INSPECTORS have praised a Penarth college for ‘nurturing’ pupils and creating a trusting relationships between staff and learners.

A team from Welsh inspection agency Estyn visited Beechwood College in Sully, an inclusive learning environment, in March and has now published a report on its findings.

The college provides a "supportive learning environment for learners with a wide range of complex needs, including those with challenging behaviours".

Since Etsyn’s last inspection "the curriculum has been strengthened to better meet the A report on Beechwood College March 2023 9 needs of learners. However, the systems and processes to oversee these changes are underdeveloped."

Inspectors found that "many learners improve their numeracy skills in a wide range of valuable contexts which support them well to lead independent lives.’ Pupils ‘run an online shop which involves pricing raw materials and calculating sales costs with support from staff. A very few learners apply these skills independently."

There is a range of planned activities including dance, swimming and cycling as well as walks in the local area and in college grounds developing learners' physical activity.

"Learners have highly positive working relationships with their staff team which effectively supports the progress they make over their time at the college," it states. "Many learners feel safe in college and understand how to keep themselves safe in a range of settings."

However, Etsyn noted that "a few learners with more complex needs are not confident in their ability to stay safe online and have had the confidence to identify this as part of their student voice activities".

The college’s broad and balanced curriculum was highly praised alongside its "strategic approach to curriculum planning which involves contributions from teaching staff and learners".

It was noted that staff manage learners’ behaviour skilfully. Where this is most effective, it enables those who require a high level of support to manage their behaviour and re-engage with their learning in a meaningful way.

However, written feedback given to learners "does not consistently provide guidance for learners and their support staff on next steps in learning".

Beechwood College provides on-site access to a range of therapies, including speech and language, occupational health and specialist mental health support.

A notable feature of the college is the provision of additional learning support. "Individual learning plans include detailed information and support strategies," the report states. "Staff use this information well to provide highly appropriate support within the classroom."

The principal was praised for having a clear vision and leaders "diligently work towards achieving an inclusive learning environment which provides opportunities and experiences to prepare learners for their future lives".

Recommendations made by Etsyn:

  • Respond to the issues raised in the well-being letter.
  • Improve attendance.
  • Ensure that tracking systems provide leaders with a clear picture of the progress learners make over time.
  • Strengthen the strategic approach to planning for PHSE R5 Strengthen the quality of strategic leadership and procedures for improvement planning.