Improvements revealed at Doncaster college which was slated by Ofsted in 2019

The National College for Advanced Transport Infrastructure, based at Doncaster Lakeside, is making ‘significant progress’ to deal with failings highlighted in 2019, say inspectors.
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The college was criticised by Ofsted in November 2019, and judged to be inadequate. Concerns were raised over safeguarding, with the original report highlighting a case where it failed to recognise and take prompt action over a case of harassment, as well as concerns over learning.

Ofsted's latest monitoring report acknowledges improvements in leadership, quality of teaching and support for learners.

Official opening of the Nation College for High Speed Rail in DoncasterOfficial opening of the Nation College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster
Official opening of the Nation College for High Speed Rail in Doncaster
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Interim chief executive, Sue Dare MBE, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the incredible effort by our staff to provide a quality education and experience to every single learner, especially with the unprecedented challenge of doing so in the last 12 months.”

“Managers and staff have worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to make rapid improvements, evidenced our most recent results which include 100 per cent of apprentices passing their EPA, with 83 per cent gaining higher grades.”

Originally called the National College for High Speed Rail, NCATI was set up to meet the needs of the rail and transport infrastructure industries. Following a public consultation, the NCATI Corporation has now published its draft resolution to dissolve. By the end of April, the College intends to transfer to a new subsidiary company, owned by the University of Birmingham.

Ms Dare added: “This recognition from Ofsted will help to ensure a seamless transition, giving students, apprentices, employers, staff and stakeholders renewed confidence in the courses. There is a bright future for NCATI which will benefit learners, apprentices and the industry, for years to come.”

A refurbished Eurostar power car engine arrives at the National College for High Speed Rail at DoncasterA refurbished Eurostar power car engine arrives at the National College for High Speed Rail at Doncaster
A refurbished Eurostar power car engine arrives at the National College for High Speed Rail at Doncaster
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The latest report states: “Managers and teachers have successfully implemented changes to teaching the curriculum following the move to remote teaching.

“During the monitoring visit, learners and apprentices were able to describe the changes that have taken place at NCATI. They explained how these changes have significantly improved the quality of training and support they receive.

"Senior leaders, board members and staff have taken their time to review thoroughly the culture of safeguarding at NCATI. The board identified a member to oversee closely the improvements to safeguarding.

"The safeguarding team has trained staff on key topics such as the identification of bullying and harassment, and how to report these concerns.”

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