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Adult education service in Gloucestershire praised by Ofsted

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Gloucestershire County Council’s adult education service has been praised by Ofsted inspectors who have awarded it a ‘Good’ rating.

The inspection of the service, which provides a wide range of courses to around 3,000 adult learners in the county, took place between 9 and 12 May 2023 and it was ranked ‘good’ in all areas.

The areas ranked ‘good’ included the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, adult learning programmes and apprenticeships.

The report highlighted the welcoming and supportive learning environment created by tutors, which means that learners and apprentices have positive attitudes, are well motivated, produce high quality work at the expected standard and develop confidence in their abilities. Inspectors also found:

  • The majority of apprentices achieve the aims of their course and develop the skills needed to improve their contribution to the workplace.
  • Most adult learners also achieve their goals, developing new skills and building confidence in a range of areas, such as interview techniques.
  • Leaders are aware of the changing needs of the community, communicating effectively with partner organisations including businesses and community groups.
  • Curriculums are designed effectively to meet these needs and to provide the greatest support to learners, so they can increase their knowledge and skills.
  • Subcontractors are well chosen to provide specialist courses, including courses for learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
  • Apprentices’ tutors work collaboratively with employers to monitor and support the progress they are making, while helping to coordinate on and off-the-job training so they develop confidence in new skills.
  • Most learners and apprentices have high rates of attendance to lessons and training sessions and learners are provided with access to impartial careers advice.

Ofsted also praised leaders for embracing a culture of safeguarding, ensuring staff are appropriately trained.

Areas to improve on included the accuracy and precision of self-assessment and evaluating the quality of teaching and training more effectively.

Cllr Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “I’m delighted that the adult education service in Gloucestershire had been ranked ‘good’ by Ofsted. This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to congratulate our adult education team and thank them for their continuing hard work.

“I’m pleased the report recognises the great service we provide to around 3,000 adult learners in the county and I hope it encourages more people to take a look at what we can offer.”

To find out more about adult education in Gloucestershire, including the courses available, visit https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/adult-education-in-gloucestershire/