Henshaws College

Overview

Henshaws College is an independent specialist college providing day and residential education for learners with profound and multiple disabilities. The inspection found that leaders have a clear vision to build learner confidence and independence, supported by a personalised curriculum and effective multidisciplinary therapeutic services.

Strengths

• Staff create a "calm environment" where learners behave well, are respectful, and feel safe.
• Personal development is rated Outstanding, with learners becoming "active citizens" who contribute to their communities.
• Instructors are suitably qualified and use effective strategies, such as breaking tasks into small steps, to support learners with barriers to learning.
• Leaders maintain accurate oversight of education quality through joint activities with governors and regular session visits.
• Most learners make expected or good progress towards their individual targets, developing communication and independent living skills.

Areas to improve

• Ensure transition arrangements do not delay lesson starts or impact learner punctuality.
• Ensure all learning activities and resources are age-appropriate.
• Link information in annual reviews directly to EHCP outcomes so parents clearly understand progress.
• Ensure the pace of learning in all lessons is appropriate to enable learners to make the progress of which they are capable.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff completing appropriate training and risk assessments to keep learners safe.