LifeBridge ASEND

Overview

LifeBridge ASEND is an independent specialist college in Bolton for learners aged 19 to 25 with moderate to severe learning difficulties. The inspection judged overall effectiveness as ‘Good’, with ‘Outstanding’ behaviour and attitudes, noting that leaders have rectified all weaknesses identified at the previous inspection.

Strengths

• Leaders promote a ‘positive learning environment where learners can flourish’, with lessons described as ‘calm and productive’.
• Learners develop ‘respectful relationships’ and feel ‘confident about trying new activities in safe and supportive surroundings’.
• Curriculums are ‘planned logically’ and personalised, helping learners develop skills for independence or meaningful employment.
• Staff are ‘well qualified’ and receive regular development, including training in specific conditions such as autistic spectrum disorder.
• Learners demonstrate a ‘clear understanding of fundamental British values’ and feel safe, knowing staff will help with concerns.

Areas to improve

• Leaders should ensure the pace of learning allows more-able learners on the independence pathway to make ‘swift progress’.
• Initial assessments of learners’ starting points need improvement to better understand what learners ‘already know and can do’.
• Learning targets must be written in language learners ‘can understand easily’, with mathematics targets reflecting real-life contexts.
• Leaders should secure specialist professional services for identified learners ‘quickly’.

Safeguarding

The report states that ‘the arrangements for safeguarding are effective’, with staff promoting healthy relationships and maintaining detailed disclosure records.