Luminate’s Adult provision gains outstanding grade from Ofsted
Luminate Education Group’s provision for adults has been graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.
The rating follows a meticulous and thorough inspection of all of the group’s further education (FE) campuses, to evaluate the quality of their provision, at the end of April.
The inspectors, working under the Education Inspection Framework , assessed the group as a whole as Good for overall effectiveness, while finding both Adult Learning programmes and Personal Development to be ‘Outstanding’.
Luminate Education Group is the largest education provider in Yorkshire and has over 7,000 learners on adult programmes. The group’s members include Leeds City College, which operates across a number of campuses, Keighley College and Harrogate College.
Ann Marie Spry, Group Vice Principal Adults, said: “We have rapidly changed our curriculum offer and delivery methodology in response to the changing needs of the individuals and industries we serve, working collaboratively with our stakeholders. We are passionate about continually improving student outcomes in the broadest sense, and committed to providing high quality education.
“The Ofsted result is fantastic and it really reflects how we have adapted our curriculum through the pandemic. It also showcases how we have developed the offer so that it best meets the needs of our communities and businesses, and this includes creating a provision to address the digital skills gap in the region.
“We are more flexible now and the range of courses we offer is different because it is designed to meet the needs of employers, now and in the future.”
Successfully meeting the needs and aspirations of adult learners
Inspectors praised leaders across the group for successfully providing education and training that meets the aspirations of adults, provides access for a range of entry levels, and reduces barriers.
The group’s work to identify the support needs of adult learners who are refugees or asylum seekers, and develop a wraparound support service to help them access education, was also highlighted.
Ann-Marie added: “We have fully embraced a holistic approach so that we are meeting as many of the everyday needs of adults as we can, including consideration of wider health and wellbeing needs.
“The pandemic was challenging for everyone, but particularly for adults who had to deal with work, childcare, changing jobs and the changing nature of work.
“We are committed to providing learners with an inclusive and open environment where they are not just coming to learn, but to have an opportunity to reconnect with and meet new people.
“It is also about helping to tackle the isolation that people felt during lockdown periods, and at the same time helping them develop the skills they need now and to attain further qualifications for the future.”
Consistent learning outcomes
Ann-Marie praised the team for the work they are doing to give learners ‘consistent learning experiences’ adding, “adults now consistently have a great experience with us and have access to great teaching and learning”.
Future of adult education and a new adult learning space in Morley
Leeds City College is currently exploring further ways it can promote adult learning in the region, including through the creation of a new learning and skills centre in Morley.
“Adult education is central to the rebuilding of our economy in a post-Covid environment. The vision is to deliver a curriculum that makes the biggest contribution to improving and changing the lives of people both in work or unemployed, and contributing to thriving communities”
