Cornwall Council’s Adult Education Service has been praised in a positive report from Ofsted.

Inspectors highlighted how the courses are helping to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable learners and increasing their chances of gaining employment.

The Ofsted inspection report highlights the effectiveness of the service in carrying out the four recommendations since the last full inspection in November 2014.

A team of four inspectors spent two days in February inspecting the wide range of courses delivered in five main centres across Cornwall, including 110 community venues and 17 ‘link into learning’ centres.

Particular praise is given by Ofsted to tutors who have coached those learners experiencing difficulties, including dyslexia, and have provided good support including to those experiencing mental ill-health.

Liskeard Councillor Sally Hawken, portfolio holder for children and well-being, said: ‘We want to provide opportunities – this report shows how we are helping more disadvantaged adults and their families across Cornwall develop skills and learning. As well as good quality teaching, the service is providing the necessary skills so that learners can progress into further education, training and employment.’

The report identified areas for improvement for senior managers including updating staff on safeguarding priorities and ensuring learners on study programmes undertake suitable work experience or work placements when they are ready to.

More than 6,500 adults took courses run by Cornwall Adult Education Service last year, including both those leading to qualifications and those taken for personal development.  Information on courses can be found on www.cornwall.gov.uk/adultlearning or by telephoning 0300 123 1117.