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Reasons to be cheerfulOFSTED report AGM and awards evening at The Spa

edition39April 2016

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A word from the Principal

Excellent Inspection OutcomeThe 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

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

DELIGHTED: Derek Branton

(continued on page 5)

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Ofsted report highlights outstanding practice

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.

Inspectors praised the “culture of high expectations”, the outstanding learning facilities and the close alignment of its courses with the skills needs of the local economy.

Their glowing report also highlighted well qualified tutors who are role models for students, high levels of positive progression into employment and further study, and the ambitions of the Principal and senior team which staff are highly motivated to achieve.

Of the 30 FE and sixth form colleges inspected this academic year, East Riding College has the

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 period of unprecedented change in the further education sector and a tightening of resource brought about by reductions in public sector funding.

“They have demonstrated impressive professionalism, creativity and dedication to their students, who in turn have shown a focused and committed attitude to learning.”

Simon Wright, Chairman of the College Governors, said: “My congratulations and thanks go to all the hard working staff and students of East Riding College.

“I would also like to point out the recognition Ofsted gave to

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

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

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Governance mattersKeeping 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.

Membership The newest Member, Richard Burton, was welcomed to the governing body. Richard is the elected Councillor for Bridlington Central and Old Town. Details of all the governors are on the College website: http://www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/about-us/governors/corporation-members

Recruitment Governors learnt that recruitment remained strong for both 16-18 year olds and all apprenticeship recruitment; adult non apprenticeship provision is down, as anticipated, against a back drop of 30% cuts in SFA funding; the take up of FE loans has increased by 20% and HE provision has also grown by 19%. The ongoing delays in European Social Investment Funding was also discussed.

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.

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 anticipated, with details still to follow the four key headlines are: 16-18 funding rates to be protected at the current level in cash terms; no further cash cuts to core adult funding; advanced learner loans will be extended to those aged 19-23; introduction of an employer’s apprenticeship levy from 2017 - Colleges will need to work directly with employers rather than receive funding from a funding body.

Learner Outcomes New data released in October showed that 84% of adults who had studied at the College had sustained a positive destination (employment or further study). This placed the College 8th out of 218 FE colleges, which is very impressive.

Area Based Reviews Governors received an update from the Principal noting that 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

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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

Taste for successapproved 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.

Governance matters cont.

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-half-week 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.”

IMPRESSIVE: India Miles and Andrei Birang proved themselves on their placement at MacDonald’s Randolf Hotel, Oxford

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The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has visited the College’s new Flemingate campus as part of his six-month pilgrimage around the Diocese of York.

Dr Sentamu met with students and staff at the Flemingate campus to find out how learning was having a positive impact on their lives.

He witnessed young people taking part in sporting activities, an extra-curricular Dragons’ Den-style event and typical classes during his visit.

Archbishop Sentamu said: “Whilst a key role of our schools and colleges is to ensure that their students achieve good exam results, education should also enable the whole student to flourish.

“It was a great pleasure to be able to witness all the

imaginative opportunities for students at East Riding College, to discover and develop their God given talents.”

Derek Branton, Principal of East Riding College, said: “It was a pleasure to show Dr Sentamu some of the rich variety of teaching and learning that is taking place at the College, as well as the outstanding education facilities we now have in Beverley.

“We are very proud of the impact studying here has on learners of all ages, especially in terms of their progression to employment and higher level study, and we were delighted that some of our students were able to share some of their stories with the Archbishop.”

Dan Hajinicolas, 19, was one of a number of public services students who demonstrated

a leadership activity to the Archbishop.

He said: “He was quite laid back and I think we all felt comfortable talking to him. It was nice to meet him and talk to him in an informal way.

“There aren’t many young people who are into religion so I think going around and meeting people in this way is good.”

Dr Sentamu’s visit to the College began with a sports session run by the College’s sport maker, Matt Jeffery, at nearby East Riding Leisure Beverley.

He then walked to the campus itself where he watched students taking part in a Dragons’ Den session run by local business group For Entrepreneurs Only, before visiting classrooms around the building.

Archbishop Sentamu Commends Imaginative Opportunities for Students

PLEASURE TO MEET: The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, meets hospitality learners and staff.

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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

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.”

GMB event pushes Apprenticeships

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

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.

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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.

AGM and awards night at The Spa

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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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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

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.

“He was and always is a great support to others.”

The timing of the Ofsted announcement meant that John had to organise and follow through a large

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, update, audit and manage the Inspection Zone on Sharepoint, which included over 100 documents. This was commented on as a positive by inspectors.

John wins employee recognition award after Ofsted performance

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

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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.

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.

Exceptional students win prizes

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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-look-down

Jeff launches new album with local gig

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

Katrina runs Major Series for friend

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

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Inspire in-house hair competitionThe 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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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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The Energy Technology Centre at the Beverley campus is growing its venue hire and events hosting business, with a constant stream of new bookings.

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

months with organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, Business Networking International and Wella.

Parkway Cinemas and Riva 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

host to some very well-known local, regional and national organisations.

“These events generate income for the College but, very importantly, they are also 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

ETC growing as business event venue

IN DEMAND: A recent Wella training event hosted at the Energy Technology Centre