Bristol City Council’s Employment, Skills and Lifelong Learning Service (ESL) has been rated as Good by Ofsted, with the behaviour and attitudes of learners rated as Outstanding.
Inspectors visited Community Learning and On Site Bristol provision across the city over several days in May. These services provide training for about 320 apprentices and 2,200 adult learners.
Chair of the Economy and Skills Committee Councillor Andrew Brown said: “We are thrilled to receive such a positive Ofsted inspection.
“We know that the majority of ESL adult learners live in socially and economically deprived areas of Bristol and we will continue to build on this success to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential. I would like to pay tribute to all the staff involved in delivering the service and earning this rating.”
Inspectors noted:
- Teaching and training staff work very closely with and know their learners well, thoughtfully accommodating any additional learning needs.
- ESL staff have devised curriculums which best meet the needs of the Bristol communities they work in and the employers they work with, attracting disadvantaged and disaffected learners into learning.
- Senior staff and managers work very effectively to remove any barriers which prevent learners in the city from taking part in learning and achieving qualifications.
- Courses are provided at times that are most convenient for learners – on several courses, mothers attend their lessons only because senior staff have provided crèche facilities.
Head of Service Jane Taylor said: “It is fantastic that Ofsted have recognised the many strengths of our community learning and apprenticeship provision. Every member of staff goes the extra mile to provide great learning opportunities that change lives. Learners receive great support and achieve outstanding behaviours and attitudes to learning. “
A spokesperson for the City of Bristol College said: “At the City of Bristol College we deliver construction apprenticeships on behalf of Bristol City Council’s Employment, Skills and Lifelong Learning Service and we are committed to delivering high quality aspirational training and skills. Through working in partnership with Bristol City Council’s Employment, Skills and Lifelong Learning Service we are supporting individuals and communities to realise their full potential, and as a result of our apprentices’ achievements they are able to thrive and make a positive impact both locally and regionally.”
The Young Parents Maths and English Group is part of the post-16 education and skills ESL offer and is based in central Bristol. It provides an inclusive, supportive environment with a creche.
Ella, who attended the course. said: “I never really got the hang of school, always felt like I fell behind in everything. I came out of school and found I had ADHD and autism; I was struggling academically because this was hidden and undiagnosed. When I had my daughter, I dropped out of college because I couldn’t cope with the work and a newborn, I also had a lot of family issues going on at the time too.
“I had also lost my confidence, but this course has given me another opportunity to get my qualifications and provide care for my daughter. My confidence has grown, I really enjoy the learning and support from staff.”