Buckinghamshire Adult Learning receives top marks from Ofsted

We are thrilled to share the results of our recent Ofsted inspection. We have once again received a rating of Good. All aspects of the service were rated Good but this time the courses on offer for adults were ranked Outstanding by inspectors.

Buckinghamshire’s Adult Learning Service runs over 1,500 part-time courses and workshops, both online and in person from 140 locations across the county. With courses ranging from academic and skills-based subjects to those offering opportunities to try new hobbies and interests, there is something for all.

The Ofsted inspection looked at all aspects of the service, from the quality of education provided whilst offering wider personal development for individuals and leadership and management. Inspectors made particular note of the success of efforts focusing on upskilling Buckinghamshire’s residents in some of the more deprived areas of the county and also praised the emphasis on helping learners to overcome barriers to learning, including those for whom English is not their first language. The report noted: “Many learners express how they came to the United Kingdom with little understanding of English, but they can now access community services without the need for an interpreter. Several have secured employment.”

The service was also praised for the way teachers work with learners to understand their needs and develop individualised support plans to meet them, together with the support provided for those with additional needs.

The report highlighted a couple of areas where minor improvements could be made to further enhance the service, including helping a small number of young learners to access opportunities to develop their wider interests and talents and also providing more rapid support to a few apprentices to stay or get back on track. Work is already underway to address this area, with the recent introduction of tailored intervention plans.

“Buckinghamshire’s Adult Learning Service offers the opportunity for adults to fulfil their ambitions, further their interests and achieve their potential through learning and training.

“We are pleased that the efforts of all those who work within the service have been recognised as part of this inspection. All our tutors are dedicated and passionate about their subjects and every class allows learners to develop their skills, knowledge and confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment. We will take on board all comments from the report to ensure we continue to build and improve our offer to adult learners in Buckinghamshire.”

John Macilwraith, Buckinghamshire Council’s Corporate Director for Children’s Services and Education

You can view the full report here.