Sports Connect

Overview

Sports Connect is an independent specialist college providing sports programmes for learners aged 16 to 25 with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The inspection found that learners are taught in “highly supportive, inclusive and welcoming environments” and make good progress towards their education, health and care plan outcomes. Leaders have developed good-quality provision across multiple sites, ensuring learners with complex needs receive effective support and move on to positive destinations.

Strengths

• Learners enjoy learning in well-resourced facilities, with many experiencing enjoyment for the first time after previous disengagement.
• Tutors are well qualified and use effective strategies, such as breaking down topics and practical activities, to help learners secure knowledge and skills.
• Staff provide strong personal support, including mentoring for those with anxiety, helping learners develop independence and confidence.
• Leaders work effectively with community partners to provide relevant work experience and high-quality careers advice.
• The education advisory board provides good oversight, using information to identify strengths and take swift action for improvements.

Areas to improve

• Increase the number of learners achieving their planned qualifications.
• Ensure the personal and social development curriculum is taught consistently across all sites so learners have secure knowledge for adult life.
• Increase the number of learners participating in work experience.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”