THE leaders of the Lancashire Adult Learning College have been praised by Ofsted after it jumped from being rated ‘inadequate’ to ‘good’.

A team of inspectors concluded that managers took "swift and successful action" to improve teaching and outcomes after it was given the lowest possible grade in 2014.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The report by the education watchdog, which was published yesterday following the review at the start of February, also praised the governors for being "strong and effective" and the tutors for being "passionate" who set high aspirations.

Run by Lancashire County Council adult education services, the college focuses on people and groups who are disadvantaged and are "least likely to participate", while raising an income from those who can afford to pay.

Lead inspector Mike White said: “All the weaknesses identified at the previous inspection are now rectified.

“The interim principal and the board of governors have detailed ambitious plans to develop the service further and establish permanent management arrangements.

“The service recruits very successfully from the communities and groups of people who are most disadvantaged or at significant risk of social exclusion, such as learners with mental health difficulties and asylum seekers.”

According to Ofsted, the service provides education for more than 18,000 people over the age of 19.

County councillor Tony Martin, cabinet member for adult services, said: “This is great news. We’ve been applauded by Ofsted for making effective changes that are now having a really positive impact.

“We won’t rest on our laurels, though, and we are committed to continuing these improvements, which will benefit adult learners across the county even more.

“We know what we need to do to improve further to continue to make a difference and we’re on track with these.”

It provides teaching at one main centre and 120 community-based venues.

Ofsted has said that the college can’t be considered to be ‘outstanding’ as the senior leadership team isn’t yet permanent, individual learning targets are not used for all students and managers don’t systematically analyse non-accredited achievement.

Interim principal Amanda Melton, who is also in charge of Nelson and Colne College, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the results of our latest Ofsted inspection, which have seen us be named ‘good’ across the board.

“Our staff are truly exceptional and have worked tirelessly over the past year to help make positive changes to LALC’s delivery.

“The individual needs of students are at the very heart of our provision, and we look forward to now continuing our work with adult learners with our new status as a ‘good’ provider.”