Teacher Training Programme Wins Ofsted Praise

Derby College’s involvement in the University of Derby Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes has been awarded the highest accolade from Ofsted.

Ofsted ranked the FE and skills provision as ‘outstanding’ following an inspection in September. The inspection has also ranked the overall effectiveness of the ITE partnership as ‘good’ in Early Years; ‘outstanding’ in Primary and ‘good’ in Secondary.

Derby College is a key main partner in the University of Derby-led programme in the city and has the highest number of in-service trainees.

The key findings of the report published recently highlight:

-          The professional conduct of trainees in all four partnerships as strong, resilient and independent teachers who are exemplary role models for their peers and colleagues;

-          The attainment of trainees is high and continues to improve;

-          Strong employment rates amongst trainees with employers valuing their skills highly;

-          High satisfaction rates and the partnership has a good reputation amongst trainees, teachers, employers and partner organisations.

The Ofsted inspectors said: “The University of Derby provides excellent training for teachers and trainers in the further education and skills sector.

“Teaching and learning are lively and thought provoking; challenging students to rise to the high expectations set by trainees and NQTs in their lessons.”

“Partner colleges are very closely involved in the leadership and management of the partnership, and are highly influential in shaping the provision so that trainee teachers fulfil the recruitment needs of the sector.”

“Partner colleges, along with current and former trainees, play an integral role in rigorous recruitment and selection processes so that trainees have high levels of subject knowledge and the capacity to become excellent teachers.”

Derby College Assistant Head of Higher Education Robin Webber Jones said: “As a key part of the ITE Partnership, we are obviously delighted with this recognition of the hard work, commitment and the high quality of education that we provide.”

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