Quality Times is Natspec’s twice yearly publication focused on quality improvement across the breadth of specialist college provision. It features articles written by members, partners and staff in the Natspec team.
In Issue Ten, available now to Natspec members, you’ll find a diverse set of articles, that all provide a fascinating insight into colleges’ quality improvement journeys. Angie Fisher writes about the importance of multi-disciplinary working at David Lewis. Angela Newton-Soanes writes about Portland College’s ambitious review of the curriculum with a focus on health and wellbeing. Nicole Doyle from Linkage College writes about their introduction of the Discovery Suite, providing personalised and motivational learning opportunities to their students.
Gemma Lindsay writes about her leadership journey in a new specialist college, as they transition from being a care provider to an education provider. Ros Leach and Elizabeth Wilkins from The Oaks Specialist College write about how they have developed a high quality, holistic curriculum. And Raph Taylor writes about how Camphill Wakefield have turned employability challenges into improvement opportunities.
We’ve also made Issue Nine of Quality Times available to everybody, not just members. In this issue, released September 2023, there is a focus on Ofsted inspection. Ruth Perry shares the learning from the ‘Understanding Ofsted inspection’ events run by Natspec over summer term, and three senior leaders share their different perspectives. Ben Bastin from Treloar’s reflects on being a new head of college inheriting a college with an Outstanding grade; Adele Austin from Nash College reflects on being the (then interim) principal charged with turning around a college graded Inadequate; and Lisa Hart from Henshaws shares her experience of challenging Ofsted misperceptions mid-inspection.
Donna Fenley from National Star writes about her experiences on the Natspec SEND leadership programme and how the conference she gained has resulted in improvements to the quality of the pathway she leads. Victoria Elliott, from Trinity Multi-Academy Trust reflects on how developing a trauma-informed approach has enhanced the support they offer learners. Additionally, there’s an interview with Jane Ragless, who has joined the Natspec team, where she shares her vision for Natspec’s new Centre for Excellence in SEND.
We hope that these articles inspire you to think about and continue on your quality improvement journey with energy and enthusiasm.
We’re always on the look-out for contributors to Quality Times. If you’d like to share your quality improvement story in a future edition, whether that’s in relation to education, care or health, please do get in touch with Dawn Green at dawn.green@natspec.org.uk