Inspectors have praised Adult Learning Services in Cumbria.
An Ofsted inspection carried out in June rated two areas of the service as ‘outstanding’, with all other areas ‘good’. The overall effectiveness rating was ‘good’.
The new Ofsted report, published today (Friday), demonstrates notable improvements in areas of the service over a previous inspection seven years ago. The 2018 inspection rated all areas as ‘good’ – and therefore the overall effectiveness rating was still ‘good’ - but no areas were judged outstanding at that time.
Managed by Westmorland and Furness Council, the Adult Learning Service provides programmes throughout Cumbria, including for Cumberland Council.
Courses are provided in six different areas across the county (Barrow, Penrith, Kendal, Carlisle, Whitehaven and Workington), and are aligned to meet the needs of these communities to help learners develop skills, pick up a new hobby, enhance their CV, or improve their health and wellbeing.
Many of the courses are entirely free or subsidised and learning is flexible, with courses delivered both face-to-face and online, so learners can choose the route that’s right for them.
Rating learners’ attitudes and behaviours and personal development as ‘outstanding’, Ofsted inspectors said: “Learners thrive in the welcoming and highly inclusive culture. Learners value the opportunity to study and make new friendships in their often very challenging lives.
“Learners significantly improve their confidence and resilience because of their courses and the high level of support that they receive from tutors. They are confident to socialise in groups, apply for jobs and complete homework with their children.
“Learners identify that their learning has greatly improved their lives.’’
The report also praised the leadership and management of the Adult Learning Service, saying: “Leaders and managers have a clear strategy to meet the needs and priorities of the residents of Cumbria, including those most disadvantaged and furthest from the job market.
“Leaders work very closely with carefully selected subcontractors to provide a broad range of courses such as warehousing and logistics, as well as online courses, for the hardest-to-reach residents due to their rural location and well-being. After completing their courses, most learners go on to further learning, employment or to the next stages in their lives.
“Leaders work effectively with employers and partners in the region. They provide specific short courses in functional skills so that employers can recruit local people to their businesses. As part of a large resettlement programme in the community, the service supports refugees, through the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) curriculum, to develop the skills they need to become economically active.’’
The report noted two areas where improvements could be made, on wider training for staff to meet the demands of learners with high needs and improving achievement rates in entry level functional skills mathematics and English, ESOL and digital courses, although inspectors noted ‘Leaders have implemented rigorous processes to improve these courses.’
Councillor Elaine Lynch, Cumberland Council’s Portfolio Holder for Lifelong Learning and Development, said: “I am delighted our Adult Learning Service has achieved a judgement of ‘good’ in our recent inspection.
“Particularly pleasing were the ‘outstanding’ judgements in ‘behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘personal development’. These reflect the hard work and dedication of our team and tutors in encouraging our learners to thrive and develop their skills and confidence.
“The whole team has worked extremely hard and thoroughly deserves this very positive outcome. Well done everyone.”
Councillor Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Skills, said: “We are delighted to receive this report that recognises the wonderful work of our Adult Learning Service across Cumbria.
“It recognises the quality of the teaching from our highly experienced tutors, the strong leadership and the really positive impact the service is having on people’s lives.
“Over 6000 learners are supported each year to learn with us, helping them to develop new skills, try out a new hobby, gain a qualification, advance a career, find a new job, build confidence or support their wellbeing.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved in this service for their hard work, passion and dedication and for making such a difference in our communities.’’
