THE adult education and apprenticeships programme at Hampshire County Council has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted.

The education standards body also noted that the quality of provided service was ‘high’ and highlighted how significant the improvements in the management of these programmes have been since the last inspection in 2016.

Councillor Keith Mans, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is excellent news for anyone moving on to further education and training after leaving school.

“It is inline with the high performance that we see across many areas of county council services.

“We are committed to driving career opportunities and widening training and employment choices and prospects, and will continue to do so – to help people develop the skills they need to help them enjoy successful, lifelong employment.”

The council’s adult education programme teaches more than 10,000 people a year across Hampshire, offering a range of courses for those who are unemployed, low skilled or just looking to participate in classes to develop new skills or pursue a hobby.

The authority has said Ofsted’s feedback has made it clear that the adult education and training provision met local needs well, and is supporting community cohesion and well-being.

Traineeships – a pre-apprenticeship programme developed by the council – and apprenticeships were also highlighted as particular strengths.

The inspector also found that achievement rates across all areas, and for all groups, were above national averages. And individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds outperformed similar groups from other areas, as well as their non disadvantaged peers.

Nevertheless, some cause for improvement was noted.

The inspection report said: “Managers should improve the quality of teaching, learning and assessment for adult learners so that it is consistently good.”

The authority’s curriculum provision is managed and delivered by the Hampshire Futures service, which offers a range of support programmes to help young people and adults to access employment, education and training, in order to develop new skills and to pursue successful careers.