Ofsted praises CU Scarborough's apprenticeships and access courses

CU Scarborough’s goal of providing high-quality, career-focused education for students of all backgrounds has been supported by an Ofsted report published this week.

CU Scarborough, part of the Coventry University group, was rated as ‘Good’ by the education body in their delivery of apprenticeships and provision of Access courses for adult learners.

It was one of the first institutes in the country to have its apprenticeship provision inspected by Ofsted.

And its inspectors found CU Scarborough did several things to make sure its apprentices received high-quality teaching on campus.

Inspectors highlighted the 'state-of-the art' facilities that nursing apprentices use at CU Scarborough to enhance their understanding – which meant their final work was of a ‘particularly high standard’.

The report found personal tutors challenge their apprentices to ‘aim high’, resulting in the majority of students being on track to receive high grades.

Further praise was given to the quality of the teachers on the courses, who were found to have ‘considerable subject knowledge and expertise’ and consistently gave interesting lessons which kept apprentices engaged.

Gemma Nicholson, a healthcare assistant at Scarborough General Hospital, comes to CU Scarborough once a week as part of the nursing apprenticeship course.

Ofsted’s inspectors also highlighted CU Scarborough’s access to higher education courses, saying the vast majority of students on these courses move on to ‘a range of positive destinations’ once they have finished.

Inspectors found there was a high level of mutual respect between students on access courses and their teachers, and that feedback given by teachers was ‘detailed, precise and helpful.’

The report adds: “Adult learners, particularly those who have returned to education after a long absence, receive good support. This improves their confidence and enables them to become more self-assured.”

Kay Fraser, Interim Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor at CU Scarborough, felt Ofsted’s inspection was proof of how well the campus focuses on its students’ careers.