01-04-2005
Wakefield ACES in Top 10% of Adult Education Providers
Wakefield Adult and Community Education Service are celebrating their successful inspection, which puts it in the top ten percent of providers of Adult and Community Learning in the country. They were awarded five grade 2s in subject areas - for Information and Communication Technology; Health and Social Care; Visual Arts; Skills for Life/Foundation programmes; and for Family Learning. They also got a double 2 for leadership and management.
The Adult and Community Education Service has worked closely with community organisations and schools since 1987, to bring learning opportunities close to the heart of local communities. Peter Elliott, Lifelong Learning Manager observed: "It is good to have the work done by ourselves and our partners validated by an external inspection, which has commented particularly on the strength of community involvement and partnership, and the service's approach to equal opportunities."
He went on to say: "We are proud of the quality of the many dedicated teachers who work for us, and to have that reflected in many of the comments made by learners to the inspectors, which are quoted in their report":
- learning to read "it's opened up a whole new world for me!";
- the patient, friendly and supportive tutors;
- the resources - "good equipment I don't have at home";
- the community venues;
- the crèches - "they are a God-send!";
- gaining in confidence - "I used to be an 'I can't' person; now I'm an 'I can' person";
- the English language courses - "I can now speak some English and talk to my child's teacher".
John McLeod, the Corporate Director for Education and Cultural services stated: "The Inspection gives an excellent foundation for further development. We look forward to much more success in future."
Cllr Wayne Jenkins, Cabinet member for Education and Lifelong Learning and Chair of Board of Governors commented: "We are proud and delighted with the results of the Inspection. They reflect the hard work and commitment of the Adult & Community Education Service staff and community partners, it is a true community result. This sets the foundation for future developments to meet the needs of lifelong learners in the Wakefield District."
The service offers over 100 different part-time programmes, in 1000 classes across the district, from Accounts to Yoga. Many of the courses provide skills training to help people move into employment, and others provide a range of opportunities for personal learning and development to learners from 16 to 97, and at all levels and abilities, from introductory to advanced.
Look out in early July for Access to Adult Education. This brochure is delivered to every household in the Wakefield District and shows what is on offer from Wakefield MDC's Adult and Community Education Service in 2005-6.