Lifelong Learning is simply the best!

Photo: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

Councillor Kay Knox (right) and Lynda Fairhurst at the Oldham Library and Lifelong Learning Centre

Ofsted hails Oldham service as national leader in its field

OLDHAM’S Lifelong Learning Service (OLLS) is officially the best in the country after becoming the first to be rated outstanding in every area by Ofsted.

It’s celebrating a new inspection report that ranks the service at the highest possible Grade 1 across the board.

Ofsted confirmed that OLLS is the national leader in its field after becoming the first local authority adult education provider to achieve a full marks rating.

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

A 200-plus team of staff, mostly full or part-time tutors, deliver courses across 65 local venues, including eight Lifelong Learning Centres, schools, children’s centres, libraries and other community facilities.

Ofsted’s report stated there are no significant areas for improvement and considered the service outstanding in: effectiveness of provision, leadership and management, equality of opportunity, preparation for life and work (literacy, numeracy and English for speakers of other languages), and family learning.

Inspectors also highlighted outstanding teaching and learning, and guidance and support for learners.

Ofsted also judged “Equality of opportunity and the celebration of diversity throughout all aspects of the provision (as) very effective in enhancing social cohesion in the Oldham area”.

Councillor Kay Knox, Cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “This is a fabulous endorsement of Oldham’s Lifelong Learning Service — it is simply not possible to achieve a better score.

“To have Ofsted confirm that we’re also the first local authority to be awarded Grade 1 in all areas is a source of great pride for all involved and confirms that OLLS is a world-class public service. This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider that we are one of the largest providers of adult education in Greater Manchester.

“This outstanding result demonstrates our strong commitment to widening access to learning opportunities and reducing the barriers that can sometimes prevent adults from studying and enhancing their prospects.”

Lynda Fairhurst, head of OLLS, said: “I would like to congratulate our staff, and all our learners, for their part in achieving this amazing ‘top marks’ result.

“A key part of our success is that we regularly consult learners, communities and partners to ensure services are constantly responding to changing local demands while also continuously improving what is on offer. As staff, we are motivated by the many inspirational and moving stories of our learners.”

Last year OLLS had 6,236 learners enrolled. It also offers taster sessions encouraging people to try new learning experiences, while a family learning team provides opportunities to enable families, parents and carers to study together, with many daytime courses are supported by creche facilities.

Residents can obtain a free brochure listing courses and facilities by calling Freephone 0800 525 956 or sending an e-mail to lifelong.learning@oldham.gov.uk