Youth Works Community College

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 13 December 2023

The school's values of being person centred, responsive, nurturing and empowering are evident at Youth Works Community College. All parents and carers who responded to Ofsted Parent View did so positively. A parent summed up the view of many, commenting: 'I am amazed by what the staff have enabled my child to achieve in such a short space of time: she now has hope for her future.' Pupils enjoy learning in a safe and welcoming environment. They follow learning programmes designed specifically around their needs and interests. Pupils develop strong working relationships with staff. Staff are skilled at motivating pupils and keeping them focused on their learning. Staff skilfully help pupils make positive choices. Pupils respectfully collaborate with staff to establish clear boundaries. Pupils know that their opinions are valued. They learn to manage their emotions and feelings very successfully. Almost all pupils see marked improvements in their attendance and behaviour over time. Pupils are re-engaged with learning. Many pupils have clear plans for their next steps. Pupils are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences. They say that staff listen to them, care about them and give them the confidence to be successful. As one pupil said, 'They get you here.'

What the school should improve

• Not all subject curriculums are as ambitious as they should be. Staff are in the process of identifying what pupils need to know and when in some subjects. Pupils do not learn and achieve as well as they could in these subjects. The school should ensure that all subject curriculums clearly identify the precise knowledge pupils need to know and when. This will enable staff to know what needs to be taught when, and enable pupils to know, remember and do more.
• Some pupils with SEND are not supported as well as they could be. Staff do not have sufficient information to provide these pupils with effective support. The targets staff set do not provide the precise detail needed for pupils to achieve as well as they should. As a result, these pupils' needs are not always well met. The school should ensure that staff have the necessary information, knowledge and skills to make sure these pupils get the support they need to be successful.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)