Inspectors praise group’s outstanding commitment to personal development
That is how Luminate Education Group’s Director of Student Life, Andrea Cowans, described the group’s retention of its ‘Good’ Ofsted rating following a recent inspection.
Ofsted inspectors visited all of the group’s FE campuses to evaluate the quality of provision between April 26 and 29.
The inspection team concluded that our provision was ‘Good’ with some ‘Outstanding’ features – including in Personal Development and Adult provision.
Andrea, who leads on personal development, behaviour and attitudes across Luminate’s FE colleges, said: “For our colleges to achieve an overall ‘Good’ grade from Ofsted in a period when our students have been recovering from the pandemic is a fantastic result.
“We have talented and focused staff teams who regularly demonstrate outstanding practice, exceptional insight and a heartfelt commitment to our students and colleagues.
“The work of staff was highlighted on a daily basis by inspectors, one of whom described the leadership of culture and emotional well-being as ‘exemplary practice’.”
Recognition of the pride we take in our work
Inspectors noted ‘widespread and exceptional personal development’, ‘wellbeing and mental health support that went beyond the expected’, and ‘well planned work experience and close relationships with industry’.
Andrea added: “The colleges’ vision and commitment to social justice and mobility were also highlighted, and barriers to learning were described as ‘well met with support’ in areas including vulnerability.
“There was much more – some of it implicit in the description of aspirational environments, our focus on health, effective safeguarding, and that our staff describe themselves as ‘proud to work for the college’.
“That pride in our work, our students, and our purpose in communities in Leeds, Harrogate and Keighley shines through and we are delighted this was recognised by inspectors.”