BLIND and visually impaired students at a Worcester college are receiving high quality care and education, according to govern-ment inspectors.

Ofsted has judged New College Worcester, as good' with some outstanding features in its latest report, which looked at residential care. The college, in Whittington Road, provides care and education for young people aged 11 to 19, some of whom are boarders.

The latest inspection focused on health needs, individual support and keeping students safe. It also concentrated on how the college consults with young people.

The inspectors said: "Children and young people's care is given a high priority and their educational achievement is strongly promoted. Excellent resources are in place for supporting students' academic studies and the small teaching groups are a particular strong feature of the school.

"Staff are able to successfully respond to the needs of young people with a visual impairment. There is a strong integrated approach with the wider community and this is particularly evident with the work that takes place in the outreach programme. The setting has developed effective partnerships with parents, carers and other significant stakeholders."

The college was outstanding' in two areas of the inspection: helping children to be healthy and helping them to achieve well and enjoy what they do.

Principal Mardy Smith said: "We were delighted with the report. It demonstrates the level of care that our residential staff give to our students."

What the inspectors had to say What the college does well: l The school is able to address the health needs of children and young people placed, and is taking positive steps with health promotion.

l The school has a well-equipped surgery and sick bay that is of a high standard. Students can access this at any part of the day if they are unwell.

l Children are protected because staff work towards safeguarding their rights and promoting their welfare. Staff see this as essential in terms of protecting children and young people.

l The college ensures that a good variety of recreational activities are available including climbing, bell ringing, horse riding, swimming, rowing clubs and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

l Children and young people are well served by a staff group that show commitment and enthusiasm for their work.

What could be improved: l Provide students with feedback after a complaint has been logged and check if they are satisfied with the course of action and the progress of the investigation.

l Ensure all gap-year students are proficiently trained in child protection.

l Provide information in the behaviour management policy about the training method used and include details of how refresher training is organised.

l Ensure sanctions records provide details of any other staff involved and the effectiveness and consequences of the sanction and reflect the views of the students involved.

l Provide a forum where student laptops with additional software that encounter technical problems are addressed more swiftly.

l Ensure the care plans address in full matters related to young people's identity.