Work is already underway on making improvements at Hull Training and Adult Education (HTAE), following a recent Ofsted inspection.
The inspection acknowledged a number of strengths within the service, which provides apprenticeships, adult learning and education programmes for young people, while also outlining areas that need attention.
Ofsted praised HTAE’s provision for learners with high needs, rating it at an above average, ‘strong standard’ in all three aspects – achievement, curriculum and teaching and participation and development.
Learners with high needs were found to make ‘‘significant progress’, ‘develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours’ and ‘consistently produce high-quality written and practical work’.
Leaders and teachers were also found to be ‘ambitious, highly purposeful, highly skilled and have strong working relationships with external specialists, as well as creating highly inclusive cultures were learners feel safe’.
The report sets out the need for actions to address leadership and governance arrangements for safeguarding, with the service committed to meeting that challenge.
It was also noted that the provision for English and maths functional skills or GCSE qualifications ‘need attention’, however predicted that results this summer should improve that rating.
Cllr Linda Tock, portfolio holder for Hull Training, said: “Hull Training and Adult Education is an essential service for so many people across the city and the report acknowledges the great work it does.
“At the same time, there is clearly the need for improvements to be made, and the team is getting on with that job straightaway.
“It is also important to recognise that a ‘strong standard’ was awarded for provision for learners with high needs, as well as ‘expected standard’ in the majority of other areas.
“We would like to thank our staff, learners, employers and partners for their continued support as we build on these strengths, make improvements and move forward with confidence.”