A scheme providing adult education to Nottingham residents has been rated as ‘Good’ following a recent Ofsted inspection.
Staff, community partners and learners at Nottingham City Council’s Community and Family Learning service are celebrating after the grading was confirmed and published by the national regulatory body this morning (Tuesday).
With financial support from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), Community and Family Learning helps people gain new skills for life at home and work.
Courses are delivered in the heart of Nottingham communities and for many it provides the first steps back into education, giving learners the knowledge and confidence to progress to further learning or employment.
Inspectors, who visited the council in May, praised leaders for having very high expectations and delivering a curriculum that is well focused on the knowledge and skills that people need for the next stage of their lives.
Inspectors also noted that learners describe the courses they undertook as a ‘confidence boost’, which made them feel more hopeful about their future and ready to achieve their goals.
Councillor Ethan Radford, Deputy Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Skills, Growth and Economic Development, said: “I am pleased that Ofsted recognises the positive impact that the council’s Community and Family Learning service continues to have on city residents.
“The wide range of courses and excellent standard of teaching ensures we make a difference to people’s lives, whether that’s helping residents to gain new skills, progress them towards further learning or employment or supporting them with their child’s development.”
Community and Family Learning is managed by Nottingham City Council working in partnership with Belong, Bulwell Community Garden, Creative Paths, Groundwork Five Counties, Life Education East Midlands, National Ice Arena, Nottingham College and Second Chance Learning Academy.