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Welcome to Southend Adult Community College’s 2013/14 Annual Review. The report contains an overview of the college’s work and performance during the year. However, most importantly, it celebrates the achievements of our learners as represented by the award winners featured in the document.The review includes three sections about the work undertaken in the college’s three priority areas of activity, namely:

Learning for Life • Learning for Work • Learning for Health and WellbeingWhile this report was being produced, the college’s Ofsted inspection report from October 2014 was published. Many of the judgements made during the inspection were informed through evidence and data based on the 2013/14 year.

Central to the outcome has been the continuing increase in the college’s overall success rates, which, for the first time, moved above 90% with a three-year trend rising from 86% to 91%, which is 5 percentage points above the national average.

These success rates contributed to the Ofsted overall judgement of ‘good with outstanding features’, with two curriculum areas, Early Years & Playwork and Visual Arts being graded 1 – ‘Outstanding’. The inspection report provides a strong platform on which to further develop the college’s provision and aim towards an overall ‘Outstanding’ grade at its next inspection.

Welcome

Stephen LayPrincipal

Robert AveryChair of Governors

John DupreyVice Chair of Governors

Southend Adult Community College is part of Southend Borough Council’s vision to ‘Create a Better Southend’. In 2012, Southend Borough Council won the Local Government Chronicle’s Council of the Year.

Southend Adult Community College would like to thank all those students who kindly agreed to support the College by allowing the use of their image in this publication. Information in this brochure is offered in good faith but may be subject to slight alteration.

ContentsWelcome 3

Learning for Life 4

Learning for Work 6

Celebrating Achievement 8

Learning for Health and Wellbeing 12

Our Performance 14

Why People Choose Southend Adult Community College to Learn? 16

Financial Statistics 18

My Journey by Sally Hutchins 19

Ofsted Inspection Report & Contact Details 20

‘ Success rates are high, and in some cases extremely high. Whole college success rates have improved over the last few years and in 2013/14 college data indicate they improved to, or were maintained at, levels above national rates’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

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There were numerous highlights during the year from across the College:

• A significant increase in apprenticeship success rates

• Learners completing their Level 5 vocational qualifications with the option of progressing on to a full honours degree

• Receiving a ‘Gold’ certificate for the number of learners that participated in the Reading Agency’s ‘Six Book Challenge’

• Our first ‘showcase’ week for students with learning disabilities and difficulties

• The Westcliff Centre’s activities in the wider community, including a trip to London

• Staff involved in European exchange visits to share best practice

• A ‘pop-up shop’ enabling arts and crafts learners to showcase and promote their work

• The introduction of distance learning modules in Languages with 80% of materials accessible on-line

• The ‘Staying Steady’ project in partnership with public health to help older people avoid falls

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We work closely with a range of community partners/organisations to design and deliver courses to meet the needs of their groups and ensure learners develop the knowledge and skills to access local services independently.

To review, develop and maintain good practice Learning for Life staff:

• Contributed resources to an English and Maths Sustainability Project

• Participated in research in the use of technology to teach English

• Participated in a mentor training project

• Participated in a Maths enhancement project to build capacity and prepare for increased delivery of GCSE maths over the next two years

• Contributed to the Traineeship staff support programme, designing resources and sharing methods to assess and embed Maths and English and measure progress in class

• Led on a ‘Joint Practice Development’ project where maths and ESOL tutors shared their practice with colleagues from a neighbouring provider

Courses are designed to deliver learning opportunities to adults (19+). Opportunities to learn are planned to address a wide range of needs:

• Those of independent learners with greater skills and confidence who wish to move on at work or further their education and require a Level 2 qualification in English, Maths or ICT• Those who may have no skills in the subject at all (Pre Entry) and also who may be less independent as learners

All courses work on building the students’ ability to learn and their confidence to use their skills. Last year we developed learning opportunities to support people in:

• Understanding what’s available in the library and feeling confident to visit the library independently• Reading confidently for health and wellbeing – gaining the Reading Agency’s Gold Award for the Six Book Challenge• Accessing websites for job search and benefits and language learning (including Direct.Gov)• Developing language skills to apply for jobs and work (ESOL plus)• Learning the language and maths skills to pass a theory driving test and maintain a home• ICT skills to research for personal interests e.g. visits to London attractions

For three years, we have had rising success rates for all qualifications. GCSE Science had 100% A-C grades for the last two years and GCSE English and Maths both had A-C success rates above the national average. Learners use the qualifications to go into Nursing; Midwifery; University or Access courses and to prepare for apprenticeships or vocational qualifications where GCSE is required.

Lea rn i ng f o r L i f e Lea rn i ng f o r L i f eLearning for Life offers the community of Southend a varied programme of part-time non-accredited and accredited courses in:• Job Readiness and courses to help sustain employment • Maths• ICT• English• English for Speakers of Other languages• A range of subjects for students with learning disabilities• GCSEs in English; Maths and Science

‘Teachers and volunteers praise learners for their work and motivate them well to improve their confidence’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

In 2013/14, 75 volunteers supported learners and the work undertaken by the college.

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Our Study Programme works with some of the most vulnerable16-18 learners in Southend, including young people leaving care, those with mental health issues, low confidence and low self-esteem and very low school achievement. Last year we achieved 100% success rate with our cohort and have increased provision by 50% to meet the demand from learners, their friends and families and organisations across the borough. Our 16-18 Manager works tirelessly with her team to provide pastoral support that is crucial to the success of these learners and

Learning for Work incorporates many aspects of accredited provision at the college including apprenticeships, vocational training including 24+ Learning Loans, 16-18 study programmes, traineeships and commercial courses. The responsibility of recruitment for the wide range of programmes is included in the remit of the Heads of Learning for Work. We offer eight frameworks at levels ranging from Intermediate to Higher-Level Apprenticeships in:

• Business Administration

• Customer Service

• IT Professionals

• Childcare

• Health and Social Care

• Horticulture

• Teaching Assistants

• Management

Our Business Development Officers create and follow up leads for new opportunities for employers and apprentices at the college. Our Apprentice Manager, along with the tutors working on the vocational and functional skills aspects of the apprenticeship framework, support and nurture the apprentices and develop strong relationships with employers once they are on programme with us. This year we have seen a significant improvement in our apprentice numbers and success rates. We are currently recruiting for a new framework in facilities management and continue to look to develop new areas of work based on local needs.

We offer a wide range of vocational courses incorporating all of the above areas and in addition:

• Counselling

• Complementary Therapies

• Beauty

• PC Maintenance and ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)

Vocational courses are offered from Level 1 to Level 5 allowing all our learners excellent progression pathways into employment and career progression. This year we have 25 learners beginning their Level 5 Childcare qualification co-funded by Early Years at Southend Borough Council. One of our Level 5 learners who completed last year won the Nursery World ‘Childminder of The Year’ award and received an ‘Outstanding’ grade from Ofsted, which she credited to her training at the college. We are also introducing AAT Accounting courses this year to meet local demand and plan to incorporate this offer in a further Accounting Apprenticeship.

We offer commercial courses that can be accredited at employer request. These courses attract no external funding and are fully paid for by the employer or learner. We offer Health and Safety and Safeguarding, First Aid and have created courses to meet specific employer needs. For example, we have written training at the request of Early Years to meet changes in Early Years setting Ofsted requirements. In addition, we provided training for school INSET days to meet schools’ individual needs. Feedback on these courses is very positive from employers and learners.

Learning for Work Learning for Work

Early Years and Playwork ‘Outstanding’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”‘Teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding, as reflected by success, retention and attendance rates, which are exceptionally high. The excellent skills development and professionalism of learners have contributed well to the quality of pre-school provision in the Borough of Southend’

‘Employability programmes are a key feature of the college’s provision’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

‘Learners on Study Programmes do well. The college has made a significant contribution to reducing the number of young people in the Borough who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

supporting their wellbeing and social and emotional development. All our learners select the vocational area they want to study and work in and their work placements reflect their individual needs and interests.

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Celebrating Achievement Award WinnersApprentice of the Year Winner: Connor TaylorConnor is an Advanced Apprentice in the ICT Professional sector. Working for a local school he has demonstrated outstanding technical ability and has been commended for his exemplary attitude to work.

Learner of the Year in the CommunityWinner: Elizabeth MansfieldElizabeth has three children and having left school before taking her GCSE’s was determined to help them do well. She has attended English classes at Temple Sutton Children’s Centre and despite many challenges achieved her first qualification in English last year. Elizabeth is now on the residents’ housing committee representing others.

Community Partner of the YearWinner: Richmond FellowshipThe Richmond Fellowship is a national mental health charity providing community based programmes for mental health service users. A highly effective partnership with the College has enabled learners to successfully complete a self-development course with ‘graduates’ then acting as ‘buddies’ for the next group of students.

Large Employer of the YearWinner: Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)The CAB has acted as the lead body in an innovative project ‘Transforming Advice on Sea’ that has recruited seven ‘advice apprentices’ to work with seven local voluntary organisations.

Learning Disabilities Learner of the YearWinner: Samuel SeeboruthSam achieved in many ways during his time on the ‘Maths for Everyday Living’ course. He has managed to learn strategies to become a more independent learner, has made a real effort to interact with the rest of the class and completed the year achieving the Entry Level 1 Maths qualification.

Learning for Health and Wellbeing Student of the YearWinner: Barbara TownsendBarbara enrolled on ‘French for Beginners’ three years ago having been asked by her French daughter in law to look after the grandchildren who did not speak English. Barbara’s perseverance in learning a

language she did not find easy is inspiring.

Learning for Life Student of the YearJoint Winner: Philip HeatherPhilip has shown tremendous determination and dedication to overcome numerous challenges to successfully complete his Level 2 functional skills English qualification. Having left school with no qualifications he realised that education was key to a better future for himself and his family.

Joint Winner: Phelumusa Hlabangana‘Musa’ has been inspirational not only to his peers, but also his family at home. In order for him to achieve his learning goals it has often been necessary for him to arrive in class straight from a night shift and stay in college all day for his maths and English lessons, before a short ‘nap’ and back to work. ‘A true, humble gentleman; genuinely loved by all the class’.

Learning for Work Student of the YearWinner: Sheryl WinslowSheryl began her learning journey by enrolling on a ‘Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools’ while volunteering in a local school. As her confidence grew the setting asked her to work on a 1:1 basis with one of the children and this proved extremely successful. With this experience, Sheryl has now been appointed to a full time Teaching Assistant role.

Senior Learner of the Year Winner: John PackwoodJohn has a real passion for languages and is a very committed learner who spends a lot of time on his homework and always produces work of a high standard. He is an active member of the class and says studying French and going to the gym gives provides him a purpose to his week.

SME Employer of the YearWinner: Chase High SchoolChase High School recruited their first apprentice following a request from a new member of staff to start their employment in an apprenticeship training role. This initiative proved so successful that the school has gone on to recruit a further three apprentices. The school pays a competitive rate of pay and provides opportunities for the apprentices to progress in the school once the apprenticeship framework is completed.

‘The college is a great advocate of community cohesion. Main sites are a harmony of respect and joy’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

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Support Staff Member of the Year Winner: Amy SmithAmy provided administrative support to the staff arranging the progression interviews for adults with learning disabilities. Throughout this process Amy provided a fantastic ‘meet and greet’ approach for the prospective learners and their carers/families. Her dedication and hard work over the course of the interviews greatly contributed to the smooth running and success of the entire process.

Support Tutor of the YearWinner: Jane WattsJane works as a Personal Tutor, visiting learners in the workplace and liaising with the employer to ensure that the learner is successful in all aspects of their programme. Jane is hardworking, dedicated and passionate about providing the best possible support to her learners.

Team of the YearWinner: LanguagesThe Languages team has led the College’s move to make learning resources available ‘on-line’. The tutors were exemplary in their commitment to the project. This involved undertaking additional training, developing resources and uploading materials onto the ‘learning platform’. In addition, the team were outstanding in their approach to encouraging their learners to embrace this new approach including the use of new technology.

Tutor of the YearWinner: Jay EllisJay works with the College’s study programme groups for young people and helps them overcome various issues of behaviour and social exclusion. She thrives on seeing the change in behaviour and increase in confidence as the learners engage fully with the programme. Jay is a valued member of the 16-19 team and really does have the ‘Midas’ touch in this challenging area of work.

Volunteer of the YearWinner: Christine WoodleyAfter completing her Art degree Christine expressed an interest in volunteering at the college. She has become the Art Department’s first ‘Learning Champion’ in a scheme that matches her volunteering activities with the skills and experience she needs to gain employment in creative industries. Chris has worked tirelessly producing materials, arranging room displays and staffing events.

Westcliff Centre Learner of the Year – The Susan D’Ath Award*Winner: Rhys JonesRhys is a popular student at the centre, interacting with his peers and staff through both his vocal and non-vocal communication. He has built on his three years’ prior learning and has demonstrated an enhanced level of confidence in his own abilities. Rhys has progressed in all areas of learning, but it is swimming lessons that he has really excelled. Well done Rhys!

Young Learner of the YearJoint Winner: Ryan DayRyan has worked exceptionally hard in order to overcome his barriers to learning. When he first joined the group Ryan struggled to settle down, but as his confidence grew he slowly began to positively engage with the wider community. Through his determination to succeed the transformation in Ryan’s approach to learning is remarkable. Through volunteering activities and gaining a whole suite of qualifications Ryan is now successfully participating in an apprenticeship with a local voluntary organisation.

Joint Winner: Joshua CraigieJoshua has a real passion for music, but when his course folded he became disengaged and started mixing with the wrong people. He heard about the college’s study programme through a friend and last year gained Maths and English qualifications as well as volunteering experience working with the homeless. This experience provided the platform to gain an apprenticeship with the CAB and his life has changed dramatically. He is also again pursuing his music career as the winner of the ‘Big Sound Battle’ competition in London.

*The Susan D’Ath Award is introduced this year in Susan’s memory following her cruel illness and passing in August 2013. Susan spent over 30 years as a Governor at the college and keen advocate of lifelong learning across the borough. She had a particular passion for supporting young adults with profound and complex learning disabilities and played an instrumental role in raising funds to provide a sensory room at the Westcliff Centre. Thank you Susan.‘Leaders have been very effective in reducing significantly gaps in the achievement rate of different groups’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

‘Teachers use their wide and varied experience, including best practice from other countries, extremely well to help learners develop their skills, knowledge and expertise and to develop an ethos of ongoing professional improvement. As a result, one learner recently gained recognition by a national organisation as childminder of the year’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

Award Winners Cont. . .

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Learning for Health and Wellbeing Learning for Health and Wellbeing

‘Learners make significant gains in confidence and the college focuses strongly on the skills that they need to succeed in the local community. For example, the ‘Staying Steady’ course helps older learners who are fearful of falling, cope with situations to help them take a fuller part in the community’ . – “Ofsted November 2014.”

The college’s community learning programmes are wide ranging in terms of both curriculum subjects and course lengths. These cover the following areas of provision: • Arts and Crafts• Modern Foreign Languages• British Sign Language• Makaton• ICT• History • Humanities • Fitness

This type of learning is aimed at the whole community, including those who wish to learn new skills and improve their health and wellbeing. We offer a flexible and responsive programme that is designed to meet the needs of our learners and the wider community.

The outcome for learners in Community Learning in 2013/14 was excellent. All learners gained new skills and made very good progress. Progression was from beginners to advanced levels throughout the curriculum areas. The impact of this provision is evident in the data of success and retention rates as well as in learners’ feedback, which is highly positive.

Striving for excellence, during the year we continued the improvement of our services by introducing many initiatives:

• The ‘Staying Steady’ project, in partnership Southend Borough Council’s Public Health team, has proved very successful through the overall physical and social benefits that the programme brings to the participants

• A pop-up shop in Leigh Broadway to showcase learners’ work and promote the winter programme• A survey looking at the impact on

people’s lives when coming on a course and some of the additional outcomes that promote general health and wellbeing

• The introduction of a ‘learning champion’ within Arts and Crafts curriculum area. This involved a learner that needed extra experience within the arts field being matched to a volunteer with the specific aim of improving their employability skills

• The introduction of distance learning modules in Languages was very successful with 80% of course material accessible on-line. This initiative has been written up as a case study by the regional digital inclusion body ‘JISC’. The tool had a positive impact on learning and achievements

• Within ICT, there are a range of shorter ‘digital inclusion’ courses designed to allow the community to keep up to date with the skills needed in today’s ever changing technological landscape

• Another partnership project with Southend Borough Council’s Public Health team, ‘Making Every Contact Count’, involved college staff working alongside health professionals to deliver health awareness raising programmes to a wide range of organisations in the borough including staff from the Citizens Advice Bureau and Southend United Football Club

• Students with learning disabilities successfully showcased their individual achievements through a range of celebration events at the college. These were attended by friends, family, staff, other college learners and community representatives

Visual Arts ‘Outstanding’ – “Ofsted November 2014 .” ‘Teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding, as reflected by the success rates which are very high. Learners speak positively about their new skills and how they are helping their (visual arts) work’.

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Our PerformanceCommunity Learning Starts and Success Rates

‘Success rates have improved over the last few years and many are well above national rates’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

Learners Aged 16-18Starts and Success Rates versus the National Average

ApprenticeshipsStarts and Success Rates versus the National Average

Further Education and Accredited Qualifications (Adult Basic Skills)Starts and Success Rates versus the National Average

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14

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FE Choices - Helping you to choose where to learn and trainThe Skills Funding Agency conducts an annual survey (0 = very bad and 10 = very good), designed to capture learners’ perceptions on a variety of topics. These include the quality of the teaching and learning, whether their provider is responsive to their views, information, advice and guidance received from the provider, whether they have been treated with respect and their overall satisfaction with their learning experience.

• For courses that lead to a qualification in 2013/14 our overall score was 9.0, and 93% of learners would recommend us to friends or family. The standard of teaching at the college in this area was rated at 9.4

• The Skills Funding Agency introduced a Community Learning trial survey for 2013/14 in which the college participated and our overall score was 9.2, and 96% of learners would recommend us to friends or family. The standard of teaching at the college was rated at 9.6

• 89% of learners that responded either went into work or education either continuing with the college or another institution

Facts and FiguresWe have:

• 274 staff

• 75 volunteers

• 7,953 enrolments

• 3,986 individual learners

• £3.95 million budget

• Three main centres:

• Southchurch Centre, Ambleside Drive, Southend, SS1 2UP

• Belfairs Centre, Belfairs Academy, Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, SS9 3TG

• Westcliff Centre, Specialist Centre for Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities, 224 Prittlewell Chase, SS0 0RT

We work with:

• 21 community partners

• Barons Court Children’s Centre

• Blenheim Children’s Centre

• CRI (Crime Reduction Initiative)

• Darlinghurst Primary School

• Fledgelings

• Friars Childrens’ Centre

• Growing Together

• Hamstel Children and Family Centre

• HARP

• Prince Avenue Childrens’ Centre

• Richmond Fellowship

• Safer Places

• SAVS, Alexandra Street

• Shoebury High School

• South Essex Homes

• Southend Hospital

• Southend Library - The Forum

• Southend Probation Service

• St Andrews Church

• St Luke’s Church

• Storehouse

• Summercourt Children’s Centre

• Temple Sutton Children’s Centre

• Trinity Family Centre

Why do people choose Southend Adult Community College to Learn?

‘Carefully selected and trained volunteers bring a wide variety of life and employment experience to the teaching. They provide excellent individual support for learners who need it’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

‘Partnership arrangements are excellent and bring great benefits to learners and local organisations’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

‘By setting challenging targets linked to robust monitoring of performance, governors and senior managers ensure a continual improvement of standards’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

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This summary reflects the position of all of the college’s operations across the sites at the Southchurch, Belfairs and Westcliff Centres. It also includes those parts of the programme that are offered at a number of outreach centres in the community.

The college’s total income is made up of grant income from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and the Education Funding Agency (EFA). This totalled £3,134,842 (2012-13 £3,414,868), Student Fees and Charges including 24+Learning Loans £483,836 (2012-13 £432,051) and other income including rents £333,088 (2012-13 £368,347).

The college generated an operating surplus of £17,002 (2012-13 £59,455).

Financial Statistics

‘Governors are strong advocates of the college’s mission and bring a range of relevant business and education skills to bear to ensure that the college continues to improve in spite of less funding’ – “Ofsted November 2014.”

As I begin my journey to my first lesson, I glance up at the building. I remember how it had felt as a child living nearby, when this was a school for boys. The strict dominant staff and the bustling boys in their blazers of black. Today it was a myriad of colour; of people of all ages and backgrounds entering and leaving the building by the newer, modernised reception. As I eagerly entered through the doors, I was welcomed by a smiling member of staff, happy to direct me to my allocated classroom. We entered the classroom together with our new colleagues into the bright, airy room.

Seven weeks on, I walk up the street towards the steps of the college and I am careful not to slip on the wet leaves underfoot. I am aware of the cars pulling into the car park and people bustling in through the entranceway. As I step through the now familiar doors, I glance at my watch and hurry forward, turning left into the stairwell. As I climb the stairs, I pass a woman on her mobile phone that is in a rather forceful conversation with someone about her son’s genius and the support she feels he is not receiving. As I pass her I walk along the corridor glancing at the photographs of students and their achievements, and wondering, if my children had a more pushy mother would they achieve more, and deciding that no, let them live their own lives, have fun and I’ll always be here supporting and encouraging them. As I enter the classroom, my tutor and peers greet me and I am grateful for the support and encouragement I myself receive here.

Today is the last day of my course and as I walk up the stairs and enter the foyer, it is with pride, and a little sadness. Today, I complete my course.

As I walk my path up the stairs and along the corridor, I am aware without looking of the pictures, rooms and artefacts I pass. My thoughts are on my journey. Fourteen weeks ago, I began my creative writing course – slightly apprehensive and unsure, though excited. Today, I look back over those weeks and smile. The knowledge I have

learned, the people I have met, the experiences we have

shared in our writing. To do something I

love, with people who share

my passion. I have

enjoyed this

course. I shall

miss it!

My Journey by Sally Hutchins Creative Writing Learner

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Southend Adult Community CollegeAmbleside Drive,Southend on SeaEssex SS1 2UP

General information: 01702 445700Fax: 01702 445739Email: sacc@southend-adult.ac.ukWebsite: www.southend-adult.ac.ukSpecific course information: 01702 445700Student Adviser: 01702 445710Minicom: 01702 618100

Other Centres:

Belfairs High SchoolHighlands BoulevardLeigh on Sea, SS9 3TG

Westcliff Centre Specialist Centre for Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities 224 Prittlewell Chase Westcliff on Sea, SS0 0RT

General information: 01702 330617 Fax: 01702 346937

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Twitter(SouthendACC)

Further Education and Skills inspection reportDate published: 12 November 2014Inspection Number: 446666URN: 54519

Inspection dates 06-10 October 2014

Overall effectiveness This inspection: Good-2

Previous inspection: Good-2

Outcomes for learners Good-2

Quality of teaching, learning and assessment Good-2

Effectiveness of leadership and management Good-2

Ofsted Inspection Report Key Findings

Summary of key findings for learnersThis provider is good because: • success rates have improved over the last few years and many are well above

national rates • learners develop good practical, vocational and employability skills. They make

good progress in developing these skills • learners on study programmes do well. The college has made a significant

contribution to reducing the number of young people in the borough who are not in education, employment or training (NEET)

• staff are particularly effective at finding good work placements for learners on employability programmes. These placements relate directly to learners’ aims and provide good workplace experience

• teachers use their professional skills and knowledge well to help learners relate their studies to the world of work and gain employment or promotion

• staff, at all levels, create good partnerships with a range of agencies. They use these partnerships well to help learners develop a range of useful skills

• leaders work well to create, and monitor the effectiveness of, a curriculum that meets the needs of learners and the local community.

For the full report please visit http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/ELS/54519