Wiltshire Council's education programmes for adult learners achieve top marks from Ofsted

Ofsted inspectors carried out an inspection of the Family and Community Learning service known as FaCL in November.

FaCL provides education programmes for adults in well-being, skills for independent living and work skills. The council also provides programmes in English for speakers of other languages who are resettling in the county.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said; "Wiltshire Council is committed to ensuring that people are empowered and have the skills to lead full and enriched lives. I am delighted that Ofsted recognised the quality of the courses provided by our Family and Community Learning service during their inspection.

"Inspectors noted the productive partnerships that have been established with charitable and community organisations. Courses are jointly planned to meet the needs of residents. An example of this is the collaboration with Wiltshire Councils FUEL programme, with courses scheduled at a venue close to where the adult learners' children participated in sports and healthy eating activities."

In his report, Clifford Shaw, lead Ofsted inspector said; "Wiltshire Council offers courses at a wide variety of locations across the county to ensure that adult learners can take part in training wherever they live in the county. Learners enjoy their courses and attend regularly, and most complete their learning programmes in full and successfully. They feel well supported by tutors who help them build their self-confidence and improve their well-being.

"Leaders have responded quickly and devised an ambitious curriculum to meet the needs of refugees resettling in the United Kingdom. They work closely with other services provided by Wiltshire Council, such as housing, transport, and children's services, to support adults and their families to take part in learning and be part of their communities."

FaCL has a number of courses upcoming in January including well-being and boosting employability skills. Information about the courses is on the Work Wiltshire website at https://workwiltshire.co.uk/family-and-community-learning/ (opens new window).