Setting

Date of visit: 11 May 2007

This feedback contains brief findings from the annual assessment visit. It focuses on the themes explored during the visit and does not attempt to give a comprehensive overview of the college’s performance.

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exercise show?

 The recording of learning goals that have been achieved has improved. Managers have carefully monitored the quality of recording of students’ learning and have implemented regular training for staff to improve this further. Improvements are especially evident in numeracy, where there has been a significant improvement since the last inspection.

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last inspection, including in external work experience placements?

 There has been an extension to external work placement opportunities, including, for example, at country parks. In addition opportunities have been developed within a costume hire enterprise and catering for a golf tournament. Significant developments are underway to further extend real workplace learning opportunities on-site, within an extended retail facility. Opportunities have also been further developed in horticulture, including an exciting tea growing enterprise.

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assessments. Are these records sufficiently comprehensive?

 The college has thoroughly addressed this issue. Careful recording now takes place of the thorough risk assessments that are undertaken for each student, including for when they are taking part in a work placement. A copy of this risk assessment is given to the work placement provider. Students are increasingly involved in contributing to their assessment. The completed assessment is discussed with the student.

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necessary improvements in performing arts?

 The development of the retail accommodation is due to start at the beginning of July 2007. It is expected that this will be completed ready for the autumn term 2008. This will then allow developments of the current retail block into studios, a reception and office for other curriculum areas, later the same term.

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disability and preventing discrimination?

 The college has involved students in the development of its disability equality scheme (DES). The action plan for the scheme has also been completed and implementation of the action plan has begun. The manager responsible for this aspect of the college’s work is monitoring its implementation. An initial evaluation has been made of the need to carry out impact assessments on existing college policies and practices; further development of the impact assessments is now planned.

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disability and preventing discrimination?

information quoted is reproduced verbatim without adaptation, and the source and date of publication are stated. Inspection reports are available on the Ofsted website (www.ofsted.gov.uk).

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