ERC News edition 39

erc Reasons to be cheerful

OFSTED report AGM and awards evening at The Spa

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edition

April 2016

A word from the Principal

DELIGHTED: Derek Branton

Excellent Inspection Outcome The profile of inspection grades, all good or outstanding, awarded to the College in February are the best given to any college nationally since the new rigorous common inspection framework was introduced by Ofsted last September.

This is a tremendous accolade to the consistently high quality of provision we offer students across our full range of programmes and deserved recognition for the commitment and dedication of staff.

I have always found the period between being given notice of an inspection and Ofsted arriving to be the most testing part of the whole experience.

This was particularly challenging this time around with most staff on holiday when we received “the phone call” on Friday of the half term holiday. As soon as the inspection was underway I felt there was a real determination amongst staff and governors to demonstrate to inspectors 2

the excellent work we do with our learners and to show the strong links into the communities and businesses we serve. The students too seemed intent on letting inspectors know about their experience of the College and how it was helping them in their personal and career development.

Teachers, learning support advisers and assessors coped very well with the new approach of inspectors in carrying out many more “walk-through” observations than the previous practice of much longer graded lesson observations. Other staff called into meetings with inspectors showed how fully they understood and operated the various procedures and practices we adopt to enhance the experience and safety of our students and businesses we support. The lead inspector commented on how helpful staff and students had been throughout the inspection week.

The inspection outcome and our strong performance on many fronts in recent years during difficult times for the FE sector underlines to me that we have collectively achieved something very special at the College. It is important that we preserve this as we enter a period of unprecedented change.

Certainly the excellent inspection outcome will

strengthen our position and that of further education in the East Riding as we enter the area based review, scheduled to begin in September. It is clear that the area reviews are taking much longer to complete than initially expected by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS). At the time of writing none of the areas covered by the first wave of reviews which started last September have reported or agreed on a set of recommendations.

The revised guidance for the reviews issued recently by BIS now indicates the process will normally take between four and six months. In our case that means that it is unlikely that the agreement on the recommendations will be reached before Easter 2017.

While our exploratory work with Bishop Burton College has continued there have also been regular meetings of principals and the Learning and Enterprise Partnerships in the Humber and North Yorkshire area where a variety of models of collaboration have been considered. As soon as there is something firm to report to you I will ensure you are kept in the picture, particularly any developments which could potentially bring about structural changes to the organisation of FE in the area.

One of the highlights of the year for me is the Annual FE (continued on page 5) eastridingcollege

Ofsted report highlights outstanding practice

POSITIVE PROGRESSION: Derek Branton, Principal, with learners outside the Flemingate campus.

East Riding College has this week received the best Ofsted report for a general further education or sixth form college since the new, tougher inspection regime was introduced last September.

The College, which has campuses in Beverley and Bridlington and a smaller site in Hull, was rated “good” overall and “outstanding” for personal development, behaviour and welfare, and courses for adults.

best profile of grades yet, with two outstanding and four good grades in the six sub-sections and a grade of good overall.

Principal Derek Branton said: “We are proud to receive this excellent report after such a thorough examination of the College’s work with students of all ages, employers and the local community.

“This is testament to the hard work of our staff who have faced challenging times through a Inspectors praised the “culture period of unprecedented change in the further education sector of high expectations”, the outstanding learning facilities and a tightening of resource and the close alignment of its brought about by reductions in courses with the skills needs of public sector funding. the local economy.

“They have demonstrated impressive professionalism, Their glowing report also creativity and dedication to highlighted well qualified tutors who are role models for their students, who in turn have students, high levels of positive shown a focused and committed attitude to learning.” progression into employment and further study, and the Simon Wright, Chairman of the ambitions of the Principal and College Governors, said: “My senior team which staff are congratulations and thanks go highly motivated to achieve. to all the hard working staff and students of East Riding College.

Of the 30 FE and sixth form colleges inspected this academic “I would also like to point out year, East Riding College has the the recognition Ofsted gave to ercnews39

the governors’ involvement and thank all of them for their commitment to the College.”

The report gave “outstanding” grades to personal development, behaviour and welfare, and adult learning programmes.

The quality of teaching, learning and assessment, outcomes for learners, 16 to 19 study programmes and apprenticeships were all rated as “good”.

Inspectors said the College was not rated “outstanding” overall because English and mathematics results, despite being above the national average, are not yet good enough.

They also suggested improvements, all in the minority of cases, to the promotion of equality and diversity, ensuring activities meet all needs and written feedback.

The full College press release and links to the full Ofsted report can be found at www. eastridingcollege.ac.uk/ofsted 3

Governance matters Keeping College staff regularly and better informed of governance issues

The College governors met for the second Corporation meeting of the year on 9 December. They are next due to meet on 22 March.

Below are details of the key decisions made and information received.

Members praised staff in their ongoing work and support for such learners.

Comprehensive Spending Review The outcome from the Autumn spending review was more positive than had been Membership anticipated, with details still to The newest Member, Richard follow the four key headlines Burton, was welcomed to the are: 16-18 funding rates to be governing body. Richard is the protected at the current level in elected Councillor for Bridlington cash terms; no further cash cuts Central and Old Town. Details to core adult funding; advanced of all the governors are on learner loans will be extended the College website: http:// to those aged 19-23; introduction www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/ of an employer’s apprenticeship about-us/governors/corporation- levy from 2017 - Colleges will members need to work directly with employers rather than receive Recruitment Governors learnt that recruitment funding from a funding body. remained strong for both 16-18 Learner Outcomes year olds and all apprenticeship New data released in October recruitment; adult non showed that 84% of adults who apprenticeship provision is down, had studied at the College had as anticipated, against a back sustained a positive destination drop of 30% cuts in SFA funding; (employment or further study). the take up of FE loans has This placed the College 8th out increased by 20% and HE of 218 FE colleges, which is provision has also grown by 19%. very impressive.

The ongoing delays in European Area Based Reviews Social Investment Funding was Governors received an update also discussed. from the Principal noting that Pilot Inspection of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities The Principal updated members noting that whilst no grading was provided the Inspector noted the very positive and genuine culture across the College in supporting young people with disabilities and learning difficulties.

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Colleges in the ‘Humber, York and North Yorkshire’ would be reviewed in September 2016.

He then outlined the work to date with Bishop Burton College.

Self-Assessment Governors considered and approved the Governance Self-Assessment Report 2014-2015 and then reviewed

and approved the College Self-Assessment Report, noting overall effectiveness was grade 2 (Good).

Achievement, retention and success rates 2013-2014 Governors received a detailed and comprehensive report on the achievement, retention and success rates for all learners for 2014-2015. They also considered and approved the revised targets for this year and 2016-2017.

Lesson Observations Governors received information on the outcomes of lesson observations completed during 2014-2015. They were pleased to note that 90% of observed teaching sessions were graded as good or outstanding. They noted the increase in ungraded focussed observations and the action taken and support offered to those who achieved less than the required standard.

Financial Statements At each December Corporation the College’s Financial Statements are scrutinised by Governors in order to sign off and close the previous year’s College accounts. The Financial Statements for the year ending 31 July 2015 were approved.

Equality and Diversity Governors received and approved the annual review of the Equality Policy and the Equality and Diversity Annual Report for 2014-2015. They also considered the Equality Objectives for 2015-2017 and eastridingcollege

Governance Taste for success matters cont. approved them.

Human Resources Governors received the termly Human Resources Report and annual evaluation of Performance Management and Staff Development. Governors consider the development of staff as crucial in ensuring the ongoing success of the College.

Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) The annual review of SHE activities for 2013-2014 which sets the extensive work undertaken throughout the College to ensure the health and safety of learners and staff as well as the College’s pursuit of sustainability was noted.

A word from the Principal cont.

Awards Ceremony and AGM at the Spa Theatre. There was a very good turnout of staff there. If you have not yet come along do put it in your diary for next year. It is great to see the success of our learners and staff being celebrated, together with superb performances from our talented Music students. By coincidence this year we had sister and brother winners, Chloe Frampton, 18, from the level three Fashion diploma and Liam Frampton, 17, on the level three Public Services programme which attracted additional Press interest in the event.

Derek

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IMPRESSIVE: India Miles and Andrei Birang proved themselves on their placement at MacDonald’s Randolf Hotel, Oxford Two catering and hospitality students have been offered full-time jobs at a five-star Oxford hotel after impressing during work experience placements.

Andrei Birang and India Miles, who both study at the Bridlington campus, were offered the two-and-a-halfweek stint at the MacDonald’s Randolph Hotel after a request from general manager Michael Grange to curriculum leader David Leaf.

They both jumped at the chance of a placement during the busy festive period, working in the restaurant and banqueting departments.

India and Drei worked breakfast, lunch and dinner

functions – sometimes all three sessions in one day – including dinners for Gucci and TripAdvisor.

They have now been offered full-time roles on completion of their Level Three Diploma in Professional Cookery in the summer.

David said: “India and Drei were a little nervous when they set off for Oxford but they came back full of confidence, having learnt a lot during their placement.

“The feedback from Michael Grange was extremely positive and I’m very proud of the way they represented themselves and East Riding College at this very prestigious hotel.”

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Archbishop Sentamu Commends Imaginative Opportunities for Students

PLEASURE TO MEET: The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, meets hospitality learners and staff. a leadership activity to the imaginative opportunities The Archbishop of York Archbishop.

Dr John Sentamu has for students at East Riding visited the College’s new College, to discover and He said: “He was quite laid Flemingate campus as part develop their God given back and I think we all felt of his six-month pilgrimage talents.” comfortable talking to him. It around the Diocese of York.

Derek Branton, Principal of was nice to meet him and talk East Riding College, said: Dr Sentamu met with to him in an informal way.

“It was a pleasure to show students and staff at the “There aren’t many young Dr Sentamu some of the Flemingate campus to find people who are into religion out how learning was having rich variety of teaching and so I think going around and learning that is taking place a positive impact on their meeting people in this way is at the College, as well as lives. good.” the outstanding education He witnessed young people facilities we now have in Dr Sentamu’s visit to the taking part in sporting Beverley.

College began with a sports activities, an extra-curricular session run by the College’s “We are very proud of the Dragons’ Den-style event sport maker, Matt Jeffery, at impact studying here has on and typical classes during learners of all ages, especially nearby East Riding Leisure his visit.

Beverley. in terms of their progression Archbishop Sentamu said: to employment and higher He then walked to the “Whilst a key role of our level study, and we were campus itself where he schools and colleges is to delighted that some of our watched students taking part ensure that their students students were able to share in a Dragons’ Den session run achieve good exam results, some of their stories with the by local business group For education should also enable Archbishop.”

Entrepreneurs Only, before the whole student to flourish. visiting classrooms around Dan Hajinicolas, 19, was one of a number of public services the building.

“It was a great pleasure to students who demonstrated be able to witness all the 6

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GMB event pushes Apprenticeships Young people learnt about the benefits of apprenticeships at joint events organised by East Riding College and the GMB union.

More than 60 students attended the information sessions at the College’s Beverley and Bridlington campuses.

The events were an opportunity to find out how apprenticeships work and to apply for the apprenticeship vacancies with local employers which the College recruits for.

They were jointly organised and supported by the GMB as part of its Young Workers Engagement Project.

Luci Scott, business development manager for the College, said: “Apprenticeships are viewed by the government as hugely important to the nation’s economy and they are becoming increasingly popular locally.

“There was a lot of interest

INTEREST: Luke Portlock, business development representative talking apprenticeships to students during the recent event.

among the people who attended the events and we also encouraged some to apply for vacancies we currently hold.”

GMB project worker Elliot Dean said: “The Young Workers Engagement Project aims to establish a clear link between learning and training, leading to sustainable

employment for young people entering the world of work.

“These events were among a number we are taking part in across the Midlands and East Coast region and was really well supported by young people who are considering an apprenticeship to start off their career.”

We’re in the bunny...

Level Two Business Administration students from St Mary’s Walk raised £85 in their Easter enterprise activity.

They sold a selection of Easter eggs, cakes and buns and held a raffle to win a professional cake with the proceeds being donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice. ercnews39

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AGM and awards night at The Spa Excellence and dedication were recognised at East Riding College’s annual awards ceremony at The Spa Bridlington.

The event saw 40 students, employers and staff each presented with a glass trophy and a gift voucher in recognition of their achievements.

Stories ranged from those who had simply excelled throughout their course to those who had overcome significant personal difficulties to be successful. There were also awards for employers in recognition of their commitment to workforce development and College employees who had excelled in using their own professional development for the benefit of learners.

Principal Derek Branton said: “Our annual awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students and the progress they have made since enrolling at the College.

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Big money raised for Sport Relief

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Students and staff raised a total for £286 in a range of activities for Sport Relief.

These included staff versus students matches which ended 13-11 to the students in netball and 6-2 to the students in football.

There was a sponsored static cycle ride at both campuses and competitions to guess the cumulative distance at each site.

The final totals were 32 miles in two hours for St Mary’s Walk and 46.4 miles in three hours at Flemingate, with the closest guess winners being Kate Harding and Chris Gilbert respectively.

Students also organised “winner stays on” tournaments on FIFA on PS4.

Sport tutor Ash Allanson said: “It was an amazing effort and all the students were brilliant. The FIFA tournament was really well organised and run by them and we had lots of students taking part in the Sport Relief Mile at each site.

“Thank you to everyone – students and staff – who helped with organising events and who contributed sponsorship or donations.”

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John wins employee recognition award after Ofsted performance

TIRELESS: John Uzzell, is presented with his award by Principal, Derek Branton.

HE, quality and curriculum co-ordinator John Uzzell is the latest recipient of the employee recognition award.

John was nominated for the award by a number of colleagues for his consistent high standards and professionalism but especially his performance during and leading up to the Ofsted inspection.

His line manager, Paul Smith, said: “John goes above and beyond his main duties to assist myself and colleagues at all times.

“This was highlighted in 12

particular when we found out that Ofsted were coming in and John came in over the weekend and worked extended hours throughout the week.

“John worked tirelessly, gathering important information requested by Ofsted, collating evidence, coordinating meetings at short notice/booking rooms.

number of tasks which would normally have fallen to the Vice-Principal, Curriculum and Quality, Assistant Directors or HoCAs. During the inspection week itself, he completed all tasks promptly, calmly and with great professionalism in a potentially stressful environment.

He was required to create, “He was and always is a great update, audit and manage support to others.” the Inspection Zone on Sharepoint, which included The timing of the Ofsted over 100 documents. This announcement meant that was commented on as a John had to organise and positive by inspectors. follow through a large eastridingcollege

Priory Road official opening event

The completion of the College’s construction, motor vehicle and engineering block in Priory Road, Beverley, was commemorated with an official opening event.

A range of local employers attended, listening to a presentation about the College’s provision and being given a tour of the facilities.

Exceptional students win prizes Two outstanding students from the Bridlington campus motor vehicle and engineering courses for the autumn term have been named.

Chris Elliott from the Level Three Motorcycle Maintenance course, and Patrick Harrison from Level Two Motor Vehicle Maintenance were presented with a socket set by head of motor vehicle and engineering Gary Simm. ercnews39

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Katrina runs Major Series for friend Travel shop manager Katrina Diamantis and early years tutors Tracey Herridge and Kelly Ackroyd took part in the Royal British Legion Major Series at Bramham Park in Leeds.

Katrina used the cross country obstacle course and muddy challenge as a way to raise money in memory of her friend, Nealey.

Nealey was in the Army from the age of 17 and served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Oman but sadly passed away to cancer on July 7 2013 at the age of 30.

Katrina raised over £370 which will be donated to Yorkshire Cancer Research

Jeff launches new album with local gig Jeff Parsons, a music tutor and information, advice and guidance officer, has released a new album with his band, The Dark Secrets.

The album, “Band of Brothers” is available for £6 from Jeff, at Minster Records in Beverley and Slave to the Beat in Beverley Road, Hull.

It will be launched at Kardomah94 in Alfred Gelder Street, Hull, from 8pm on Saturday, April 16. Tickets are £6 on the door.

A preview of the album can be found at https://soundcloud. com/dark-secrets/dont-lookdown 14

THE DARK SECRETS: Jeff Parsons, far right, with the rest of the band eastridingcollege

Inspire in-house hair competition The College’s Inspire Salons have been busy again with their annual in-house hair competitions.

This year the standards were exceptionally high and below are just a few examples of the excellent work produced by level two, level three and apprentices taken during the competition.

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ETC growing as business event venue

IN DEMAND: A recent Wella training event hosted at the Energy Technology Centre months with organisations host to some very well-known The Energy Technology including the Federation of local, regional and national Centre at the Beverley organisations.

Small Businesses, Business campus is growing its venue hire and events hosting Networking International and “These events generate business, with a constant Wella. income for the College but, stream of new bookings. very importantly, they are also Parkway Cinemas and Riva Now, more than 94 external business events have been hosted since it opened in September 2015, with more than 1,900 external delegate visitors attending.

Repeat bookings have been secured for up to 12

Lounge, two tenants at the Flemingate Centre, have also used the ETC for recruitment events, filling 35 vacancies.

ETC manager Richard Webster said: “This element of the business is really picking up now and we have played

helping to raise the profile of the College in the business community.”

For more information about the ETC’s venue hire activity, go to www.etc-venue.co.uk

ercnews Got a story?

If you have a story for inclusion in erc news, please let us know. We are keen to hear about your personal achievements and accomplishments in your job, as well as appropriate lighter stories.

Send your pictures and stories, and any comments or suggestions, to matthew.croshaw@eastridingcollege.ac.uk or call (01482) 390720.

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