Type=image;ImageID=16114;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Rated Good by Ofsted;TitleClass=strong;
Inspectors visited Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre in Ettingshall for the first time last month and found the school is "well and managed" and has an "ambitious culture that allows students and staff to thrive". Positive relationships between leaders, staff and students support the good progress that students are able to make.
The curriculum "develops employability skills well and helps students to make good progress in a range of subjects, including English and mathematics", with "very high quality elements of teaching in the school".
Students are "well prepared for the next stage of their lives" meaning that most are able to move on to employment, supported employment, training or college courses, while all students benefit from work related opportunities and many enjoy successful work experience with supportive employers.
Students "are polite and welcoming" and "behave well in lessons", and there is a strong safeguarding culture at the school.
A wide range of extra curricular activities help enrich students' learning, develop life skills and become increasingly independent. Inspectors noted that students take part in outdoor pursuits, enterprise events and sporting activities and also learn about money management, cooking, parenting, first aid and bicycle maintenance.
Inspectors found that governors and trustees carry out their statutory duties well. They ensure that resources are well managed, funding is used effectively and that safeguarding procedures are robust.
Ann Brown, Executive Headteacher at Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre, said: "I am very proud of the staff and students at Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre for what they have achieved in such a short space of time.
"It has been a long journey from conception, through to opening and, in September 2017, moving into our new building.
"This first inspection shows that our vision for high quality vocational education for young people with special educational needs and disabilities is well on track.
"I would also like to thank the parents and students for believing in our vision and choosing Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre as their post 16 educational provision. I know that everyone is committed to the continued improvement of the centre."
Councillor Lynne Moran, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre provides a really important service to young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and I am delighted that Ofsted has found that it is preparing students well for adulthood and helping them to move onto employment or training wherever possible."
Wolverhampton Vocational Training Centre opened its doors for the first time in September 2015 and aims to offer students with special educational needs and disabilities the chance to gain vital employability skills by providing practical, personally tailored and flexible courses. Its aim is to ensure students are supported to make a positive contribution to society by gaining employment and living their lives as independently as possible.
Some 90% of schools in Wolverhampton are now rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, more than ever before. To find out more about education in Wolverhampton, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=435;Title=Education & schools;.
- released: Friday 17 August, 2018