Riseholme College retains ‘Outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted for its residential accommodation

Following a meticulous three-day inspection in February, the college was pleased to receive the news that it had once again met the extremely high standards set by Ofsted. The College has 322 young people living on its two campuses and in each area of judgement* the inspectors’ rating was Outstanding. Inspectors spoke to students, teaching and support staff across the college during their visit to reach their conclusions and found that: “The young people enjoy staying in the residential accommodation. They have excellent relationships with wardens.”

Inspectors spoke to students, teaching and support staff across the college during their visit to reach their conclusions and found that: “The young people enjoy staying in the residential accommodation. They have excellent relationships with wardens.”

The report stated that, across the board “The college provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the college contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for young people.” In each area assessed the inspectors’ verdict was Outstanding.

The inspectors noted that: “young people get the individualised help they need from the outset of their college life. This has a profound positive impact on their progress and experiences.” The report also underlined that “the safety of the young people is prioritised by all staff, who work as a strong team to keep the young people safe.” in “a well-maintained and safe living space.”

Ann Paling, Assistant Principal Safeguarding and Residential said “Being rated ‘Outstanding’ again is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the hugely dedicated, committed and enthusiastic team we have at the college. We are incredibly proud of the provision we have for students here and the team works tirelessly to ensure they have a happy, healthy and fulfilling experience during their time with us.”

The report praised the whole college team’s approach: “The team of staff are extremely enthusiastic about their work. The support they receive motivates them to be continually thinking of new and innovative ways to support the young people.” The report stated: “Young people’s emotional well-being is highly prioritised and this focus means that their social and academic achievements are noteworthy.”

The inspectors added: “The wardens use their knowledge of each young person to make sure that the young people have the help they need to succeed.” and “The staff recognise young people's need to feel emotionally well to achieve in their studies.”

The report also acknowledged that whilst students are empowered to learn how to take care of themselves, a proactive approach is taken to ensuring student safety; with designated safeguarding leads working closely with domestic staff, site security, wardens, course managers and student support services which: “provides an exceptional level of protection for young people who live away from home.”

All involved were consulted during the inspection, including parents, one being quoted in the report: “‘They have the right people in the right place.’ This focus significantly enhances young people’s experiences of being at the college.”

Bill Meredith, Principal and Chief Executive said “I am thrilled and hugely proud that the college has been awarded Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ for our residential accommodation. The team at Riseholme and Bishop Burton are extremely hard-working, dedicated and passionate about supporting students to realise their full potential and to have this acknowledged is a tremendous and well-deserved result. Student welfare, happiness and success are our first and foremost priority at the college and it is incredibly gratifying to see that the high standards the college aspires to are reflected and recognised within this glowing report.”