Adult education services provided by North Yorkshire Council have received praise from Ofsted inspectors.
North Yorkshire Council has turned around a previous “requires improvement” Ofsted judgement to secure a good and outstanding rating for its adult education service,
More than 1,000 learners and apprentices studying in centres around the county are said to be “flourishing” on the council's courses.
Apprenticeships and courses such as English, mathematics, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and accountancy and finance are among the wide range of courses on offer for adults and for learners with high needs.
The service was inspected in May and has been rated 'good' across the board with 'outstanding' for behaviour and attitudes and the apprenticeships it offers.
During their visit, inspectors found calm, welcoming and well-resourced learning environments which help learners build confidence and inspire them to participate in education.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for education, learning and skills, Cllr Annabel Wilkinson, said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved at the council’s adult education service for their hard work and dedication in improving the lives and careers of people in the county.
“While we celebrate our achievements, we recognise that there is always room for improvement. This inspection offers us invaluable insights to further excel our adult learning services, and we are fully committed to that journey and are excited about what lies ahead for the service and for our learners.”
The report acknowledged how learners and apprentices pursue a range of opportunities to develop their interests beyond the curriculum learning something new or upskilling themselves to fulfil their future aspirations.
It was also noted how the wellbeing and behaviour of high needs’ learners is managed and improved with the use of sensory rooms and practical areas such as kitchens, woodland cabins and outdoor spaces.
Strong recognition was given to how leaders, managers and staff use the funding for learners with high needs effectively to create ambitious personalised programmes.
Learners are challenged well to develop their independence, improve their communication skills and prepare for adult life, according to the report.
The inspectors also found that most learners with high needs progress to further learning or supported internships.
The report praised the quality of education delivered by knowledgeable and well-qualified tutors who have extensive experience in their subject and in return learners and apprentices value the breadth of tutors’ knowledge and experience.
The council’s assistant director for education and skills, Louise Wilson, said:
“I’m pleased that the inspectors had the opportunity to see first-hand the quality of personalised learning provision as well as the varied range of courses we offer in North Yorkshire for our adult learners and apprentices ensuring everyone has the opportunity to gain new skills and have a career they’re proud of.
“This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, learners and supportive communities. We look forward to continuing to provide high-quality programmes that offer progression into more suitable and rewarding work or onto further training opportunities.”
As well as academic vocational courses, the council’s adult education service works hard to empower individuals to meet their potential for opportunity through the identification and celebration of transferable skills, employability support and progression to higher level study.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the courses on offer is asked to log on at www.northyorks.gov.uk/explore-adult-learning-courses
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