Ambitious and inclusive adult education service praised by Ofsted
Our adult education service has received a ‘good’ rating following a recent Ofsted inspection. This is the first time Brighton & Hove City Council’s Adult Education Hub has been inspected as a provider of adult education services as well as a commissioner.
The service provides a range of short part-time qualifications and community learning courses for adults in Brighton & Hove, including:
- work and employability skills
- pre-employment training for specific industries
- English, mathematics and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
- wellbeing and personal development
Ambitious and inclusive
Ofsted inspectors praised the service’s ‘ambitious vision’ and ‘inclusive training’, which helps adults make progress towards employment and greater independence. They said:
- Tutors have a high level of subject knowledge and use effective teaching methods and resources to ensure learners understand key concepts.
- Learners have a strong commitment to their education and are motivated to acquire new knowledge, skills and behaviours to help them in their next steps.
- Most learners studying functional skills in English or mathematics achieve their qualification, with nearly all learners achieving their qualification at the first attempt before going on to employment or further training.
- Learners develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need for their next steps. For example, learners studying textiles improve their sewing skills and develop business ideas
- ESOL tutors ensure learners are taught spoken English skills needed to access services in the community, such as healthcare and education, helping them understand and answer questions during job interviews and appointments.
Councillor Emma Daniel, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Youth Services, said: “I’m incredibly proud that our adult education service has received its ‘good’ Ofsted rating, especially as this is our Hubs first inspection as providers of adult education.
“The provision is tailored to meet the needs of our communities and local job opportunities, playing a crucial role in supporting residents into employment, particularly adults with learning difficulties and those who are vulnerable.
“This latest Ofsted report provides valuable feedback for the service, highlighting not only the elements of our adult education provision that are working well, but also key areas that we can improve on.”