Adult Learning Rated Good

Ofsted have rated the county's Adult Learning services as 'Good' overall following their latest inspection, with some areas rated 'Outstanding'.

The inspection focused on adult and community learning and apprenticeship programmes delivered by the county council and study programmes delivered by the Young People's Learning Provision.

"We're committed to providing good support, both for adults who are looking to develop their career and for young people at risk of not being in education , training and employment, including those in more disadvantaged areas", said Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Children's Services. "We know we provide some excellent services and it’s good to see this has been recognised by Ofsted.

"It's not easy reaching all those who need our support in such a large rural county as ours but our teams have high expectations in giving everyone the chance to employment or education and training programmes which will help their future prospects."

Ofsted Rating

Ofsted gave a 'Good' rating to the effectiveness of leadership and management, quality of teaching and learning, outcomes for learners, 16 to 19 study programmes, adult learning programmes and apprenticeships. Personal development, behaviour and welfare were rated 'Outstanding'.

Councillor Mrs Bradwell added: "We were particularly proud to be given outstanding for the personal development, behaviour and welfare – which reflects the hard work and dedication of all staff in ensuring learners are supported in all aspects of their learning.

"We were recognised as supporting learners in developing excellent employability and personal and social skills to enhance their prospects to not only find employment but to stay employed." 

Inspectors' highlights included:

• •    Residents in the most disadvantaged areas have excellent opportunities to attend learning venues close to their homes.
• •    Good promotion of employability and support for young people at risk of not being in education, training or employment.
• •    Despite their exceptionally diverse backgrounds most learners complete their programme and make good progress.
• •    Learners receive high-quality advice and guidance so that most progress into employment, further study or voluntary work.
• •    Learners develop an excellent range of personal, social and employability skills.

At the time of the inspection in June this year, there were:

• •    314 adult learners on programmes delivered from basic beginner levels up to level 2 – covering courses for the unemployed, functional skills and a range of short courses to encourage learners to sample learning or re-engage with education
• •    38 in-house apprentices who are employed throughout the council  in a range of business support roles
• •    225 learners on 16 – 19 study programmes with learners having a wide range of additional learning needs and around a quarter with higher support needs.