Employ My Ability (EMA) Ltd

Overview

Employ My Ability (EMA) Ltd is an independent specialist college for learners with high needs, focusing on vocational skills in hospitality, horticulture, and animal care. The report describes an environment where students feel "inclusive and supportive" and value their learning, though leadership and curriculum planning require significant development.

Strengths

• Students demonstrate "positive attitudes towards their learning" and benefit from "swift support" when facing challenges.
• Vocational learning is planned well, allowing students to "demonstrate high levels of customer service and technical skills" in onsite outlets.
• Staff have completed helpful training in autism and signing, enabling them to "interact and communicate effectively with students".
• Students receive "appropriate careers education" and visit local employers to explore jobs within their chosen sectors.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must ensure tutors use students’ EHC plans to design the curriculum so students gain the necessary skills for their next steps.
• Leaders must ensure staff have the "expertise and pedagogical skills they need" so learners achieve their full potential.
• Leaders and trustees must improve governance and ensure "safer recruitment processes are effective" to keep learners safe.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, although leaders had not initially ensured all requirements for safer recruitment were in place or that the single central record was accurate.