Adult learners in Hackney benefitting from “friendly, relaxed and focused” classes, say inspectors
Hackney’s Adult Learning Service has been rated “Good” by Ofsted, with the service praised for providing “a friendly, relaxed and focused environment”, with courses that “meet the needs of the local job market”.
Courses focused on green skills such as retrofitting were singled out for praise, with inspectors commenting that Hackney’s leaders had “developed an ambitious curriculum to provide adult learning to those most in need”. The report said that staff were quick to identify the needs of learners with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and provide appropriate support, allowing them to make progress at the same rate as their peers.
Inspectors spoke to a range of tutors and learners in classes during the inspection. The Ofsted report said tutors were “highly knowledgeable and well qualified” and continued: “They use their expertise well to give clear presentations of new concepts and set useful activities, such as discussions that help learners to remember key concepts”.
Hackney’s Adult Learning programme offers a wide range of free courses to choose from, including English, maths, digital skills, vocational training for employment and creative subjects such as painting, pottery and sewing.
The service exceeded its recruitment target during the last academic year, engaging over 4,000 learners. Outcomes for learners are good with an overall achievement rate of 92% in 2023/24.
Book onto an adult learning course today. Please call 020 8356 5055 or email iag@hackney.gov.uk to find out more.
Receiving this positive report from Ofsted for our Adult Learning Service is excellent news. Hackney Adult Learning is a key part of our lifelong learning pledge to deliver opportunities for everyone, helping to address many of the enormous challenges faced by residents, including the cost of living crisis.
It is not only testament to our ambitious curriculum, but to the Adult Learning Team who worked tirelessly year-on-year to improve the service for residents, and our excellent providers and tutors, who have all helped ensure the service has been well-rated. Tutors are delivering courses on a whole range of subjects, helping people gain qualifications and providing routes into good quality jobs.
I also want to congratulate hard working students who continue to make Hackney’s adult learning service such a success. We will continue to focus on courses which equip adults for sustainable careers, building transferable skills, and supporting wellbeing and positive mental health.
Cllr Carole Williams, Cabinet Member for Employment, Human Resources and Equalities
I found a love for pottery. So much so, it helps my mental health and wellbeing. Plus, learning a new skill is just an amazing experience.
Lorraine, a learner with TADO Ceramics
The course was very well structured and the course tutor, guest speakers and staff were more than brilliant. It has dispelled a lot of myths about how impossible it is to get into work.
Oludotun, a learner with Strive Training