THE council’s Adult Skills and Community Learning service has been awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted - making it one of only three local authorities to hold the top grade.

Taking place in November, the latest Ofsted inspection highlighted the council service’s quality of education, leadership and overall effectiveness.

The inspection report says: “Tutors and pastoral staff successfully develop learners’ confidence and resilience.

“They support learners to lead sessions and facilitate activities with their peers.

“Staff place a high priority on improving learners’ health and well-being, so that learners are more able to attend and achieve.

“Learners undertake wellbeing walks with their tutors and peers to realise the benefits of an active lifestyle.”

Following an inspection in 2018, that graded the service as good, council staff have been working to improve opportunities and produce learning material that helps people to move closer towards employment.

In the recent inspection, Ofsted noted the strong commitment to raising the aspirations of adult learners and addressing high levels of economic inactivity.

Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “The recognition as outstanding by Ofsted reflects our Adult Skills and Community Learning service’s commitment to providing top-quality education and support.

“The achievement is a testament to the hard work of our dedicated staff, learners, and supportive communities.

“The recognition in the report for our work to level the playing field so that everyone can benefit from work in our borough is a demonstration of the partnership approach to developing better pathways to work through learning and skills development.

“Our Adult Skills and Community Learning service remains focused on continuing to build on its successes, exploring new ways to innovate and improve its offerings to be even better.”