A teacher training partnership has been rated “outstanding” after its latest inspection.

Prestolee School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) partnership began providing initial teacher training in 2015.

SCITT is based at Prestolee Primary School on Church Road in Stoneclough and provides primary age-phase training programmes in the three to seven and the five to 11 age ranges.

In the 2022/23 academic year, there were 50 trainees enrolled on the partnership’s initial teacher education (ITE) programmes.

And now it has received an “outstanding” grade after the education watchdog Ofsted paid a visit between June 19 to 22.

According to inspectors, the quality of education and training is "outstanding" as well as its leadership and management.

This cements its previous overall effectiveness ranking at its previous inspection, which was also "outstanding".

The report said: "Trainees are resoundingly positive about the quality of their ITE training programme.

"They are extremely enthusiastic and highly motivated to embark on the teaching profession.

"Many trainees described the sensitive and bespoke nature of the pastoral support that they receive."

The report added: “Trainees develop a deep understanding of the age-phase in which they are training to teach.

“This is because the ITE curriculum is meticulously designed around trainees’ needs.

“Leaders are exceptionally ambitious for all trainees. They ensure that trainees are fully prepared to make a confident start to their career in a wide range of different schools and settings.

“Leaders ensure that the training curriculum goes way beyond the expectations of the Department for Education’s core content framework.

Inspectors also praised trainees on their ability to adapt the curriculum for SEND children.

The report said: “Through their ‘progress matters’ project, trainees deepen their knowledge of how to adapt the delivery of the curriculum for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).

“They also learn an extensive range of behaviour management techniques. They are well versed in their responsibility to safeguard pupils.”

Lynsey Smith, head of ITT at Prestolee SCITT, said the provider is determined to ensure trainees become the best teachers.

She said: “There is nothing more important for a school than having the very best teachers standing in front of their children.

“At Prestolee SCITT, we are determined to ensure that our trainees become the best teachers they can be, so they can provide a first-class education for the children in their care.

“We’re so pleased that Ofsted recognised our commitment and the excellent work that we do.”

If you would like to find out more about teacher training with Prestolee SCITT, you can visit their website at https://www.prestoleescitt.co.uk/

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