Ofsted has given the Oak House boarding facility at Richard Huish College, Taunton, an ‘Outstanding’ rating. The student accommodation is located on South Road, just along from the main campus and gives sixth formers the option to board while studying at the college. 
The facility has 53 bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and a range of communal areas. It is home to full-time and flexi-boarders aged 16-19 from both the UK and abroad. The state sixth-form college provides free education to UK students and anyone meeting the ESFA funding criteria. It is one of only a handful of state sixth-form colleges in England with boarding available.
Huish created a purpose-built boarding facility to allow their students to experience independent living in preparation for university and employment. During their stay they are supported by house parents, the Oak House team and college support teams. Evening EnRICH activities and weekend trips help the students establish bonds and create a strong boarding community.
The Ofsted report noted: “Students particularly like that staff treat them with respect and as young adults rather than children. They also appreciate that staff are open to their views and ideas for further development of the college.
“A dedicated and experienced safeguarding team is available throughout the day and night, providing guidance and support when there are worries about students. This team understands the vulnerabilities facing children and young adults who live away from home.
“The wellbeing service is a strength of the college provision. The wellbeing team works successfully to empower, enable and support the students to develop self-awareness and self-management skills.”
Parents, Claire and Marc Baker, said: “We are eternally grateful to the Huish staff for their exceptional care and unwavering commitment to our children’s wellbeing. We wholeheartedly recommend Oak House to any parent who seeks an enriching environment for their ‘soon to be adult’. You will be so glad you made the choice!”.
The Ofsted report can be found here: https://www.huish.ac.uk/about-huish/ofsted/
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