Hugh Baird College praised by Ofsted for their support to students throughout COVID-19 pandemic — with phoyo

The education watchdog is carrying out interim visits after suspending routine inspections earlier this year due to the ongoing pandemic.

Ofsted’s interim visits do not result in a grade or progress judgement but monitor how colleges and training providers are managing the return to a full programme of education since September 2020, following the period of entirely remote learning since March 2020.

The visits also aim to help students, parents, employers and government understand how education providers are meeting the needs of learners and the communities they serve.

Ofsted’s interim visit to the College took place over two days: 4th-5th November 2020.

Rachael Hennigan, Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive, said:

“The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on teaching, learning and the education sector is unprecedented. Despite this challenging time, I could not be prouder of the exceptional resilience, versatility and achievements of our students, teachers and every single member of staff at the College.”

“This interim visit report reflects our passion and commitment to support our students, staff and employers. It also illustrates our ethos of providing high-quality education and life-changing opportunities for our community.”

The interim visit report notes that:

• Senior leaders work with several stakeholders, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Careers Connect, local employers and Jobcentre Plus. They expanded the courses on offer to meet the changing skills needs of the local area and to support furloughed staff and learners not in employment, education or training.
• Employers and parents have praised the speed and flexibility at which leaders have implemented online learning.
• Learners who found online learning difficult were offered time in a quiet study area in the college where they could access technology and the internet safely.
• They lent out a large number of laptops and provided dongles to those who did not have access to technology and the internet at home.
• Teachers use a variety of methods to raise learners’ awareness of how to cope with anxiety, mental health and physical well-being.
• Teachers receive update training on safeguarding and health and safety with a particular focus on COVID-19 risks.

To read the interim visit report, published on 2nd December 2020, visit this link.