Derby College maintains 'good' Ofsted rating as inspectors say it is 'welcoming'

Derby College - with four sites and almost 12,000 students - has been told by Ofsted it is "good" across all areas, which is something it first achieved in 2016 and has been rated "good" ever since. A team of 15 inspectors spent four days in October at the sites visiting classes, scrutinising learners’ work, seeking the views of learners, staff and other stakeholders, and examining the college's documentation and records.

The four sites are at Broomfield Hall - land-based, sport and public services courses; The Roundhouse, Derby - broad range of courses and purpose-built centres for construction and automotive courses and an innovation hub; Joseph Wright Centre, Derby - a wide range of vocational and A-level courses, including computing, science and creative; and Ilkeston and St James Centre - community venues where adult learning programmes, including English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses, are offered.

The inspectors, in their newly-published report, decided that "most students and apprentices study in environments that are welcoming and well resourced. They enjoy their studies, develop new knowledge and skills, and feel prepared for their futures.

The report noted: "For example, Level 3 uniform protective services students undertake activities with professional resources, such as speed cameras, hazmat suits, casualty evacuation mannequins and camouflage gear. This helps them consider and prepare for jobs they might want after their studies.

"Level 3 engineering technician apprentices use simulated engine rigs to practise tasks before they work on a real jet engine. This supports them to complete work that meets fine industry tolerances."

The inspectors found that local places benefited from college courses. For instance, Level 1 bricklaying students helped to refurbish a local church. These activities encourage students to contribute positively to society and supports them to develop essential skills, such as teamwork and communication.

The college is said to "make a strong contribution to meeting skills needs". Leaders are active and respected partners of a wide range of local organisations, including Derby City Council, the East Midlands Chamber of Commerce and the recently constituted East Midlands Combined County Authority. Their work with the Federation of Small Businesses contributes to the local skills improvement plan. In light of the plan, leaders closely collaborate with other regional colleges and universities on projects to meet the objectives of the local area.

What does the college do well?

• Leaders carefully consider how to meet the needs of the students, apprentices, employers and communities they serve. For example, young students who struggle with mainstream education, study non-accredited vocational courses to develop their personal, social and employability skills.
• Most teachers are subject experts and use their expertise effectively in lessons. For example, A-level film studies teachers are still employed in the film industry. They model current critical analysis skills and challenge students to do the same.
• Teachers mostly use good-quality resources, demonstrations and explanations to explain key concepts. Level 3 electrical installation apprentices’ teachers use their expertise well to break down complex mathematical formulae. Level 2 animal care teachers provide clear explanations of complex subjects, like the structure of nerve tissue, using good-quality images and videos.
• In most subjects, teachers enable students and apprentices to understand and appropriately use subject-specific vocabulary. Level 3 engineering technician apprentices speak articulately about Kaizen techniques. T-level education and early years students capably adapt their language between conversations with professionals and with small children. This allows students and apprentices to feel confident in their workplaces or placement settings.
• Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive helpful additional support. They benefit from adjustments such as additional study time or access to specialist technology. Teachers work collaboratively with support staff so that all parties understand students’ support strategies. This enables most students with SEND to make good progress.
• Most students and apprentices receive appropriate careers guidance. They benefit from purposeful opportunities to speak with employers, attend careers events and access guidance about going to university or further study. This supports students and apprentices to prepare for, and plan, their next steps.
• Staff undertake a range of relevant professional development. They attend frequent and relevant training in areas, like providing developmental feedback and effective questioning techniques. This training has a positive impact on the quality of teaching that students and apprentices receive. Governors are highly experienced in their respective fields. Leaders provide them with many meaningful opportunities to get to know the college.

In order to improve further, the college needs to improve younger students' attendance, ensure all students with high needs study well-planned curriculums and support those teachers who require development to provide a high standard of feedback that enables students to improve the quality of their work.

Ofsted normally inspects "good" providers within five years but they may receive monitoring visits in between. The college last had a short inspection in 2019. Derbyshire Live has asked Derby College if it wishes to comment on the Ofsted report.