Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College

Overview

The inspection judged the college’s overall effectiveness as ‘Good’, noting significant improvements since the previous inspection. Leaders have strengthened curriculum planning with stakeholders to meet local skills needs, and learners generally receive high-quality education and support. However, the report identifies specific areas requiring attention regarding behaviour, attendance, and targeted teaching for some learner groups.

Strengths

• Leaders have developed a curriculum that is ‘aligned to the needs of the local economy’ and makes a ‘strong contribution to meeting skills needs’.
• Tutors provide ‘good quality of education and support’, adapting teaching effectively for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Apprentices and learners benefit from strong industry partnerships, gaining valuable insights and work experience that support their career progression.
• Staff provide ‘good quality, impartial careers information and guidance’, helping learners make informed choices about higher education and employment.
• The college has implemented ‘effective quality checks and rigorous processes’ to monitor teaching and learning across all provisions.

Areas to improve

• Improve learners’ attendance and punctuality, which remain ‘persistently low’ in several subjects, causing learners to miss valuable learning opportunities.
• Adapt ESOL teaching and checking of understanding so that learners with lower English language skills can effectively use new vocabulary.
• Implement strategies to help young learners understand and meet expectations for their behaviour and conduct, as a minority currently fall below standards.
• Set meaningful targets for learners with high needs that are linked to their education, health and care (EHC) plans, and accurately monitor progress.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, noting that learners feel safe and trust staff to take swift action on concerns.