Watchdog praise for independent Wigan college after its first bumpy inspection

Earlier this year Ofsted reported Fir Tree Fishery CIC, in Appley Bridge, had made “insufficient progress” in three areas judged and lessons were based on what students wanted to learn, rather than what would help them to succeed.

But another visit by inspectors revealed the college has made “reasonable” or “significant” progress since then in the three categories.

Lead inspector Suzanne Wainwright wrote: “Following the previous monitoring visit, leaders analysed the quality of the provision thoroughly. They took appropriate actions to rectify the majority of the weaknesses identified.”

She noted the impact of some of the actions was not yet clear due to the pandemic, but that “the enthusiasm to improve is clear”.

Fir Tree was established in September 2018 for people aged 16 to 25 who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Ofsted considered the progress made by leaders in three categories: delivering learning programmes tailored to suit the individual needs of learners; ensuring students benefit from programmes that develop their skills and help them achieve their goals; and ensuring effective safeguarding arrangements are in place.

It found staff knew their students individually, a new curriculum had been introduced and work experience placements were tailored for students.

Staff were found to have “positive” relationships with students and knew their personal and social starting points, which they used to plan activities to help them develop.

But Ofsted found the tutors did not fully know their academic or vocational starting points, and all students did the same classroom-based work, regardless of ability.

The inspector said leaders “prioritise” safeguarding and had taken “significant steps” to address concerns raised during the last visit.

Risk assessments were “comprehensive and thorough.”

Managing director Martin Taylor welcomed the findings, adding: “We worked really hard as a team. It was such a lovely effort. Parents and learners were absolutely fabulous and got involved. We listened to parents and learners and our wider team. We brought support staff in and were able to make such a positive difference and develop from the previous Ofsted.”

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