On Course South West Celebrates Continued Excellence with Latest Ofsted Inspection Results
Plymouth City Council is proud to announce that it has maintained its standing as a high-quality Further Education and Skills provider. Following its most recent Ofsted inspection, lead by On Course South West and supported by partners. The report confirms the service's continued commitment to providing exceptional learning opportunities for the people of Plymouth.
A Beacon of Inclusion
A major highlight of the report was the recognition of OCSW’s dedication to inclusivity and support for disadvantaged groups. The report stated:
"Leaders focus heavily on inclusion and ensure that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds receive the support that they need. A high proportion of learners are from disadvantaged groups, and leaders invest in specialist staff to meet their needs. Staff identify any additional needs skilfully and swiftly and provide effective support so that learners feel welcomed, respected and able to participate in activities."
This culture of inclusion is strengthened by OCSW's close collaboration with key local partners, including Discovery College, Shekinah, and ODILS. Together, these partnerships ensure that specialist support is woven throughout the provision, allowing learners from all walks of life to access education in a way that suits their individual needs.
Lucinda Sanders, Principal of On Course South West, said:
"This report is a wonderful reflection of the dedication and passion our entire team brings to the classroom every single day. At On Course South West, we pride ourselves on creating a safe, nurturing, and ambitious environment where every learner, regardless of their starting point, can thrive. Seeing the hard work of our staff and the incredible progress of our learners recognised by Ofsted is a proud moment for all of us."
The inspection evaluated the service across several key areas, including the quality of education, leadership and management, and adult learning programmes. Inspectors praised the service for its inclusive environment and its ability to help learners overcome significant barriers to education.
Key Highlights from the Report:
High-Quality Support: Inspectors noted that learners receive effective and compassionate support, helping them gain the confidence needed to succeed in their studies.
Community Impact: The curriculum is expertly designed to meet the needs of the local community, focusing on those most in need of skills for employment, further education, or personal fulfilment.
Expert Teaching: Staff were commended for their welcoming nature and their ability to plan curricula that develop knowledge and skills progressively over time.
Strong Leadership: The report highlighted that leaders continue to manage the service effectively, maintaining the high standards established since the provision returned to council management.
David Haley, Director of Children’s Services and Education at Plymouth City Council, said: “This inspection reflects the passion, resilience and professionalism of our staff. Adult skills and further education colleagues work with learners who often have complex lives and significant challenges, and the impact they are making should not be underestimated. I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment to Plymouth’s residents. While we are pleased that Ofsted recognises what is working well, we are not complacent and will continue to support staff to build on this and drive further improvement.”
The full inspection report is available to view on the Ofsted website.
About On Course South West: On Course South West is Plymouth City Council’s adult education provider. It offers a wide range of courses, from essential English and Maths to vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and skills bootcamps, serving thousands of learners each year.
