AN Ofsted report has praised the high standard of training and the calibre of new recruits following a recent inspection of the Redcar and Cleveland Initial Teacher Education partnership.
The partnership includes 24 primary schools and seven secondary schools across the Tees Valley – but most are based in Redcar and Cleveland – specialising in training teachers for specific subjects. In 2014/15 trainees focused on subjects including Maths, English and Biology for secondary school with primary school training focussing on Reading and Maths.
Ofsted undertook two inspections, one in June and another in December for its report, which praised the partnership for moulding trainees into “extremely effective teachers” as well as highlighting the 100% employment rate of the most recent cohort of trainee teachers.
It also rated the partnership “outstanding” in all areas which are: overall effectiveness, outcomes for trainees, quality of teaching and quality of leadership & management.
Headteachers at partnership schools praised graduates of the course, with one commenting: “As a head you have to be quick off the mark to get them as they are quickly snapped up.” Many other headteachers spoke highly of the ‘competent and confident’ teachers the course produces.
Councillor Craig Hannaway, Cabinet Member for Children, said: “This superb inspection judgement, which identifies the service as outstanding in every category, is public recognition of the commitment, professionalism, knowledge and skills of the service.
“Over the years it has trained many local teachers, including one successful headteacher, and continues to develop the outstanding teachers that are so important to education in Redcar and Cleveland.
“I’d like to add my thanks to Ann Ryalls, the course manager, and her staff for the work they’ve done to get the partnership to where it is today. I also wish the partnership’s graduates every success in their teaching careers.”
To find out more information on the Redcar and Cleveland Initial Teacher Education partnership, or for details on how to apply to become a teacher, go to: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/gtp, or call 01642 513659.