A college run by Havering Council has been criticised by Ofsted inspectors.

Havering Adult College, a "beacon of quality training and education for adults", according to the council, was given a 'requires improvement' rating by the government's education inspection body.

The council-run college in Havering Road, Romford, was downgraded from a 'good' rating after inspections on four June 2024 dates.

Those were June 5, 6, 10 and 11. A subsequent report was published on July 25.

The report was titled 'London Borough of Havering', as the council runs the college.

Ofsted said governors and senior leaders had "not been swift enough" to recognise "the decline in the standard of education" since the last inspection.

"Managers do not plan assessment opportunities at suitable times," Ofsted found. "As a result, learners are not prepared well enough for their examinations."

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In response to the report, Havering Council said it was supporting the improvements.

The council stated a management change had come in February 2024, but it was "too early" to determine the speed of progress.

“An entirely new management team has now been in place since February 2024, and whilst Ofsted acknowledged that the recent changes implemented by management were appropriate, it was too early to determine the impact of these changes."

The college, established in 1955, enrols 1,000 students, where the vast majority study English as speakers of other languages, according to Ofsted.

Other courses include information and computer technology, arts and crafts and a small number of construction programmes.

Ofsted, which stated the college was the sole provider of part-time education for adults in Havering, outlined further improvements needed.

For example, many were found to enrol but never qualify.

"Due to staff changes [...] learners have experienced some disruption to their learning.

"Too many withdraw from their courses before completing them and do not gain their qualifications."

Ofsted recommended the college improve data collected about student progress, give better feedback and identify key areas for development, among other suggestions.

However, the council stated that many problems were caused by the Covid pandemic.

"Most areas identified as those requiring development by Ofsted were acknowledged as being caused by a significant period of turbulence including the Covid pandemic," a spokesperson said.

Despite the low rating, Ofsted found the college 'good' in some areas.

These were behaviour and attitudes, as well as personal development.

"Learners are supported effectively by their teachers and enjoy their lessons," Ofsted found. "Most attend classes ready to learn and produce work that is neat, presented well and of a good standard."

Class environments were also singled out as positive.

"Younger learners work in harmony with learners who are older than them," Ofsted stated. "Learners display a high level of tolerance and mutual respect towards each other."