Posted on Tuesday 13th June 2023
Philip White
A plan for Staffordshire’s community learning service using the findings of a recent Good Ofsted report is set to be agreed on June 21.
The report stated that adult learners in Staffordshire have significantly benefited from flexible courses with well-developed community links.
Now the service will set out a plan using the report which will include aims, targets and outcomes for the year ahead. This will be submitted to the Department for Education as an accountability agreement in return for Government funding for the service.
The accountability agreement is set to be approved by the county council’s cabinet next Wednesday June 21, and commend the Ofsted report.
In March Ofsted inspectors said the curriculum was well-planned and provided meaningful content to learners. Working with 16 learning providers, the Community Learning Service provides a range of courses ranging from family learning to employability. Thousands of people benefit from the service every year.
The service reflects the priorities of the county council, inspectors noted, with a focus on increased prosperity across communities and courses targeted at those who need them most.
Learners gain significant benefits from attending courses by developing skills and knowledge, improving their confidence and are well prepared for their next steps in employment, education or further training.
The report recognised good evaluation and course review, using learners’ feedback to monitor impact and help improve the service where needed.
One learner on the Simply Play course for parents said:
As a family we have gained lots of new ideas to introduce when playing and learned new things and gained new knowledge. I am more confident that I can give my children the best start in life.”
An Art for Wellbeing learner said:
I’ve really enjoyed the course. I’ve done others but hand on heart not learned as much as this one.”
One ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) learner said:
I'm happy that I took this course. The tutor is great and she motivates me to continue my learning journey.”
People can find out more about the courses at: www.staffordshirecommunitylearning.org.uk
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:
Our Community Learning Service provides an excellent service to thousands of people across the county and fully deserved to receive a Good Ofsted rating.
It recognises the hard work and dedication of our staff and learning providers in the delivery of the courses which make a real difference to people’s lives.
The inspection provides us with the assurance that we are providing a quality service to our learners and has also helped us identify ways in which we can further develop and improve our provision.
Now we are using the findings in the report to set out our plan for the service for the coming year in the accountability agreement, including key aims, targets and outcomes that demonstrate our contribution to local skills needs.”