Progress on safeguarding for Shrewsbury colleges group is highlighted

Ofsted has published the findings of a monitoring report at Shrewsbury Colleges Group, undertaken in January after the critical report last year.

At the time of the original inspection the college was criticised for safeguarding, with its procedures judged as not effective.

However, inspector Linnia Khemdoudi, outlines the progress that has been made in her report from January, and has also commended the college for its work with staff and students during the recent lockdown.

She said: "Leaders have rapidly implemented many positive changes to their safeguarding processes. They carefully risk assessed the security needs at each campus. Leaders improved the security arrangements of an open campus to resolve potential issues.

"They work closely with the local authority and police to understand what local circumstances may impact on their students. They take appropriate action when needed. Staff and students feel safe."

College principal James Staniforth, welcomed the conclusion, saying: "This report reflects the outstanding hard-work and commitment of our staff over a fifteen-month period which has been unprecedented for us all. Covid has been and remains hugely testing.

"We’re very pleased that Ofsted has judged that ‘staff and students feel safe’ as we have worked very hard to demonstrate that this is the case and all our staff are delighted that this has been recognised."

Online learning

The inspection report details how the move to online learning in January was "seamless" for students.

It also praises the college's response to concerns from staff about the pandemic.

It states: "Leaders have been particularly responsive to staff anxieties regarding their personal safety. Leaders have addressed these thoroughly and positively. Leaders communicate very effectively with staff and students to keep them up to date with new guidelines. Staff say that they feel well supported and safe.

"Managers have effective oversight of vulnerable students, whether they are working from home or attending the college. They have undertaken thorough individual risk assessments to identify how these students can be quickly and appropriately supported.

"Support staff risk-rate vulnerable students to determine the frequency of contact they need. The students with the highest risks are contacted twice-weekly by support staff. Consequently, staff are familiar with all vulnerable students’ needs.

"Teachers ensure that students continue to learn through the current lockdown effectively. They use video-conferencing software to enable students to access virtual sessions with universities. They record lessons and demonstrations. Teachers also support students who have gaps in learning. They have continued to teach classes as per students’ timetables. As a result, disruption to students’ routines has been minimal. Students are appreciative of this approach. They say that the move back to online learning in January was seamless."

Mr Staniforth added: "We were one of the first colleges in the country to be visited by Ofsted as part of their programme of inspections which are taking place during the Lockdown and I’m delighted that we have been able to achieve this outcome. I’d like to thank our staff for all the contributions they have made over the last fifteen months."