A COLLEGE that has lost its good Ofsted rating has hit back at inspectors saying it has "multiple areas of concern" with the education watchdog.

Eastleigh College is disputing what it calls an “incorrect” Ofsted report that says the 3,600-student further education institution requires improvement.

The Chestnut Avenue site, led by principal Paul Cox, has come under scrutiny for its handling of apprenticeships and leadership. Inspectors said too many apprentices do not finish within the expected time period.

Six areas were rated good while apprenticeships, and leadership and management, were rated requires improvement. The overall rating given was requires improvement.

Ofsted said the college has a safe, calm and professional environment, and students benefit from high-quality teaching.

But in a lengthy statement, the college said: "During and since inspection the college has raised multiple areas of concern.

“Post inspection the college has sought to follow the published Ofsted complaints procedure but to date has found this not to be fit for purpose.

“In recent days the inspectorate has published and taken down two incorrect reports, and the college continues to pursue legitimate and evidence-based concerns about the inspection and post-inspection process."

It comes at a time when City College Southampton is in talks to merge with Eastleigh and Fareham colleges in a bid to shore up the city institution.

A report published on the Ofsted website says an inspection was carried out in October 2022.

It raised concerns about leaders' safeguarding of care leavers and looked-after children.

The report said: “Leaders’ and managers’ oversight of the whereabouts and well-being of children looked after, and care leavers was limited at the time of the inspection.

“Consequently, there is insufficient oversight, support or challenge for the safeguarding and support of these learners.”

On apprenticeships, the report added: “Apprenticeship teachers do not use assessment outcomes well enough to adapt teaching, set effective targets and provide feedback which sets out what it is that apprentices need to do to improve.

“As a result, too many apprentices do not complete their apprenticeship within the anticipated time.

“However, employers recognise the positive impact that their apprentices have in the workplace.

“Managers and teachers do not ensure all employers are routinely involved in apprentices’ progress reviews.

“Consequently, apprentices are not always aware of the progress they are making.

“Not all apprentices have the support they require to make expected and sustained progress.”

The college was previously rated good. The statement added: "The college is proud of every colleague who delivers opportunity and excellence on a daily basis.

“Commitment to our 2020-24 ‘more learners, more successful, more often’ strategy will continue unabated.”

MP for Eastleigh, Paul Holmes, said: "I am proud of the important role that Eastleigh College plays in my constituency. The College delivers consistently high quality provision for young people, adults, and employers whilst in recent years also working hard to reduce subcontracted provision to comply with funding and policy changes.

"The College has previously shared with me the concerns regarding the October Ofsted inspection process, and I am committed to supporting them to pursue their concerns through Ofsted’s published complaints procedure.

"I was disappointed to hear given the level of concern that Ofsted published multiple incorrect reports last week, which is worrying and clearly unacceptable." 

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