Sheiling College in Ringwood maintains ‘good’ Ofsted rating

A SPECIALIST college for students with learning difficulties has maintained its ‘good’ rating after its latest Ofsted inspection.

Following a two-day inspection in May, Sheiling College in Horton Road, Ringwood, was found to be delivering “good quality teaching” to its 35 students.

In their report, inspectors said: “Learners take part in the many opportunities to learn about, and prepare for, the world of work.

“For example, they work each week at a local railway station and learn about the importance of timekeeping and how to work safely. Learners gain new skills, such as preparing and painting woodwork and planting flowerbeds when making improvements to the local environment.

“Learners develop the knowledge and skills they need to prepare for their next steps because of the good-quality teaching they receive.”

The college’s curriculum was described as “ambitious” with learners following individual programmes to developed the skills and knowledge they will need when they leave college.

Highlighting areas in which the college could do better, Ofsted inspectors said it must improve curriculum planning so the most able learners can study “above entry level” in order to be “better prepared” to transition into further education.

Inspectors also said the college could improve the planning of teaching and learning so learners have “more opportunities to work collectively” to develop their social skills and increase their independence. Safeguarding arrangements at the college were described as “effective”.

College head Mike Gamble said: “Although the great outcomes for students and the hard work of our staff is clear to see, it is very encouraging to have formal confirmation that the college is doing so well.

“I am proud of what students achieve and I am grateful to the staff teams who are dedicated in their work, providing the platform and opportunities for our students to reach these wonderful outcomes.”