STAFF and learners at Southend Adult Community College are celebrating a successful Ofsted inspection.

The college in Ambleside Drive, Southchurch, achieved a rating of “outstanding” in its early years and playwork and visual arts curriculum areas.

These excellent results contributed to a college-wide “good” grade for overall effectiveness.

Principal Stephen Lay said: “I would like to thank the learners, staff and volunteers who have all worked so hard to ensure such a positive inspection outcome.

“The Ofsted report provides a strong platform on which to further develop the college’s provision and aim towards an overall ‘outstanding’ outcome in three years’ time.”

It is six years since the college was previously inspected, during which time the bar has been raised significantly on the inspection criteria.

A team of seven inspectors observed lessons, met with key partners, scrutinised the most recent self-assessment report and interviewed governors and senior managers.

Inspectors also used learners’ achievement and success over the last three years to help them make their judgements.

The inspection report praised many aspects of the college’s employability provision including study programmes, apprenticeships and vocational learning programmes. The report highlighted the extremely high success rates and the college’s accomplishments in preparing learners for further education, work or training.

The report identified the college as a great advocate of community cohesion with a culture of respect evident around the college sites and community venues. Learners, staff and volunteers were praised for responding, respecting and celebrating the cultural and other differences of the diverse college community.

Anne Jones, Southend councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “I would like to congratulate the college on this excellent report. “I am delighted that their contribution to the town’s employability and skills agenda has been highlighted so positively, particularly in relation to study programmes for young people and the training of the borough’s providers in early years and play-work. “I encourage them to keep up the great work in their journey towards being judged ‘outstanding’.”