Adult Learning Team praised in latest Ofsted inspection

The council’s Adult Learning Team supports a wide range of learners, including people experiencing mental health challenges, learning difficulties or bereavement, and those who may have struggled in a traditional educational setting.

The courses cover everything from ICT and introductions to working in hospitality, childcare and schools to therapeutic art, gardening and more.  

Almost all of the courses are free, and almost 90 per cent of learners progress into further learning, volunteering, employment or better opportunities at work.

During an inspection in September, Ofsted spoke to course leaders, tutors, learning support workers and learners.

Under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, adult learning providers are assessed against a series of standards across different areas of their work.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Adult Learning Service achieved the Expected Standard in all five areas assessed: curriculum, achievement, inclusion, learners’ wider development and leadership.

The result recognises the quality of the service and its work to help learners overcome barriers, develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and executive member for growth and development, Councillor Quesir Mahmood, said: “What a fantastic achievement for our Adult Learning Team to receive such a positive outcome following their recent Ofsted inspection.

“The most important part for me was hearing how the service genuinely helps improve lives, with many learners going on to better themselves, including securing employment.

“As a Council, our vision is to change lives for the better while creating a more prosperous borough for our residents – and this service is a shining example of us doing just that.

“A big well done from me to everyone involved – we are incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”

The Ofsted report highlighted how the Adult Learning Service has high expectations of learners and tailors support to help them overcome barriers to learning.

It also supports learners, including those with disabilities and health conditions, to gain sustained employment and continue to progress

Each year, the Adult Learning Service supports more than 2,000 learners across Blackburn with Darwen.

Jasmine Alhous, who attends the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at Bank Top Adult Learning Centre, said: “This course has changed a lot in my life.

“When I first started a year ago, I couldn’t speak English, and now I can help my children with their homework and understand their teachers when they talk to me.

“I am so thankful for the classes I attend – my teacher Karen is amazing; she’s such a patient person who helps a lot.”

The Council’s Apple Trees service – a short-break service for children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism – has also been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for 11 consecutive inspections.

Chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, Denise Park, said: “The hugely positive outcome of this inspection reflects the hard work and commitment that goes into supporting our adult learners here in Blackburn with Darwen.

“Many of our learners face challenges in life, whether relating to their mental health or a disability, or because they may have struggled in a traditional learning setting.

"This team works hard to remove barriers to learning and give people the very best chances to succeed.

“As a Council, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that no resident in our borough is left behind.

"Services like this, working closely with our colleagues in Adult Services and Children’s Services, help us achieve just that – supporting people into employment and volunteering and, like Jasmine, helping them improve their lives for the better.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone involved – those leading the service, the tutors and support workers, and the learners themselves. I hope you are all rightly proud of what you’ve achieved and the difference you are all making.”