Adult Learning and Leisure LSRN Seminar Community based Learning and the Skills Strategy 7 July 2006 Steve Lay Somerset County Council Adult Learning & Leisure

Meeting the needs of learners at entry and level one The delivery of return to learn courses Providing local community-based learning opportunities across Somerset in a wide range of venues at all times of the year Providing access to essential skills Engaging with disaffected and hard to reach learners Recreational learning Developing skills within Somerset’s workforce It is Adult Learning and Leisure’s intention to develop a reputation for excellence in:

Adult Learning & Leisure Vision Equality and diversity Continuous quality improvement Social inclusion Community cohesion Economic regeneration ‘Excellent Learning and Leisure opportunities for everyone’

Adult Learning Inspectorate Report published in February Inspectors – 156 inspector days 609 learner interviews 180 visits to centres 52 partner/external agency interviews 228 interviews with staff 206 lessons observed – totalling 93 hours

Inspection outcomes Ali ‘Bronze’ Award Lesson Observations:55% Outstanding or Good 38% Satisfactory 7% Inadequate Leadership and Management – Grade 2 (Good) Equality of Opportunity – Grade 2 Capacity to make further improvements – Grade 2 Community Development – Grade 2 Health, public services and care – Grade 2 Preparation for life and work, contributory grade: Return to Learn – Grade 2

Strong strategic leadership Good management of change Productive partnership arrangements Good promotion of equality and diversity Successful initiatives to widen participation Key findings:

Skills for Life – literacy and numeracy Full Level 2 provision Employer Engagement – Workforce reform Family Learning Personal and Community Development Learning Adult Learning and Leisure Priorities

Vulnerable groups First steps learning Community groups Adults from deprived wards Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (NLDC) Partnership Development

One third of users travel less than a mile Use of over 400 community venues Significant premises improvements Extensive use of Somerset Total Communication Accessibility

Disability and Minority Ethnic Workers 60 Learning Support Workers 8 Learning Advisers Impartial information advice and guidance 10 Widening Participation Project Workers Equality and Diversity

Personalised learning programmes Support for Carers Health and well-being – fitness and leisure Partnership for Older People Project Voluntary and Community Sector enabling partnerships LearnDirect partnership with Cultural Service (Libraries) ‘Independence, Well-being and Choice’

Family Learning projects with Heritage Service ESF ESOL project Economic Regeneration – Train to Gain bid Workforce Reform Children and Young Peoples Plan ‘Independence, Well-being and Choice’ – Cont..

What next? Reading the crystal ball Skills needed for the future? Conclusion