An independent specialist college in South London that prepares young people with autism for employment and adult life has achieved 'Strong Standard' and 'Expected Standard' grades following a recent Ofsted inspection. The Autism Project (TAP), part of the charity CareTrade based in Elephant and Castle, received the ratings after inspectors visited on May 12. The college offers a full-time employability programme for autistic young people aged 18-25 with an Education Health and Care (EHC) Plan.
Strong ratings for inclusion and participation
TAP received two strong ratings for Inclusion and Participation and Development, and three expected ratings for Achievement, Curriculum and Teaching, and Leadership and Governance. The inspection report, published on July 23, highlighted that learners told inspectors they really enjoy learning in safe, highly inclusive and respectful classes, and that their work placements meet their individual needs and aspirations very well.
Karen Edwards, Chief Executive of CareTrade, said the Ofsted ratings were a reflection of a dedicated and skilled staff team "who put learners at the heart of everything they do". Ms Edwards told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "Inclusion is central to our ethos, learners tell us 'they feel they belong', some for the first time. Working with and witnessing young people achieve their goals is an amazing privilege. We are very pleased with our new Ofsted grading and will be looking to build on this, in the future."
Detailed inspector observations
Ofsted inspectors noted that speech and language therapists provide "valuable opportunities" for female learners to meet and discuss topics important to them, including identity, online dating, menstruation and neurodiversity. Male learners discuss contemporary topics in the news, including toxic masculinity. Staff ensure learners understand their rights as employees to protect themselves from discrimination, and leaders make sure that in work placements and at the provider, learners do not experience bullying or harassment.
Inspectors said staff support learners very well, helping them progress onto employment and volunteering roles. They work effectively with employers to widen learners' understanding of employment options through industry days, employer visits and guest speakers. Senior leaders were praised for their long-standing advocacy and active participation in furthering provision for learners with autism.
Leadership and learner experiences
Inspectors said: "They have a long-standing vision to teach and support young adults with autism to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that they need to gain employment, flourish and lead fulfilling lives. They hold high ambitions for their learners and have long-standing and effective partnerships with employers and other stakeholders." Leaders were praised for having high aspirations and ensuring individual needs and goals are at the forefront of planning. They thoroughly consider a wide range of information before learners start their course, including educational history, EHC Plan outcomes, and social care status.
Learners benefit from a wide range of work placements and work-related learning that meets their needs, interests and goals very well. They take part in comprehensive personal development activities that "significantly enhance" their experience at TAP, including trips to the cinema and bowling, and the in-house music band and gaming club have helped learners form new friendships.
Next steps for improvement
Inspectors said: "Learners with the most complex needs receive highly effective and timely support from staff. They follow a well-planned curriculum that supports their progress very well. They participate in volunteering roles in food banks and gardens in their community, where they develop their communication and social skills well." The report set out three areas for leaders to focus on, including providing training for tutors that leads to consistently high-quality teaching and ensuring tutors use resources suitable for the young adults they teach.
