are comprehensive, supportive and firmly focused on the individual needs of each learner. This highly personalised approach, alongside the celebration of each learner’s unique strengths, helps learners to flourish.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

A key strength of the provision is the exceptional level of oversight and support provided to learners, particularly those with mental health needs and those who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan. Residential staff work in excellent partnership with specialist teams and leaders across the college. This holistic approach includes learners, parents and external professionals. As a result, learners receive the coordinated support they need to achieve both academically and socially. For example, some learners who have previously struggled in alternative education settings successfully re-engage with mainstream learning and make significant progress.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

Learners are actively involved in setting personal targets and reviewing their own progress. Staff provide skilful support and apply their understanding of adolescent development to ensure that targets remain meaningful and achievable. Progress is regularly recognised and celebrated. Consequently, learners make considerable gains in their social, study and independent living skills. They also achieve excellent academic outcomes, with residential learners outperforming their day-student peers in attendance, retention and course achievement. Learners recognise and take pride in these accomplishments, and parents speak positively about the progress their children make.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

The residential staff team creates a welcoming, vibrant and non-judgemental community. Learners feel safe, valued and accepted. This environment helps them to develop confidence, resilience and maturity. Learners enjoy their time in residence and value the opportunities available to them. They particularly appreciate the supportive relationships they develop with staff and the lasting friendships they form with their peers.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

Learners have access to a choice of residential accommodation, including suitable facilities for those with physical disabilities. Ongoing refurbishment and maintenance programmes ensure that accommodation remains of a high standard. Learners benefit from spacious bedrooms, well-equipped communal areas and a choice of en- suite or shared facilities. Additional amenities, including the canteen and social club, provide opportunities for social interaction, independent living and leisure activities. Learners are consistently positive about the quality, comfort and safety of the accommodation and grounds. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College Flexible catering arrangements enable learners to access a combination of self- catering and canteen meals. Well-equipped kitchens within the residential accommodation and social club allow learners to develop practical cooking skills,

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

socialise and enjoy shared activities. Learners speak warmly about the dedicated catering staff and the quality of the food provided. Leaders regularly consult with learners regarding menus, and learners influence the meals available. Catering staff maintain a strong awareness of learners’ dietary requirements and activity schedules, ensuring that meals remain accessible to all learners.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

Learners benefit from a wide range of evening activities both on and off site. These experiences help them develop confidence, independence and self-esteem while broadening their social networks. For example, learners recently participated in a trip to Thailand, where they volunteered in a school and an elephant sanctuary.

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Overall experiences and progress of young people: outstanding

Leaders and residential staff routinely seek learners’ views and continue to expand the range of opportunities available. The recent purchase of an additional minibus has increased access to community activities and enabled more learners to participate in off-site experiences. As a result, learners enjoy rich and meaningful opportunities that enhance their personal development.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

The arrangements for safeguarding and promoting learners’ welfare are given the highest priority within the residential provision and across the college. Leaders continually review and strengthen safeguarding practice to ensure that learners receive support within a secure, nurturing and highly supportive environment. As a result, learners are able to thrive and achieve the best possible outcomes.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Alongside support from residential staff, managers and tutors, learners have access to a comprehensive range of specialist services. These include mentoring, pastoral support, specialist referrals and access to a 24-hour counselling and advice service through a dedicated health application. During holiday periods, learners are proactively signposted to appropriate support services, helping them maintain their emotional well-being throughout the year.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

The safeguarding team demonstrates exceptional expertise and professional curiosity. Team members bring a broad range of experience from across the college and maintain active involvement in professional safeguarding networks. Regular meetings, learning reviews and reflective discussions contribute to continual improvement. The team is empowered to challenge both internal and external practice where necessary to promote better outcomes for learners. External supervision arrangements further enhance professional development and strengthen safeguarding practice.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

The college’s safeguarding and pastoral systems ensure that learners experience consistently high-quality support. Preventative work, particularly around mental health and emotional well-being, is a significant strength. Staff build positive relationships with learners and help them understand the challenges they may face. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College Staff receive regular, research-informed training and learning updates that enhance their skills and knowledge. Consequently, staff demonstrate a high level of confidence in their safeguarding responsibilities while supporting learners to take appropriate risks that promote independence and personal growth.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Leaders and safeguarding professionals manage safeguarding concerns confidently and effectively. Detailed chronologies are maintained, and concerns are acted on promptly. Records are comprehensive and clearly demonstrate robust management oversight, reflective practice and continuous learning.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Learners consistently report feeling safe within the residential community. They recognise the personal growth they have achieved through living alongside others and taking increasing responsibility for themselves. Learners understand and embrace the college’s core values of ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ and recognise the positive impact these have on creating an inclusive and respectful community.

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How well young people are helped and protected: outstanding

Incidents within the residential provision are rare and generally low level. When concerns do arise, staff respond promptly and appropriately. Learners benefit from restorative and supportive approaches that help them understand expectations while providing assistance when difficulties arise. There have been no incidents of learners going missing from the site and no use of restraint or restrictive practice. There have also been no complaints. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the relationships, support systems and safeguarding arrangements in place. Leaders have a clear understanding of the contemporary risks and challenges facing learners. They continue to invest in safeguarding resources and support services to ensure that learners remain safe and are able to achieve their full potential.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Learners’ positive experiences of the residential provision and the achievement of the college’s values and aspirations are directly attributable to the high-quality leadership and management of the service and the commitment of the residential staff team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Governors, leaders and staff share a clear vision for excellence. They are ambitious for learners and continuously seek innovative ways to improve experiences and outcomes. Leaders model high standards and promote evidence-based practice by sharing research and professional learning with staff. This culture of continual reflection and development ensures that improvement plans remain focused and effective. Progress is regularly reviewed by senior leaders and governors, resulting in sustained improvement in the quality of care and support provided to learners.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The highly effective safeguarding, pastoral, mental health and well-being initiatives embedded across the college contribute significantly to learners’ outstanding outcomes. Leaders continue to strengthen the college community through the successful implementation of the ‘Ready, Respectful, Safe’ ethos. Additional initiatives, including the ‘Fitness to Study’ programme, provide early support to Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College learners who may be struggling to engage fully with college life. These initiatives promote resilience, well-being and academic success.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

All college departments and the governing board contribute actively to strategic planning and service development. Leaders maintain clear and ambitious short-term and long-term priorities. Well-considered plans are translated into meaningful actions that drive continuous improvement and positively impact learners’ experiences and outcomes.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Learners’ achievements are enhanced by the exceptional support provided by the residential staff team. Staff practice is professional, reflective and transparent. Clear policies and procedures underpin their work and are reinforced through effective induction processes, probation arrangements and a comprehensive programme of learning and development. Staff skilfully challenge and support learners to broaden their aspirations, increase their confidence and maximise future opportunities.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

The college demonstrates the characteristics of a learning organisation. Staff benefit from high-quality training that equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support learners with increasingly complex needs. Training programmes are informed by research and responsive to emerging national themes and priorities. Staff receive annual appraisals and regular supervision. Further strengthening the supervision framework would enhance opportunities for reflection and professional development even further.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Governors maintain high expectations of the residential service and provide effective oversight. They remain professionally curious about the quality of care and support that learners receive. Governors undertake learning walks, scrutinise performance information and engage in meaningful discussions with leaders regarding service development and self-assessment. They recognise the significant contribution that residential provision makes to learners’ broader development and continue to invest in its future growth. As a result, learners benefit from a highly effective residential service that consistently delivers exceptional experiences and outcomes.

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Points for improvement

 Ensure that the staff supervision process is meaningful and linked to the development needs of each member of staff and the provision. Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College

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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: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College

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accommodation details

Social care unique reference number: 2509968

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Inspector

Dawn Bennett, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for further education college with residential accommodation: Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College 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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Inspector

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Inspector

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Inspector

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