Staff and young people at DISC are celebrating following an excellent Ofsted inspection where they were recognised as ‘Outstanding in all areas’.
The Inspectors spent four days with the young people and staff at our Education Centre based in Newton Aycliffe. They observed teaching sessions, visited work experience placements and met with delivery partners as well as talking to DISC’s managers, directors and members of our Board of Trustees.
Angie Hutchinson, Director of DISC’s Health & Young Peoples Services, said ‘We are thrilled with the result of the inspection. The Teaching and Learning alongside Leadership and Management have been exemplary. The Inspectors have also recognised the considerable work of the staff and learners and how close links with partner agencies and local employers contribute to the success of the service.’
In his letter of congratulations to DISC, Sir Michael Wilshaw, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector explained that ‘the judgement of outstanding means that we are exceptional and those significant elements of our work are exemplary.’
Inspectors reported that ‘teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding and lead to excellent outcomes for learners.’
An exceptionally high number 98% of young people completed their training programme last year.  Achievement rates are excellent with a 90% pass rate for qualifications.
Last year, less than 15% of Ofsted inspections of Further Education providers resulted in an outstanding grade.  The report also highlighted that:
• Learners make exceptional progress, achieve challenging learning goals and gain valuable qualifications during their training programme.
• Sessions are “stimulating and exciting”.
• Learners develop excellent personal, social and employability skills; making significant progress towards becoming self assured, confident and courteous and better prepared for life and work.
• Teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding.  Tutors have good levels of experience, are well qualified and have high levels of enthusiasm.
DISC’s Board of Trustees and Senior Managers have established a clear mission “to help people realise their potential”.
A learner from DISC’s education programme, has successfully moved into an apprenticeship.  Having struggled to engage in school, Peter left with no qualifications or direction.  Peter joined DISC’s summer programme though he was very anxious and often isolated himself from other students.  With a little encouragement and support from tutors and staff at DISC Peter began to take part in sessions.
Peter said  “I became relaxed after a while and was encouraged to take part in the next course which was an employability course”.
After some in depth one to one sessions with staff Peter decided to follow a career in mechanics.  He attended an interview at a local garage and was successful in gaining a work placement.  Over the months at DISC Peter became a well-liked member of the group and interacted well with staff and the team at the garage.  Towards the end of the programme Peter’s work placement were so impressed with his attitude and hard work they offered him an apprenticeship.  Peter continues to do well splitting his week between the garage and Darlington College where he is completing a Diploma.
DISC Steps4Success Course is  2 – 40 weeks in duration for 16-18 year olds. A typical programme will consist of 3 days per week, split between work placement and centre based qualifications depending on each learners programme.  Places are currently available commencing in June and July – please contact Andrea Dixon on 01325 731160.