Ofsted success for council’s learning services

Derby City Council is celebrating after its adult learning and skills provision service achieved a ‘good’ Ofsted inspection.

In their report, inspectors said they were particularly impressed with the leadership, management, and governance of the council’s Derby Adult Learning Service (DALS).

DALS offers a variety of courses to help people develop, including maths, English, IT skills and care education.

It also offers apprenticeship opportunities at the city council.

Their report said: “They (DALS) provide a highly effective curriculum that focuses on some of the key social and cultural challenges in the city.

“This includes ambitious work with those from under-represented communities.

“Tutors have high ambitions for their learners. They help learners build their confidence and deal with setbacks.

“As a result, learners attend interviews for jobs they had previously thought were out of reach or deal calmly with difficult situations when on work placements.”

Councillor Evonne Williams, the city council’s cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “This is a proud moment for everybody involved with Derby City Council’s Adult Learning Service. Our Adult Education Service has a really positive impact in our communities.

“I am particularly proud of the responsiveness of the service. They work collaboratively across the city to support our learners.

“Not only do they support Derby citizens in gaining employment; they also provide courses that focus on health, wellbeing, and resilience.

“This Ofsted inspection confirmed what we already knew; Derby City Council’s Adult Learning Service is an incredible service that we are lucky to have in Derby.

“I encourage anyone who is looking to develop or learn new skills to get in touch with the team as soon as possible.”