NHS Choices College

Overview

NHS England (Choices College) continues to be a "good provider" of supported internships for learners with high needs. The report highlights a "welcoming and friendly environment" where interns develop independence and confidence through well-matched work placements and effective teaching.

Strengths

• Interns "thoroughly enjoy attending work placements" which are "well matched to their long-term career aspirations" and help them develop resilience.
• Tutors use "effective teaching methods" for English and mathematics, including embedding skills in "business and enterprise projects."
• Staff set "clear and appropriate targets" based on education, health and care plans to help interns gain employment and live independently.
• The employability curriculum is "carefully planned," preparing interns for "next steps" with support for CVs and interviews.
• Leaders maintain "effective oversight" of quality, using peer reviews and data to identify development areas and improve practice.

Areas to improve

• Increase the proportion of interns who achieve functional skills English and mathematics qualifications, which has been "too low in previous years."
• Increase the proportion of interns who gain paid employment, as currently "too few progress into paid employment."
• Embed the new governance structure to provide "effective support and challenge to leaders."

Safeguarding

The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."