Agenda item

Barnsley Adult Skills and Community Learning Service (ASCL)

To consider a report of the Executive Director (Core Services) and the Executive Director (Place)  (Item 4a attached) in respect of Barnsley Adult Skills and Community Learning Service Ofsted Improvement Journey, including the Continuous Service Improvement Plan (Item 4b attached), a Performance Summary Extract (Item 4c attached) and Learner Case Studies (Item 4d attached).

 

Minutes:

The following witnesses were welcomed to the meeting:-

 

Anne-Marie Holdsworth – Adult Skills, Employability & Community Learning Manager.

Vikki Annetts – Performance Improvement Manager, Adult Skills & Community Learning Service.

Councillor Chris Lamb – Cabinet Support Member, Communities.

 

The Chair noted that a Task and Finish Group of the Committee had considered the service approximately two years ago, which was led by Councillor Hand-Davis.  The report was received by the Committee, and in the ensuing discussion Members asked a number of questions and the following points were raised:

 

·         With regards to working towards a rating of ‘Good’ by Ofsted, all performance indicators were heading in the right direction with a particular focus on improving teaching and learning, and assessment to ensure a high quality learning experience.  New teaching staff were in post and areas of underperformance being addressed with existing staff, consequently it was thought that performance was more consistently good. It was noted that a number of areas were thought to have improved previously, but more recently this improvement could be evidenced securely.  Members heard of the implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan which detailed actions down to curriculum areas.  Members also noted the sharing of good practice through regional and national networks to aid improvement.

·         Councillors noted the recent interim support and challenge visit by Ofsted, which went well, with feedback provided being in line with the thoughts of officers.

·         The Committee discussed how provision ensured the needs of each individual were met. This included a system in place to consider the needs of each learner on entry.  Any issues or specific triggers were logged and once sufficient would necessitate an intervention to consider the reasons for this and the support required.  In addition it was noted that teaching within the class was differentiated in order that the needs of all learners were met, and this included the needs of adults with learning difficulties.

·         Members noted that a more sophisticated software package was being trialled, which would help staff to consider progress in more detail.  It was expected that this would be rolled out by September, 2018.

·         Members discussed the basis of employment of teaching staff and it was noted that these were permanent with term time hours.  All bar 2 were fully qualified with both subject specific and teaching qualifications; those in question had one of these, but would become fully qualified with both aspects within 2 years.

·         In relation to British Values, it was noted that their promotion was mandatory by all Further Education (FE) establishments, and much had been completed with staff to ensure they were properly equipped and had the confidence to ensure this was done effectively. Members heard how the service was working with other partners in adult education as part of the Prevent and British Values Group to share good practice.

·         The meeting heard how the annual budget for the service was £2.1m from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) which rose to £2.3m when fees were added.  The service employed approximately 60 staff assisted by around 30 support staff.  The average learner experience was 80 hours over 1 year part time.  The Committee noted that witnesses were satisfied with the quality of teaching staff, but difficulties with recruiting the quantity required were noted.  This was especially true for those with specialities in English and maths, however this mirrored issues nationally.

·         The Committee discussed the take up of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, and it was noted that these were often oversubscribed in community settings as many community projects sought external funds to fully fund the courses for participants.

·         Members heard of the overall gender mix, which was approximately 72% females and 28% males, though it was recognised that this balance was reversed for ESOL courses.   Members noted that the high proportion reflected the national picture and acknowledged the efforts to encourage more men to take part.

·         In relation to those from disadvantaged backgrounds, it was noted that approximately 46% of participants were in receipt of benefits, which is significantly above the national statistic of 14%. In addition it was noted that 23% of learners declared that they had a learning difficulty or disability, which was high compared to national rates.

·         Members heard how those most disadvantaged were made aware of the service through networks working in the heart of communities; however it was noted that a prospectus was available for all to access.  It was noted that referrals were received from a number of places such as community safety, troubled families, and area council services; however referrals were not currently made from the criminal justice system.

·         The Committee acknowledged that courses such as Health and Safety, First Aid, and Food Safety often provide a starting point for many learners and a gateway to improving English and maths.

 

RESOLVED:-

(i)     That the witnesses be thanked for their contribution and the report be noted;

(ii)   A link providing further information regarding British Values is provided to the Committee;

(iii)   A breakdown of the data in relation to ESOL learners including numbers and percentages is provided to the Committee;

(iv)  That the Committee receives further reports on progress, including feedback from future inspections

Supporting documents:

 

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