DEVON County Council’s adult education provider has maintained its rating of “good” following an inspection at the end of September this year. 

The report credits Learn Devon with creating a “calm and purposeful learning environment” where learners value the support they receive from tutors.

It says: “Tutors support them well to build their knowledge and skills over time” ensuring learners are “motivated to learn”.

Tutors and learning support assistants were praised for their effective support for learners with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and as a result, “most learners with SEND make progress in line with their peers” throughout their courses.

Ofsted also highlighted Learn Devon’s effective working with the County Council, Job Centre Plus and other partners to ensure that its curriculum and courses are designed and implemented to align with the needs of the local economy.

This is illustrated through its work in supporting job seekers with a digital skills course to help them apply for jobs online, and courses designed for ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) learners.

Learn Devon’s wide range of community courses was also lauded for helping to get people back into learning and to undertake further learning.

Inspectors noted that Learn Devon is active in re-engaging with learners who had negative experiences of education in the past “to give them the second chances that they often need to be successful”.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said: “This is a glowing endorsement from Ofsted and it’s positive to see that Learn Devon is providing all of its learners, including those with SEND, with the support they need to progress their learning.

"It’s great to hear that learners are enjoying their courses with Learn Devon and are motivated to learn. With courses meeting the needs of employers, local businesses in the county can potentially benefit from more applicants with the skills and learning they require.”

Each year, Learn Devon provides education for around 1,850 adult learners across the county.

With accredited qualifications from entry level to level 2 available, learners are able to access courses in English, mathematics, digital skills and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), alongside other subject areas.

The full report is available at: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/42/51540 .