Nash College is awarded ‘Good’ in recent Ofsted inspection

Nash College – a Further Education college for young adults with a range of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in Hayes, Bromley – has just been recognised for providing a good standard of education, being rated as ‘Good’ in all categories in an Ofsted report that was published in relation to the inspection on July 5-7th July 2016. The college is one of the services run by the national charity – Livability.

Nash students have complex learning needs including physical, communication and sensory disabilities, medical conditions or autism, in addition to learning disabilities, from severe to profound. The college places a particular emphasis on ‘Learning Through Living’ – personalised learning, facilitating a range of communication needs, and supporting students in the community and with future vocational opportunities.

Neil Rees-Davies, Nash’s Head of College, said:

“From day one, students at Nash College work towards personalised goals that aid them to reach their full potential in all areas of their lives. We strive to widen the students’ options within their own communities when they move on. We are proud that our work supporting the students in the local community and with their vocational choices has been recognised in our Ofsted report.”

This focus on vocation and community has been clearly recognised by Ofsted which has highlighted: “The standard of students’ work when on work experience and in work-related learning is particularly good,” and “College leaders have a clear vision and mission with a sharp focus on employability and community support.” Ofsted also commented that: “All students make very good progress towards individual targets for independence and communication.”

Nash College is one of the largest services run by the national disability and community engagement charity – Livability. The charity’s emphasis is on inclusion, community and enabling the people it supports to live full and independent lives.

The college’s adherence to the values of the broader organisation has been noted, with Ofsted reporting that: ‘College leaders have a clear vision and mission which is underpinned by the principles of the charitable organisation of which the college is part.’

Steve McDermott, Hub Manager for Livability and Nash College, said:

“I would like to say how very proud I am of everyone involved in the College leading to this achievement, evidenced by an overall rating of ‘Good’ from Ofsted. This outcome is testament to everybody’s hard work and commitment to the College and students, which I am pleased to have witnessed and been part of over the last year!”

The College has also been commended for its excellent stewardship, with Ofsted praising the Governors for being supportive both to the head of the college and to its senior leaders. “Governors make a good contribution to supporting the head of college and senior leaders.”

Last but not least, Ofsted commented on the impressive safety standards, reporting that all ‘policies and procedures for safeguarding are comprehensive and effective’ – a significant statement for an busy environment where keeping students safe can sometimes be a great challenge but is always a top priority – not just for the 90 students, but for their families, support workers and teachers too.

Poppy, is one of the students at Nash and represents her peer group at the weekly Student Council.
She says gaining independence is the most vital thing students learn at Nash.

Quoted in the College Prospectus, Poppy says:

“Through being at Nash I have learned to speak more clearly. I make sure all students have a voice, even the ones who can’t speak. It’s very important.”

[x_blockquote cite=”Poppy, Nash College student” type=”left”]”Do as much by yourself as possible. And don’t underestimate us.”[/x_blockquote]

[cs_section id=”” class=” center-text ” style=”margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0; ” visibility=”” bg_color=”#ffffff” parallax=”false”][cs_row id=”” class=” ” style=”margin: 0px auto; padding: 0px; ” visibility=”” inner_container=”false” marginless_columns=”true” bg_color=””][cs_column id=”” class=”” style=”padding: 5%; ” bg_color=”#f5f5f5″ fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ element_info=”” type=””][x_custom_headline level=”h3″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”man”]Nash College Independent specialist college

5–7 July 16[/x_custom_headline][x_gap size=”15px”][cs_text id=”” class=”” style=”” text_align=”left-text”]

Overall effectiveness: Good

Effectiveness of leadership and management: Good

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment: Good

Personal development, behaviour and welfare: Good

Outcomes for learners: Good

Provision for learners with high needs: Good

Overall effectiveness at previous inspection: Good

Read the full report here.[/cs_text][x_gap size=”15px”][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][x_gap size=”15px”]

Livability’s other education provision for disabled children, Victoria Education Centre in Poole, Dorset, also achieved ‘outstanding’ in its latest inspection at the end of June 2015.