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”.
Cllr Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We’re delighted at these Ofsted findings, which offer a ringing endorsement of the brilliant work DurhamLearn staff do to help people through their courses, apprenticeships and into employment.
“It was particularly heartening to see the report recognise the fact that a high proportion of learners secure employment or a guaranteed interview that prepares them better for work because ultimately everything we do is geared towards helping people access opportunities in their lives.
“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.