Leadership key to education outcomes

Teenagers with learning difficulties do as well in mainstream further education as in specialist colleges, so long as they have specialist teachers and intensive support, according to an Ofsted report.

The study found that quality of leadership, irrespective of the type of college, was the most important factor in ensuring colleges were committed to working with 16- to 18-year-olds with learning difficulties.

Transition in and out of settings was found to be unsatisfactory because information about students’ achievements and progress was often not transferred.

It also found inadequate monitoring and recording of students’ progress in many colleges.

Other findings included students not being placed on programmes that best met their individual needs

The findings were based on a survey of 22 colleges and eight local learning and skills councils between September 2005 and May 2006.

● Current Provision and Outcomes for 16- to 18-year-old Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities in Colleges