Infocus College, Exeter

What is it like to be a learner with this provider?

Students enjoy their learning. Each student has a team of staff who get to know them well. This includes teachers, tutors, enablers (learning support assistants) and therapists. Together, they help students work towards achieving their individual goals. They provide rich learning experiences to help students to improve their communication and mobility. As a result, students make their own choices, make new friends, and become more independent.

Students have high rates of attendance. They have positive attitudes to their learning. Students enjoy the calm learning environment and feel safe at InFocus. They are proud of what they know and can do because of their learning. Staff support students well to identify what can cause challenging behaviour and develop strategies to overcome this. For example, students learn breathing techniques to support relaxation in their yoga lessons.

What does the provider do well and what does it need to do better?

Leaders have successfully developed a positive and open culture that places the students at the centre of decision-making. Teachers plan and teach an ambitious and personalised curriculum for students. They consider carefully how best to prepare each student for their next steps. These include supported living and adult social care, independent living and employment. Teachers work closely and effectively with enablers, therapists and other specialists to plan lessons and experiences that prepare students for adulthood effectively. For example, staff support students with complex needs to perform tasks, such as making sandwiches using adapted equipment. Students repeat these skills, so they need less help over time. As a result, students become more independent and are prepared well for their next steps.

Leaders ensure that staff have high expectations for students. They review the personalised targets that teachers set for students. They ensure they are ambitious, relate to their EHC plan, and prepare them well for their future. Leaders and teachers monitor the progress that students make in their learning and review targets frequently to ensure they remain relevant and challenging. Most students make the progress they are capable of and become more actively involved in their communities.

Quality of education, Behaviour & attitudes, Personal development, Leadership & management.

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