Adult learning services provided by Calderdale Council have received a glowing report from Ofsted, showing that they continue to make a difference for local people.
In an inspection in June 2024, Ofsted found that Calderdale Adult Learning has maintained a ‘good’ rating.
Publication of the inspection report comes as Calderdale Adult Learning’s new prospectus for courses starting in September 2024 is being delivered to homes across the borough, and just days after the service welcomed around 100 people to its free family open day on Saturday 13 July.
In 2023, Calderdale Adult Learning supported more than 2,700 learners in several venues across the borough, with accredited courses such as English and maths, community and family learning courses, and courses for people with learning difficulties and / or disabilities, like art and cooking.
The Ofsted inspectors found that “learners receive very good support from tutors to access and engage in learning” and that “tutors have expert knowledge…plan and teach effective lessons to ensure that learners gain valuable new knowledge, skills and confidence over time…and effectively monitor learners’ progress…”
The Council has priorities to reduce inequalities and build thriving towns and places. Calderdale Adult Learning was shown to support both of these in the inspection report, which highlighted that: “The service recruits learners who are economically and socially disadvantaged, with many having not engaged in education for a considerable time. The courses…help them to overcome barriers to learning and enable them to gain the confidence that they need to progress to further education, employment and volunteering and to engage more actively in community and family life.”
The inspectors also praised:
- Calderdale Adult Learning’s effective arrangements for safeguarding.
- The good partnership work with other providers, including Job Centre Plus, charities, community outreach services and schools, to help learners develop valuable personal, social and job skills.
- The courses that are specifically for adults who lack confidence, who are at risk of becoming isolated in their communities or who need to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
- The effective training for tutors to help them improve their skills and teaching practice.
Enrolment is now open for courses starting in September 2024. This year, there are lots of new learning opportunities – people can expect more courses on their doorstep, a new learning programme at Heath Campus in Halifax and more support to help people gain employment, find volunteering opportunities or move on to further learning.
About 100 people got a taste of some of the courses available, met tutors and tested out exciting activities, including cooking and art skills, at Calderdale Adult Learning’s free family open day at Heath Campus, Halifax, on Saturday 13 July.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“Our amazing team at Calderdale Adult Learning does a fantastic job of supporting our commitment to help increase people’s resilience, get access to good jobs and opportunities, and achieve their full potential to live a larger life. There are plenty arts and craft-based courses available too, for people wanting to take their hobbies further and get more involved in Calderdale’s Year of Culture.
“This is backed up by the glowing Ofsted report and 99% of learners being very satisfied or satisfied with the teaching and support they received last year.”
Visit https://calderdale.gov.uk/believeachieve to see the Calderdale Adult Learning prospectus for 2024/25 and to read inspiring stories from local adult learners. Call 01422 392820 to ask about enrolment.