TCAT improves after damning Ofsted report

Telford College of Arts and Technology was given an "inadequate" rating by Ofsted in June last year.

But inspectors have been back to the college in Wellington and a new report has revealed that some improvements have been made.

Ofsted's latest report praises reasonable improvements in the quality of teaching and more significant progress is recorded when it comes to qualifications for apprentices.

However, there is still said to be a problem with low ambition among some students and the amount they are challenged.

The report states that "insufficient progress" is being made in this area and many learners were not engaging in their lessons when inspectors visited.

It said: "Too many were not ready to learn, with headphones in, hats on, no paper or pen, and were not taking part in the lesson.

"Teachers were not using information on individual learners’ starting points and progress to plan these lessons sufficiently.

"Teachers are not encouraging learners to think and learn independently and therefore not preparing them for their next education step or career goal.

"Too many learners did not know what they needed to do next or how to improve their work further."

Positive steps highlighted in the report included senior leaders making rapid progress in appointing new governors with the relevant skills and experience.

Inspectors said governors were now also provided with a good level of reliable and accurate information about college performance.

It was also said that underperforming teachers had received good levels of one-to-one support work and leaders had taken good steps to increase the accountability of teachers and other staff.

The report continued: "Senior staff have been highly successful in maintaining and enhancing the morale and motivation of the vast majority of staff, and have ensured that all staff understand clearly the institutional expectations of them.

"Managers have recently carried out observations of sessions throughout the college and have produced action plans for each member of staff.

"Teaching and learning coaches are supporting teachers identified as needing to improve their practice, and these teachers have additional plans from their coaches.

"Coaches undertake developmental observations to check that practice has improved."

A new management team is also in post at the college to support the English and mathematics provision, ensuring that teachers plan sessions to meet the needs of their learners.

When inspectors visited last year, they said governors and senior leaders at the college had failed to provide solid leadership.

Their report said apprentices made slow progress, had low achievement rates and teachers’ expectations of learners were too low.