Great Oaks Charitable Trust T/A Great Oaks College

Overview

Great Oaks College is a specialist post-19 provision for learners with high needs, rated as “Outstanding” across all inspection categories. The report describes a “very inclusive, welcoming” environment where learners “thrive” and make “excellent progress” towards independence and meaningful destinations.

Strengths

• Staff are “highly skilled” and use “very effective strategies” to support learners’ communication and confidence.
• The curriculum is “well-structured” and bespoke, integrating therapies and preparing learners for “independent living and/or employment.”
• Learners achieve “meaningful destinations” such as paid employment, supported living, or further study.
• Leaders maintain “high expectations” and provide “exceptional quality teaching and support” through extensive staff training.
• Communication with parents is highly valued, with staff providing daily updates and frequent feedback on progress.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are “effective,” with “thorough processes” in place and staff receiving “frequent and extensive training” to identify concerns.