THE principal of a high-performing East Lancashire college has been appointed to turn round a county-wide adult learning scheme rated as ‘inadequate’ by government inspectors.

Amanda Melton, head of Nelson and Colne College, will share her time equally between her current role and as interim principal of Lancashire Adult Learning (LAL) after Ofsted issued a damning catalogue of criticisms.

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LAL It provides education and training for 22,000 adult learners enrolled on publicly-funded programmes based round three dedicated adult colleges: the Lancashire College in Chorley, the Adult College in Lancaster and Alston Hall in Longridge.

Learning programmes are delivered in over 500 community venues and workplaces.

This month’s Ofsted report gave LAL the lowest inadequate rating for overall effectiveness, when its previous inspection three years ago rated it as good.

Its outcomes for learners, quality of teaching, learning and assessment were judged as ‘requires improvement’ while its quality of teaching, learning and assessment were judged as ‘requires improvement’ and its ‘effectiveness of leadership and management’ was condemned as ‘inadequate’.

The report’s findings said LAL had been judged inadequate for reasons including outcomes for learners declining over the last three years from very high levels to around national averages, the quality of teaching being too variable, and governance not providing the necessary support to improve the service.

Mrs Melton, 50, will take charge of LAL for the remainder of the academic year as part of a a detailed action plan.

Nelson and Colne College has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted since 2008 and is in the top eight per cent of colleges in the country.

The Lancashire County Council plan includes significant changes to its management.

The authorities education boss Tony Martin said: “We’re very disappointed that Ofsted has found weaknesses and we’re determined the situation will improve rapidly.

“One of inspectors’ main concerns was about governance so our immediate steps include putting revised arrangements in place in that respect. “ Ms Melton said: “The Ofsted report identifies some real challenges and the key now is to act quickly and decisively to address them. “ “Despite the outcome of the recent inspection I think there are strengths to build on.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I think this is an excellent decision.

“Amanda has been an outstanding leader at Nelson and Colne College.”