Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman given warm welcome at Lakes College

Staff and students at Lakes College were delighted to welcome Ofsted Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman and Senior HMI Paul Cocker to their campus.

The visitors spent the day touring facilities including the Construction Skills Centre and the National College for Nuclear earlier this month before government restrictions were brought in. They had first-hand experience of the ‘Big Rig’ training facility, the world-class welding shop, the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality equipment and enjoyed a lunch prepared by catering students.

They also met with a number of students, apprentices, employers, staff and governors and learned about the work that the college does.

Commenting on the Chief Inspector’s visit, Amanda Spielman said: “I was lucky to squeeze in a visit to Lakes College before the national lockdown was reintroduced, and was delighted to see that students have been able to continue with their vocational training and education in these challenging times.

“The training programme and courses provided at the college are diverse, and I’m sure will hold students in good stead in their chosen career.”

Chris Nattress, Lakes College principal, said: “We were honoured to welcome Amanda and Paul to the college, who spent the day speaking to a broad range of students, apprentices, employers, staff and governors about the fantastic work we do here.

“Mrs Spielman and Mr Cocker met with our engineering, construction and welding students and apprentices, our NHS nurse cadets, and our Honours degree students within the National College for Nuclear. They found out about the various journeys our students are on, and the wide variety of courses and programmes that we offer.

“We were very proud to be able to show what great work we do here with our students, apprentices and partner employers and the difference we make. I have no doubt our visitors were very impressed with what they saw and enjoyed some real West Cumbrian hospitality and welcome!”

Amanda Spielman was appointed as the HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills in January 2017. The position is responsible for the organisation, staffing and management of Ofsted, and ensures the efficient and effective use of their resources.