Ofsted praises West Sussex adult learning service
West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service has been rated ‘Good’ in a recent Ofsted inspection, the second highest rating.
The inspection took place in July. The main findings in the Ofsted report said:
• Learners demonstrate a good standard of work and make good progress. They enjoy their programmes and value the benefits of learning.
• The curriculum is well planned and offers a broad range of subjects.
• The service is a key member of partnerships in the area resulting in improved learning opportunities in the community.
• Support for learners to meet their individual needs is particularly good.
• Promotion of equality and diversity is good. The service works well to attract learners from the whole community and overcome barriers to learning.
• Leadership is particularly strong – managers offer clear direction and promote high standards throughout the service.
West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Education and Schools Peter Griffiths said: “It is a great achievement for a local authority service to receive such a good grade. It’s a real tribute to everyone’s hard work and commitment that the West Sussex service has been judged to be working so effectively.
“Our tutors provide a high quality service to learners over a wide range of courses. Learners recognise the value of the service and many people enjoy the range of courses on offer, from qualifications for job skills to personal development.”
Areas for improvement identified by Ofsted were:
• “Improve the use of the individual learner record to measure progress to reward learners.
• Further develop systems for the observation of teaching and learning to help improve the learning experience.
• Improve arrangements for monitoring and follow-up of non-attendance to reduce absenteeism.
• Increase the promotion of equality and enrich learning through the positive celebration of diversity throughout the curriculum.”
Peter added: “The service is constantly looking to improve and we will take the areas identified by Ofsted and look to achieve them before the next inspection.”
The overall summary of the Ofsted report says the service has implemented ‘significant improvements’ since the last inspection. It says the organisation ‘works very effectively to offer good provision that meets well the needs of learners’.
It adds:
‘Learners’ achievement rates are high and their progress and skill development are good. Arrangements to safeguard learners are good. Learners say they feel safe and comfortable in the learning environment.’
To view the full range of courses available from the Adult and Community Learning Service, visit the website at www.westsussex.gov.uk/adulteducation.
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