Everyone likes getting a good report.

So learners and staff at the North East Autism Society’s Thornbeck College are feeling very pleased with themselves.

Four Ofsted inspectors deemed Thornbeck College good overall and outstanding when it comes to personal development, behaviour and welfare.

Inspectors noted that staff are highly skilled in working with learners with autism and their teaching has been so effective it’s had a positive impact on students learning to regulate their own behaviour.

It was also recorded that learners make outstanding progress in developing their personal and social skills, setting them up for success in life when they go on to live and work independently.

The inspection took place from June 14-16, 2016.

Key findings included the high standard of work by learners, a thorough range of enrichment, social enterprise projects, internships and work experience all of which help students to strengthen their own communication and team-working skills as well as building on the college’s continuing collaboration work with employers and in the community.

NEAS Director of Education, Christine Dempster said:

We are proud to receive this excellent report after such a thorough examination of the college’s work. This report is first of all a testament to our learners and how much they have achieved. Well done all of you – Ofsted just verified what we already know; that you’re all fantastic!

It also reflects the hard work, dedication and tremendous effort from our incredible, highly skilled staff team. I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised our ambitious vision and unyielding passion for improving the quality of life for learners.

Ofsted also reported that personal development, behaviour and welfare are outstanding which demonstrates the college’s genuine specialism. A lot of education providers mention autism but our college truly is specialist. I’m very proud of my staff and the students.

Moving forward the team will focus on making the long-term goals of learners more precise, ensuring classroom-based teaching encourages all students to make maximum progress and ensure all areas of college life are rigorously evaluated.

The college’s board of trustees were praised for their frequent monitoring of college work but were also encouraged to increase the depth in which they question managers.

Read the full report below:

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To visit Thornbeck College at the North East Centre for Autism in Newton Aycliffe, email [email protected] to register your interest in open days or private tours.