Learning service is one to follow

Reporter: Marina Berry
Date online: 09 March 2010

OLDHAM’S adult education service has been held up as a shining light for the rest of the country to follow.

The borough’s Lifelong Learning Service (OLLS) has been awarded beacon status in recognition of its exemplary work.

It is one of just seven adult and community learning providers to achieve the accolade in England. The news now means that all three of the borough’s further education providers, including Oldham College and Oldham Sixth Form College, now boast beacon status.

OLLS representatives received the award from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) at an awards ceremony in London.

The awards are designed to recognise excellence and innovation.

The service will now work in partnership with the LSIS to help drive national improvements, reform and change.

The recognition comes after OLLS last year became England’s first local authority adult education provider to be rated “outstanding” in every area by Ofsted.

Councillor Kay Knox, cabinet member for children, young people and families, described it as “a worldclass public service,” adding: “We are extremely proud that Oldham’s Lifelong Learning Service has been bestowed with beacon status as another endorsement of its work and achievements.

“It is built on a fabulous commitment to widening access to learning opportunities, and to reducing the barriers that can sometimes deter adults from studying and enhancing their life prospects.”

The service offers a diverse range of part-time courses for adults, helping learners develop skills and study towards a qualification.

It has more than 200 members of staff, most of whom are full or part-time tutors, who deliver courses across more than 60 local venues, including the flagship Oldham Library and Lifelong Centre and seven other Lifelong Learning Centres, schools, children’s centres, libraries and other community facilities.

Figures for last year show a total of 6,987 learners enrolled on OLLS courses.

Lynda Fairhurst, head of OLLS, said: “This achievement recognises everyone’s success — colleagues and learners alike — and we are proud to offer everyone in Oldham an excellent adult learning service.”

For a brochure listing courses, centres and facilities, or to talk to someone, call freephone 0800 525 956 or email lifelong.learning@oldham.gov.uk  

Information is also available from any OLLS centre or from the website at www.oldham.gov.uk/learning/lifelong