Learn Telford programme achieves 'Good' Ofsted rating
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Learn Telford programme has achieved a ‘good’ grading once again from Government watchdog Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills).
Learn Telford is an adult and community learning programme which aims to provide high quality learning opportunities to people living in the borough.
It also aims to widen participation so that as many cross-sections of the community as possible can experience the joy of learning which leads to increased confidence, reduced social isolation and improved wellbeing.
Over 800 adult learners from across the borough take part in Learn Telford courses each year, which include Functional Skills Maths and English programmes, craft, IT and language courses and Access to Higher Education programmes.
The short two-day inspection in October was the first to be carried out since 2016 when Learn Telford also received a ‘good’ rating.
Inspectors praised tutors for creating an environment that is ‘inclusive, stimulating and friendly’ and as a result learners enjoy their learning and are motivated to do well.
The report also highlighted that Learn Telford leaders work with a range of council and community partners to design and teach a curriculum that meets the needs of the community, including the council’s Job Box service to ensure learners progress into education and work more quickly and receive advice and guidance on learning and employment options.
Inspectors also recognised that learners from a range of communities and backgrounds are supported to take part in learning, including refugees from Ukraine who are supported by an interpreter to ensure they understand the advice and guidance they receive.
In addition, the report said learners are encouraged to be ambitious in their learning and careers and tutors support learners to progress to their next level of learning such as university once they have completed Access to Higher Education courses.
Councillor Eileen Callear (Lab), Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Employment and Skills said: “We’re delighted that Learn Telford has once again received a ‘good’ Ofsted’ grading and this outcome is testament to the hard work of staff and learners across all programmes.
“These courses are so important because they are available to residents across our Telford and Wrekin communities and provide them with new skills, qualifications and job opportunities. The majority of courses are also free.”
Ofsted regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.
It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments.
Eileen added: “Congratulations to the team for achieving this rating and ensuring that Learn Telford continues to be a good education provider for residents across the borough.”
You can find out more about the range of Learn Telford programmes here.
Click here to view the Ofsted report on the Ofsted website.
Photo: Cllr Eileen Callear, third right, celebrates the Ofsted grade with staff and learners at one of the Learn Telford craft courses.
