The Inspectors noted that: Trainees develop a wide
range of personal and work skills during their time
at the College. Many enter with very little self-confidence
and low self-esteem, with poor literacy and numeracy skills. They are very effectively supported to improve their self-confidence and to develop a range of relevant skills.
The standard of work in practical areas such as Wood Occupations is particularly good. For example, many trainees work well above the required standards at levels
1 and 2.
There is very good support for literacy and numeracy including the College's Learndirect provision. Success rates on Learndirect courses are high. From those enrolling on courses in 2005-06, 71 per cent have successfully completed their learning goals, as compared with only 49 per cent in England as a whole.
The quality of teaching and learning is highly inclusive and of good standard and trainees benefit from a good variety of teaching and learning methods, particularly the informal approach to learning adopted by instructors. They participate well in the workshop sessions and are well motivated towards achieving their qualification by the target date. Trainees also support each other during the learning workshops.
Resources, including specialist equipment needs, for individual trainees are good. A wide range of adaptive technologies are available. These are identified before trainees join the course. Classrooms and workshops are well equipped and spacious with adequate space for trainee' files and support materials.
Individual learning plans are particularly good, are regularly updated and available via the intranet and are used as working documents.
There is excellent pastoral support including counselling, medical advice, advocacy services, and the development of personal and social skills. There are excellent opportunities for trainees to take additional qualifications and enrichment activities are good with good participation in both.
There is outstanding implementation of health and safety practice by trainees in high-risk occupations. Trainees are continually alert to health and safety issues that would affect the safety of themselves and others, both in the workshops, and when working around the college.

The Inspection team also felt that the College had good strategic leadership, is well managed in general terms and specifically in relation to the curriculum in motivating trainees and meeting individual and external needs, the management of literacy, numeracy and language support and the outstanding management of the multi-disciplinary support for trainees. Most importantly of all the inspection team judged the College to be very effective in achieving the mission of the College in supporting trainees with disabilities and special needs to achieve their potential. They drew attention to the inclusivity of the College and our effectiveness in meeting the needs of trainees with multiple and complex barriers to employment, in particular those with a range of mental health issues, awarding us a grade 1 for Equality of Opportunity.