Ascent Autism Specialist College

Overview

Ascent Autism Specialist College continues to be a "good provider" for young people aged 16 to 25 with autism and special educational needs. The college delivers "highly personalised, individual learning programmes" that help students achieve their education, health and care plan outcomes and prepare for adulthood or employment.

Strengths

• Students "enjoy studying" and engage enthusiastically in high-quality activities, including enterprise projects and workplace experiences such as catering and animal care.
• Teachers "carefully design and sequence curriculums" to build skills over time, with the "vast majority" of students achieving qualifications in English and mathematics.
• The college has a "proactive approach to integrating therapies," helping students regulate behaviour and develop independent living skills through bespoke support.
• Leaders have built "significant links with local and regional employers" and developed supported internships to enable students to gain paid employment.
• Students "feel safe" in a "welcoming and supportive" environment where they are confident to raise concerns.

Areas to improve

• Ensure that all students are "sufficiently challenged" to further develop their skills and knowledge, as some are not currently stretched enough.
• Ensure that governors have a "deeper knowledge of the further education and skills sector" to more effectively support and challenge college leaders.
• Ensure that staff promote students’ independence by giving them "adequate time to process information" rather than providing verbal prompts too quickly.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."