‘Learners benefit from a very calm, caring and nurturing learning environment that supports them to participate fully in their courses.’

‘Teaching assistants provide very effective support for learners in lessons.’

‘Staff prepare learners well for life beyond college.’

‘They have a good understanding of the skills needs of the local area and the jobs that are available and are appropriate for learners with high needs.’

‘All learners participate in high-quality employability sessions as part of the curriculum, and they benefit from hearing from employers about employment opportunities.’

‘Learners benefit from access to specialist therapeutic services, which are integrated well into the curriculum.’

‘Most learners make expected or better-than-expected progress in developing the skills that they need to prepare for adulthood, such as independent living skills and employability skills.’

‘Leaders and managers recruit staff who are experienced and trained in the vocational areas that they teach and have a good understanding of the needs of the learners who attend the college.’

‘Leaders and managers provide high-quality and meaningful work placements, which benefit all learners… As a result, learners develop the employability skills that they need, such as confidence, resilience and working as part of a team.’

‘The trust’s designated safeguarding lead and other leaders ensure that the college has a strong safeguarding culture… Staff take swift action to ensure learners’ safety.’

The Post 16 young people talked about the support they have had and why they have had it. They talked about their relationships with staff and one young person talked me through the induction process she experienced, which evidenced her feelings of safety and belonging.

The Post 16 environment is well thought-out and evidences the training they have had around bringing the outside in, and having calming, and soothing areas etc.

All the young people spoken to appeared to have an EAA (emotionally available adult) to speak to. The Trust utilises colleagues called Parenting Leads who offer this additional support around the EAA role across the schools.

The level of care observed from staff was extremely high, the young people really do matter to them.

Interactions on the Farm … really evidenced the trust children and young people had in their school and the colleagues they work with.

The Trust utilises a range of evidence-based interventions and support and is proactively ensuring they only use support mechanisms that have a good evidence base.

Many interactions were observed at … Solutions whereby staff were using good listening skills and responding empathically/ appropriately to children and young people.

Solutions offer children a range of interventions and support within a trauma informed framework.