Ofsted annual report - NIACE response Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 17:55

Responding to the publication of Ofsted's annual report, NIACE Deputy Chief Executive, Peter Lavender, said:

"NIACE is pleased to see that in adult and community learning you are more likely to meet good provision than anywhere else. We are also pleased that specialist colleges for those with disabilities are effective. A long time ago this was not so: a reassurance for learners and carers. Good too is the news that colleges catering for those with the most disadvantage provide some of the highest quality provision."

"Nothing in this report is shocking but there is much to improve. Of concern must be the low quality of provision for maths and science - a critical area for economic development. Maths for adults is important to get right - as our inquiry into adult numeracy is finding."

"The quality of adult careers advice must also improve if we are to help people make choices and move on. Ofsted also urge improvement in provision for offenders and of ESOL in immigration removal centres: without this individuals can't make a difference to their lives."

Nothing in this report is shocking but there is much to improve. Of concern must be the low quality of provision for maths and science

Peter Lavender

However of particular concern to NIACE is Ofsted's finding that -

provision contracted by the Department for Work and Pensions is the weakest area of post-16 provision, with the highest proportion of inadequate providers. This year, in a difficult jobs market, 28 out of 34 providers were judged to be inadequate in terms of outcomes for learners.

Peter Lavender continued,

"How can the government have good quality provision for unemployed people funded through the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills but allow poor quality provision when funded through the Department for Work and Pensions? DWP-funded learning is the weakest in the post compulsory education and training sector, say inspectors. How much longer can this continue and what happened to ‘integrated employment and skills'?"