11/07/2023 - Council Adult Learning provider receives good rating

Luton Adult Learning (LAL) was inspected in April this year. During the visit, the inspectors saw a number of classes and spoke to learners and teachers and rated it Good across all categories, which include; the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, adult learning programmes and apprenticeships.

In its findings Ofsted said that learners and apprentices enjoy their courses and are keen to learn and value the calm and welcoming environment that staff create. A high proportion of adult learners speak English as an additional language or have a learning difficulty. They receive effective support to enable them to achieve their personal goals and the skills they need to gain employment.

The report added that LAL has developed an effective curriculum that improves learners’ prospects for employment or progression to further learning.  They plan creative and effective programmes, such as the government-funded MULTIPLY maths programmes which help adults improve numeracy skills. For example, they have developed maths classes for taxi drivers and craft courses, such as sewing with maths, to help those struggling to get on the labour market.

It also stated that teachers provide good support to meet the needs of individual learners and apprentices. For example, teachers meet with individual learners frequently to discuss their next steps. They also ensure they have access to a careers hub where they receive support and teachers arrange for employers and charities to visit the hub to discuss job vacancies and volunteering opportunities.

It was noted that some areas to work on include teacher feedback which could be more detailed and that too few apprentices achieve their qualifications within the planned time frame, but steps are being taken to rectify this. 

Cllr Aslam Khan, portfolio holder responsible for skills and employability at Luton Council said, “I am really pleased with the outcome of the inspection. It recognises the hard work of our learners and teachers. Not only does the report acknowledge Luton Adult Learning’s commitment to helping build confidence and skills, which will give people more opportunities in life, it also recognises the importance of the links we have with local employers.  This ties in with the aims of the Luton Employment and Skills Strategy with its £5m skills programme and the Employment and Skills Partnership Board, which were launched last year.

“LAL is not alone as the town’s University, the Further Education College and over 35 schools are rated Good or Outstanding, demonstrating high quality teaching and learning in Luton. Having good education provision is so important as it helps improve life chances. It also helps the town’s businesses have access to a workforce that will help them thrive”.

View the OFSTED report.

Luton Adult Learning has helped improve the life chances of thousands of residents with its many courses and training opportunities. You can find out more about what they offer on their website. 

View the Luton Employment and Skills Strategy annual review. 

Watch the video which demonstrates the Strategy’s successes.