Ofsted rates specialist college as a good one

A Doncaster independent college, which provides specialist education for students with complex learning and communication needs has received a good rating from Ofsted.
Alan Robinson.Alan Robinson.
Alan Robinson.

The Communication Specialist College Doncaster under the leadership of principal Mr Alan Robinson, previously known as Doncaster College for the Deaf, was visited by government inspectors in November.

A report from lead inspector, Margaret Hobson HMI, states that students make good progress, particularly in developing their communication, personal and social skills, as well as making good gains in managing their behaviour, travelling independently and interacting more confidently with others.

She added: “Good teaching and learning motivates students to take part fully in well-planned activities, develop their practical skills and gain relevant qualifications.

Management at the college, which caters for 77 students aged 16 and above, was found to be good, meeting students’ needs very well.

Mrs Hobson said: “Leaders and managers have strong links with local, regional and national groups to ensure that the curriculum meets the needs of current and future students.”

In order to become an outstanding college, the quality of planning for learning in lessons needs to be strengthened so it takes into account students’ targets and starting points. Training needs to be provided for observers to ensure that they evaluate the quality of the learning and clearly identify where less effective practice occurs.

The report added: “(It needs to) review and strengthen the procedures for collating students’ progress against the range of short-term targets by developing a summary that reflects what the students can do and their next steps towards their long-term goal. Enable more challenge from governors by presenting performance and quality reports with measurable objectives and targets.”

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