Portsmouth learning service rated ‘GOOD’ by Ofsted

OFSTED has rated the Portsmouth City Council Community Learning Service ‘GOOD’ after a full inspection in February. The service offers a high quality adult and family learning experience for all residents of Portsmouth. The varied programme acknowledges that for some, learning supports leisure, and for some it builds capacity, enabling them to return to work or more formal learning. It will also provide learners the opportunity to take a greater role in their community or to support their children’s learning. Inspectors said The Learning Place, in Derby Road, where many of the courses take place, was well resourced and provided an inclusive and safe learning environment. The report also praised the service’s tutors for the support they offer to learners and their good use of learning technology to make lessons more enjoyable. They also appreciated the decisive and successful action taken by managers, the good partnerships with employers, local schools and the community recognising the programme’s ability to build self-confidence and skills. Cllr Luke Stubbs, cabinet member for community learning, said: “We are delighted that Ofsted has recognised the strength of this service and the hard work that goes in to provide high quality courses and support. We’re particularly pleased that the report recognises our partnership work with many organisations in Portsmouth and the ability of the tutors and managers to support learners so that they can continue to make good progress in their learning.” Alan Cufley, the director at the city council with responsibility for the service said: “The benefits of adult and family learning are well documented. Participating in high quality learning opportunities not only helps those individuals who take part but also their families, communities and wider society. “Our learners can take away new life skills, qualifications and become more employable. There are also social and well-being benefits, something of great importance to more vulnerable adults, when people are just learning purely for enjoyment, pleasure and personal fulfilment.”

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