Halton’s adult learning service has been praised for its commitment to inclusion, with inspectors praising staff as ‘champions and advocates’ for learners.
Government watchdog Ofsted ran the rule over the service and found it was meeting expected standards, but gave special credit to its commitment to inclusion, learner support and community impact.
Ofsted highlighted the high levels of support provided by staff, noting that learners thrive because of the ‘compassionate, understanding, and personalised approach’ that defines the service.
Inspectors described staff as ‘champions and advocates’ for learners, and highlighted the service’s ability to support learners facing a wide range of challenges, including social isolation, low confidence, poor mental health, and significant personal circumstances.
The report said: “At the start of each course, staff use thorough screening processes to identify quickly and accurately learners’ individual needs. Staff put in place a range of highly effective support strategies that empower learners to build the self-belief and confidence they need to overcome their barriers and succeed.”
Ofsted also found strong partnerships with employers, voluntary organisations and community groups enabled the service to design programmes that have a ‘real and lasting’ impact.
At the time of inspection, there were 114 adult learners studying a range of accredited qualifications, such as level 1 English for speakers of other languages and Level 3 art and design, and 115 learners on tailored learning courses, such as creative writing, short stories and hand sewing for beginners. Included in these numbers were 13 learners, aged 18 years, on provision for learners with high needs who were enrolled on supported internships.
The report found learners enjoy their studies and are motivated to achieve their personal and career goals.
It added: “They develop a sense of purpose and belonging and take pride in achievements they previously thought were beyond their reach.
“Learners enrolled on family learning courses at their child’s school develop skills to read books with their children, which also improves their child’s reading ability. A few learners in creative writing publish children’s story books.”
It did find that while most learners routinely attend their lessons, a few learners who have not attended their training have fallen slightly behind in their learning.
Siobhan Saunders, Halton Council’s head of employment, learning & skills, welcomed the report. She said: “We are very proud that all of the judgements are ‘green’ and we are able to pinpoint exactly where our efforts are needed going forward, with the couple of ‘next steps’ recommended by Ofsted. My thanks go out to all the brilliant staff and learners who made this happen.”
Cllr Tom McInerney, the council’s portfolio holder for adult learning & skills, added: “I am delighted for the service on the outcome of this inspection.
“To achieve ‘green’ in all areas is a fantastic achievement which is due to the dedication of our staff and the hard work of the learners who really do want to succeed. Congratulations and very well done to all of you.”
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