Good grades all round for council's adult learning

The Plymouth Adult and Community Learning Service (PACLS) has been given a rating of ‘good’ in its latest inspection by education watchdog Ofsted.

The service achieved ‘good’ grades across the board in areas including: outcomes for learners, quality of teaching, learning and assessment and the effectiveness of leadership and management.

PACLS has improved on last year’s rating of satisfactory and Principal, Tracy Hewett, said: “We are extremely pleased and proud to have received a good rating from Ofsted. We’ve worked incredibly hard to ensure our adult learners receiving excellent teaching and wider support, We have also expanded and adapted our programme of courses to meet demand and respond to current workplace needs and trends, so there are more and more opportunities for adult learners in Plymouth to gain qualifications and skills with the ultimate aim of improving their career or life.”

PACLS is located in the centre of Plymouth, offering community learning programmes across the city. Last year the service saw more than 7,600 part time learners come through its doors.

Inspectors visited in November 2013 and carried out group and individual interviews, telephone calls and online questionnaires to gather the views of learners and employers. Inspectors also observed learning sessions, assessments and progress reviews.

They found that outcomes for learners are good, with a very large majority achieving the main aims of their course, and success rates for qualifications are above the national average. They said that “Learners enjoy their learning and are enthusiastic; they gain in confidence and develop skills which enable them to progress into employment and further education.”

Likewise they were similarly impressed with tutors setting targets based on high expectations, which motivate and encourage learners and the good care and support they offered, especially to those learners lacking in confidence.

They also found that strong leadership and management improved the breadth and quality of provision, and said that: “The robust management of the service’s performance ensures that provision is of consistently good quality. Highly effective management of subcontractors and partnerships increased participation by learners from under-represented groups.”

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “I’d like to congratulate PACLS on this fantastic result and look forward to seeing all the exciting new courses and learning opportunities they have planned for this year. The importance of continually developing our skills and knowledge so that we remain current and up-to-date cannot be underestimated, particularly in this extremely competitive jobs market. PACLS is excellent at looking at demands within the market and offering learning to meet those needs.”

For more information about the courses available through PACLS visit www.plymouthoncourse.com