Bolton Council and Bolton College are celebrating after the town’s adult and community learning provision was graded as ‘good’ in its recent Ofsted inspection.
Bolton Council and Bolton College are celebrating after the town’s adult and community learning provision was graded as ‘good’ in its recent Ofsted inspection.
The council’s adult and community learning provision, which is delivered by Bolton College, was graded ‘good’ by Ofsted in every category: Leadership and Management; Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare; Outcomes for Learners; and Adult Learning Programmes.
Ofsted praised the council and college for engaging and enthusing learners, with more than 2500 adults attending a range of courses last year and many going on to get a job, gain a qualification, progress to university and benefit from self-development.
Courses are delivered at the college’s main Deane Road campus and community learning centres at Brownlow Fold in Halliwell, Deane & Derby and New Bury in Farnworth.
Deputy Leader of Bolton Council, Councillor Ebrahim Adia, said: “We are extremely proud to be recognised as a good adult education provider that meets the needs and interests of our learners.
“Bolton Council places a high value on lifelong learning and adult education really does transform lives in so many diverse and positive ways.
“We have a strong and positive partnership with Bolton College and together we work hard to continuously improve the adult and community learning offer.
“I am pleased that the inspectors recognised the effectiveness of our ‘Team Bolton’ approach of working with employers and partners to design courses that support learners to develop essential and current skills.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank both staff and learners for their commitment and dedication.”
Faustin Musombwa completed a Health & Social Care Level 1 Diploma at New Bury community learning centre.
He said: “This has given me the confidence and qualifications to apply to complete a Level 2, then train as a nurse at university.”
Susan Hopwood completed both computing and office skills qualifications.
“I’ve now secured a full-time job as a receptionist at a local business and I’m using my new skills on a day-to-day basis,” she said.
Bill Webster, Interim Principal of Bolton College, added: “I am pleased that Ofsted’s findings highlight the quality of provision we provide on behalf of the Council.
“Fantastic leadership, staff and students have created a welcoming environment that helps learners from across the town to realise their ambitions.
“Working in partnership with Bolton Council, we will continue to provide excellent learning opportunities.”