A college near Norwich has been rated 'outstanding' and 'good' for its student provisions.

Easton College received the highest rating from Ofsted during a social care inspection for pupil protection, helping its students achieve and helping them make a positive contribution.

Inspectors gave 'good' ratings for the college's organisation, helping its pupils to be healthy, as well as maintaining their economic well-being.

Meanwhile, the agricultural and horticultural college was also told it had met targets since the last inspection by increasing the number of residential staff, providing behaviour management training and reviewing the time given to its Connexions service.

Inspector Dorrit Andrews praised the college, near the Norfolk Showground, for the personal support students receive.

She said: 'Provisions support the empowerment of young people and the development of their self-esteem. Students give high praise to the support of tutors and student welfare officers and view them as 'approachable', 'very friendly' and 'there for me'.

'Parents also praise the college's pastoral provision; their comments include 'staff really seem to care', 'students are listened to by staff' and 'students receive good, emotional support'.'

The inspector also highlighted the communication between staff and students which helped complaints to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Mrs Andrews continued: 'Students know how to raise concerns or make a complaint about matters they are unhappy with.

'The college encourages the discussion of concerns at an early stage before they develop into major problems and offers a range of opportunities to facilitate this.'

Meanwhile, assistant principle David Bale said all the staff were delighted by the outcome of the report. 'It was absolutely fabulous for the college. We worked so hard to improve. The improvements show just how much effort we put into our work here.

'The next thing is to remain outstanding and that is what the staff are aiming to do in the future.

'The students were also a great help and spoke to the inspector about the running of the college.'

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Contact reporter Ben Woods on 01603 772 439 or email ben.woods@archant.co.uk