LANCASHIRE’S troubled Adult Learning College has been given a clean bill of health by Ofsted after a series of visits.

In November, the countywide scheme — with 22,000 students receiving training in 400 community venues and workplaces — was rated inadequate by the government inspectors.

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In December, Amanda Melton, head of Nelson & Colne College, took interim charge of the Lancashire Adult Learning College.

And in January, national further-education commissioner Dr David Collins was given the task of keeping it under review.

The organisation — based round the Lancashire College in Chorley, the Adult College in Lancaster and Alston Hall in Longridge — received two visits from Ofsted. And in June, Dr Collins’ own office conducted a definitive assessment. Released yesterday, it praised the college for significant improvements. It confirmed that the college had responded successfully to his seven key recommendations.

Skills minister Nick Boles has lifted the requirement for the college to be under his office’s monitoring.

He said: “I welcome the commissioner’s recognition of the positive change of culture.”

Tony Martin, boss of adult services at Lancashire County Council, said: “It is very encouraging the commissioner has recognised that the changes we have introduced are having a positive impact.

“We are committed to continuing these improvements which will benefit adult learners across the county and we look forward to welcoming Ofsted’s inspectors back for what we hope will be a final monitoring visit before a full re-inspection.”

Dr Collins’ assessment states: “LALC is being transformed. There is evidence of a changing culture. A strong governing body with appropriate experience and autonomy has been complemented by an equally strong senior leadership team which has maintained an inexorable focus on quality improvement.”

Mrs Melton said: “We were delighted to hear that LALC’s improving performance was recognised in the latest commissioner assessment. We are confident the ongoing improvements are making a difference, and we are looking forward to continuing our work with adults across Lancashire.”

LALC caters for adults who are job seeking and brushing up on their skills, adults who have a learning disability, those who want a supported return to learning and families with parents and children working together to learn together.

The next interim inspection is expected within weeks, with a full appraisal by Ofsted early next year.