1. Lessons learned from our work together
Peer Review and Development with Farleigh FE College, Frome, Foxes Academy, Lufton College and Ruskin Mill College
Lessons learned from our work together

2. Background Working together for over 2 years
Colleges had previously worked together on Skills for Life
All colleges located in the south west
All Independent Specialist Colleges
All offer different types of provision for different types of learners

3. Our work so far
Completed Maturity Matrix and Statement of Intent for the group
Completed 4 reviews (one at each college)
Reviewed each others Self Assessment reports
Shared policies and practice

4. The reviews Preparing for a review Topics covered: Follow up
Preparing learners for work
Literacy and Numeracy skill development
Baseline assessments
Green practice
Follow up

5. Reviewing Literacy and Numeracy at Farleigh FE College, Frome
Review included session observations of teaching and learning, meetings with staff and a review of paperwork
Aim was to review progress in literacy and numeracy skills, identify any strengths and areas for improvements
In addition to PRD group members, each college brought a tutor to help with the review

6. Findings and Impact on Learners
College now has 2 additional teaching spaces for Literacy and Numeracy
Assessment tracking is more rigorous and targets set by tutors in the Learning Centre are now reviewed half termly with the learner. 
Learners have a greater understanding of the progress they are making and this has increased their motivation. 
Diagnostic assessments now carried out at the beginning and end of year.
Increased use of Databridge.

7. Reviewing Baseline Assessments at Lufton College
Aim was to review Skills for Life provision and the baseline assessment
Shadowed tutors and students who were involved in the assessment
Interviewed staff
Reviewed paperwork

8. Findings and Impact on learners
Improved setting of realistic, appropriate goals that are linked to curriculum areas and better reflect learner needs and aspirations.
Improved embedded learning and development of transferable skills.
Increased opportunities to use strategies and accessible resources to promote autonomy, choice and independence.
Programmes of learning are better focused on meeting individual and group needs.

9. Reviewing green practice at Foxes Academy
Aim was to review policy and practice in relation to environmental issues
Created evidence list prior to review
Visited classrooms and residences
Observed teaching practice
Interviewed staff
Interviewed learners

10. Findings and impact on learners
College is reviewing practice in the following areas:
Energy use, waste disposal, printing, ecological cleaning products, revising the curriculum to include gardening
Composting facilities and preparation of land for growing own produce will increase learners understanding of this aspect of recycling and growing own food
Intranet development and improved technological equipment in the houses to increase learner awareness of the benefits of technology and reduce the need for paper and printing.
Development of Schemes of Work to include the green policy and action plan to increase understanding of more aspects of green issues.

11. Added value to our work Increased openness amongst group
Teaching staff have been able to visit other colleges and share practice
Informal visits from other staff on specific issues i.e. Foundation Learning Tier
Sharing policies
Support from group
Sharing experiences

12. What works well Colleges not in direct competition
Geographically close for visits
Involved in other groups together
Group members have remit to follow up on recommendations
Support from the colleges, getting more staff involved
Working together over a period of time to build up relationships

13. What works well cont.
Planning for the reviews in advance and briefing all staff in advance
Pre review visits
Involving as many people as possible in the review
Feeding back to the senior managers
Working in teams on reviews
Reviews include observations interviews and paperwork/ systems reviews

14. What are the challenges
Resourcing the time to visit each other

15. The importance of PRD for us
Network of support
Sharing good practice
Self regulation and quality insurance
Improving the learners experience
Validating self assessments