Double success for adult learning team

Article date: December 19th 2023

The service, which provides a range of courses including ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), maths and caring for children, to help people gain confidence and make steps towards further learning, volunteering opportunities and employment, has been rated Good by Ofsted in an inspection of its services. The service has also retained its Matrix Standard accreditation offering good quality information, advice and guidance for adults. 

More than 290 people benefit from its offer, with 654 enrolments onto different courses across three main community venues and potentially 22 centres across the borough. Ofsted inspectors recognised that the service delivers good quality support to those accessing its courses. 

In the report they said: "Learners enjoy their lessons and want to learn to improve their personal circumstances. They are attentive in lessons and listen to teachers and other learners effectively, for example when involved in discussions. Learners work well together and are respectful towards one another and their tutors." 

There was also praise for staff in the report who inspectors said were sensitive to learners' personal circumstances: "They recognise that many learners have experienced traumatic events or have not been in education or employment for many years. They reassure learners that learning centres are safe spaces in which to learn. Staff skilfully support learners to develop positive attitudes to learning, which helps learners to complete their courses and, where relevant, achieve their qualifications. Learners develop their confidence and resilience because of what they learn during their courses." 

Matrix Standard accreditation is a system run by the Department for Education which focuses on the quality of information, advice and guidance services. This helps to unlock people's potential and enable them to develop confidence and work-ready skills through support and training. 

In the report inspectors said there was a strong teamwork ethic in the organisation and staff delivered highly personalised plans for each student. 

They added: "Networking and partnership continue to be major strengths of the service, that enables it to reach a broader range of learners, and which offers referral options to provide specialist additional support for learners and progression potential." 

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Economy, Business and Skills, said: "The Adult and Community Learning Service is an absolutely vital service to many people who want to expand their skills, take that first step towards new qualifications, or boost their job opportunities. It was especially great to hear the praise for the team in the way they provide support for people who may find the traditional route into education as an adult daunting. By providing this service it gives everyone a chance to unlock their true potential and its successes are visible in the number of people who have moved on to employment and further study. ACL is a key cornerstone of our Inclusive Growth Strategy to help people learn the skills to take full advantage of the wealth of opportunities our borough has to offer." 

To find out more about ACL visit www.sthelens.gov.uk/adultlearning