University of Sunderland's teacher training provision given seal of approval from Ofsted
Inspectors looked at primary, secondary, and further education phases
The University of Sunderland has been given an official seal of approval by Ofsted for the quality of its teacher training provision.
No one-word overall judgement is now given to educational establishments, with, instead, a traffic light report card given ranging from blue (exceptional), dark green (strong standard), light green (expected standard), amber (needs attention) to red which indicates urgent improvement is needed.
The university’s primary teacher training provision was deemed to be at the expected standard for achievement, curriculum, teaching and training, inclusion, and leadership.
Professional behaviours, personal development, and wellbeing were deemed to be as a strong standard.
Inspectors said: “Leaders’ purposeful and precise decisions to support trainees with their professional behaviour and commitment to learning are highly effective and trainees are mature and reflective.
“They demonstrate a clear and resolute understanding of the behaviours expected of them on campus, on placement and in the community. Trainees rise to these expectations and demonstrate exemplary professional behaviour and attitudes.”
The department's secondary and further education phases were both judged to be meeting the expected standard in all areas.
Commenting on secondary training provision, inspectors said: “Typically, trainees develop a secure understanding of effective approaches to teaching and managing behaviour within their subject and phase.
“Trainees draw on their learning of the university’s curriculum, building an appropriate knowledge of generic teaching strategies and teaching strategies specific to their subject.
“Trainees, including those with identified barriers or special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), typically complete their programmes of study, achieving qualified teacher status.”
Commenting on further education training, inspectors said: “Leaders have designed a well-sequenced and ambitious curriculum that equips trainees and apprentices with the knowledge and skills to teach their subjects effectively.
“Teacher educators know and understand the initial teacher education curriculum well. The curriculum is informed by high-quality research and contemporary thought.
“Teacher educators teach and model a wide range of evidence-informed teaching strategies which apprentices and trainees apply effectively to their own teaching.
“Most trainees and apprentices, including those with additional learning needs or barriers to learning, achieve their qualifications. Most trainees and apprentices also gain employment in education settings across the region, with many employed by their placement providers.”
After being informed of the report, a spokesman for the University of Sunderland said: "We are proud that our trainees are entering the teaching profession with the knowledge, confidence and professional behaviours needed to make a real difference to children and young people across the North East, supported by a research-informed curriculum and an inclusive learning community.
“We are particularly pleased that the report recognises their strong understanding of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), a vital foundation for ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive."