County Durham’s adult and community learning service has once again been rated as a “good” provider of education by Ofsted.
DurhamLearn, run by Durham County Council, provides education and training across the county with courses ranging from English and maths to digital skills and first aid.
And, following a four-day inspection by a six-strong Ofsted team, it has been rated “good” in all areas.
The inspectors reported that staff ‘develop learners’ confidence and character very well’ and ‘treat learners with respect and care’.
Learners and apprentices ‘quickly learn the skills that they need to gain and maintain employment’, they added.
They also praised the service for developing skills programmes ‘that meet local employer needs’ and ‘address social isolation in communities’.
And the ‘support, challenge and guidance’ of the service’s governors was cited as something that has ‘enhanced the quality of provision’.
“I’d like to say a big well done and thank you to everyone involved. Of course, we’re far from complacent and as always we’ll be looking for ways to improve the service even further.”
At the time of the inspection, 738 adult learners and 109 apprentices were enrolled on programmes with DurhamLearn.
For information on all of the courses on offer at DurhamLearn visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhamlearncourses