Learn Devon maintains ‘Good’ Ofsted rating

Devon County Council’s adult education service Learn Devon is celebrating after maintaining its Good rating from Ofsted, following an inspection on 28 February and 1 March.

Over the two days, HM inspectors met with managers, tutors and other staff, visited lessons, talked to learners and reviewed key information such as evidence of safeguarding and reports on learners’ satisfaction with their courses.

In his report, HM Inspector Steve Tucker praised the service’s “clear focus on improving the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people in Devon.”

He continued: “Inspectors found that teachers deliver courses that improve people’s literacy and mathematical skills, improve their chances of progressing into employment and contribute to improvements in health and well-being.

“Managers evaluate new initiatives well and take bold steps to find ways of using education and training to improve people’s lives.

“Most learners on English and mathematics courses make good progress and develop a range of skills that improve their lives. Learners who are studying or planning to get a new job reported how the English courses have developed their writing skills. Several employed learners, who had previously been unable to complete forms or record their work, explained how they can now fill in the forms their employers require.”

This inspection was the first one carried out since Learn Devon was judged to be good in April 2013.

Following publication of the report, Learn Devon’s Operations Manager Nicholas Child said: “We’re delighted by Ofsted’s report, which highlights the many ways our courses help improve the lives of people in Devon. It is confirmation of the excellent and innovative work staff and delivery partners carry out to support learners in achieving their goals. We look forward to continuing to develop the service to further benefit individuals and communities across the county.”

To read the full Ofsted inspection report, visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ and search for Devon County Council Adult and Community Learning.

To find out more about Learn Devon’s courses, visit www.learndevon.co.uk, call 0345 155 1014 or email learndevon@devon.gov.uk.