Queen Alexandra College

Overview

Queen Alexandra College is an independent specialist college providing residential and day provision for students with visual impairments, autism, physical disabilities, and other learning difficulties. The inspection confirms that senior leaders have successfully remedied previous weaknesses, resulting in a "Good" overall effectiveness rating across all key judgement areas. The college offers a wide range of vocational and personal development courses designed to prepare students for life after college.

Strengths

• Students benefit from "good teaching" and "well-planned and relevant work experience" that reflects their long-term goals.
• Staff provide "highly individualised support" using appropriate technologies and aids, enabling students to become more independent.
• The curriculum is described as "ambitious" with five clear pathways that meet students' needs and aspirations.
• Students demonstrate strong knowledge of healthy relationships, consent, and how to keep themselves safe.
• Governors provide "effective oversight" and hold senior leaders to account with accurate understanding of strengths and weaknesses.

Areas to improve

• Ensure staff improve the quality of written feedback in all pathways and support for students in the Provision for Life (PfL) pathway.
• Increase oversight of enrichment and recreational activities so staff convey "clear purpose and expectations of students’ behaviour."
• Manage authorised absences so that students miss fewer classes due to therapies and appointments.

Safeguarding

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