Agenda item

(To receive  a report from Thea Croxall, Principle Commissioning Officer (Learning), which provides a summary of the Adult Skills and Family Learning programme, and an overview of the findings of the Ofsted Inspection that took place in June 2019)

Consideration was given to a report by the Principle Commissioning Officer (Learning), which provided a summary of the Adult Skills and Family Learning programme and an overview of the findings from the Ofsted Inspection that took place in June 2019.

Members were advised that The Adult Skills and Family Learning Programme raised achievements and aspirations by providing high quality learning opportunities in a safe environment that enabled learners to progress according to their ability, need and interests.

Members were referred to Appendix A for a full breakdown of the 2019/20 programme.

It was highlighted that the Adult Skills and Family Learning Service, alongside Young Peoples Learning Provision and the Council's internal Apprenticeship programme was inspected by Ofsted in June 2019. The service obtained one rating of 'Outstanding' and the remaining services were rated 'Good'. The service had put together a post-inspection action plan to address areas for development identified by Ofsted.

Members were advised that the purpose of the funding was to reach hard to reach adults who may have poor memories of education or little or no qualifications. Officers were also working with local data and intelligence to try and fill the gaps from Further Education provision.

Members considered the report, in which the following points were noted:

·       It was confirmed that the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications were offered to adults aged 19+.

·       Members were advised that the Adult Skills and Learning Programme did not offer as many courses in Boston because there were already a wide range of qualifications offered by other organisations in this area.

·       Officers recognised the shortage of people partaking in Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications. Officers were working to encourage people to join these courses as they could provide the skills needed to progress.

·       It was questioned why there weren't more training opportunities available health care roles considering that the current shortage of health care professionals. Officers confirmed that courses had been offered but were often not filled. Officers acknowledged that they had a role to play in encouraging people to partake in these courses.

·       It was noted that Officers had regular contact with the District Council's to ensure that all educational needs were met in all areas.

·       Members were advised that employees from the National Careers Service were available to talk to learners about their future development and possible career pathways to ensure that have the best chance of achieving a career that they aspire to.

·       It was confirmed that qualifications available in Gainsborough and Mablethorpe were delivered locally.

·       The Principle Commissioning Manager (Learning) agreed to circulate data on the progression of learners into employment or progression within their roles.

·       Members questioned what areas were classed as Greater Lincoln. The Principle Commissioning Manager (Learning) agreed to circulate this following the meeting.

·       It was noted that courses were held in the daytime and the evening.

RESOVLED:

1.    That the report and comments made noted;

2.    That the committee endorse the findings of the         June 2019 Ofsted Inspection of the Adult Skills   & Family Learning programme and continued          development of the service.