Learners and apprentices studying through Cambridgeshire County Council’s adult learning services thrive due to the warm, nurturing and inclusive learning environment and substantial new knowledge and skills they learn, according to an Ofsted report published today (29 May).
Cambridgeshire Skills offers education and training for adult learners in the county, the largest programmes of which are tailored learning, adult skills and family learning. Courses are run by sub-contractors and are offered online and in around 87 community venues across Cambridgeshire, including community centres, libraries and schools. The service works closely with the county council’s Learning and Development team to provide apprenticeship opportunities.
The Ofsted inspection of the two teams, which took place in late April and early May, found the overall effectiveness of the service to be ‘Good.’ It judged the behaviour and attitude of learners to be ‘Outstanding’, with a rating of ‘Good’ awarded in every other category.
The report highlights a range of areas of good practice, saying: ‘Leaders and governors have a strong focus on widening participation and transforming lives. Leaders carefully select their subcontracted partners so that courses are targeted precisely at communities most in need, such as traveller communities and refugee centres. Many courses provide learners, often with limited access to education, with good opportunities to learn and flourish.’
Inspectors also found that: ‘Curriculums are well structured allowing learners and apprentices to build their learning in meaningful steps. Tutors plan logically, allowing learners to build foundation knowledge before tackling more complex topics.’
The report praises the behaviour and conduct of learners as being exemplary, adding: ‘They benefit from a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment where they thrive, gain confidence to make new friends and develop their social networks. Learners feel more connected with and motivated to be part of their communities. Apprentices gain the professional behaviours required in the workplace. Learners and apprentices value highly the care and support they receive from staff and do well in their studies.’
Also recognised by inspectors is the support for learners and apprentices with SEND: ‘Leaders have suitable arrangements to identify and support learners and apprentices with SEND. Tutors provide a range of appropriate support mechanisms, such as in-class support and individualised learning resources. As a result, learners and apprentices with SEND progress well on their courses.’
The report includes three areas where the service needs to improve. Due to the self-assessment element of the Ofsted inspection process, the teams were already aware of these and had put steps in place to address them:
- Increase the proportion of learners who achieve their functional skills mathematics qualification at levels 1 and 2.
- Help tutors teaching accredited courses to provide learners with useful feedback on how they can improve their work and skills further.
- Provide effective career information, advice and guidance for learners on accredited courses.
Cllr Alison Whelan, Chair of the Communities, Mobility and Social Inclusion committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “I am really proud that Ofsted have recognised successes across the board in our adult learning offerings. The teams enable individuals to improve their skills, confidence and employability, focusing particularly on those communities most in need.
“As part of the inspection process, the team has to self-assess each year and were aware of the areas where improvements were needed. Steps are already in place to address these, including enhancing specialist training and support for staff, introducing changes to the tutor feedback process, and increasing capacity to support our delivery partners. During the inspection, our colleagues were praised by Ofsted for the work already being undertaken to raise standards, and for how well they know every aspect of the services they offer. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these actions and make further improvements as necessary.
“This recognition by Ofsted reflects the council’s efforts to reduce inequalities across the county, and to create opportunities for our residents and communities to prosper.”
You can read the report in full at 50278231.
Find out more about Cambridgeshire Skills at Cambridgeshire Skills - adult learning | Cambridgeshire County Council
