Agenda item

[Joanne Keatley, Head of Adult Education, to present report;

Covering Report will be sent to Follow]

Joanne Keatley, Head of Adult Education, gave a report and presentation about the current adult education offer and an assessment of the possible implications for the service of the Adult Skills Budget being devolved to the West Midlands Combined Authority. The annual Adult Education budget is £9 million.

The Head of Adult Education outlined in a presentation to the panel the background the current provision, the priorities of the service, and range of courses on offer to residents. The focus of the provision is aimed at older adults – only a small percentage of people attending courses are under 18 years.

The Head of Adult Education explained the proposed changes to the government funding which will mean the responsibility for the management of the budget for community learning providers will be transferred to WMCA. The Head of Adult Education commented on the different approaches to encouraging and supporting people who want to gain qualifications or learn new skills. The Head of Adult Education added that education should be seen as a way out of poverty and commented on the profile of students.

The Head of Adult Education commented on the positive impact of changes made by Government to change the rules that people can complete an ESOL course if they are earning less than £16,700 previously the assessment would include the total income for the household. The cost of attending the course was considered to be a barrier to people learning new skills and increase their employment opportunities. The current fee for ESOL course is £350 a term.

A further positive change made by Government is the removal of course fees for people wanting to gain GSCE in English or Maths. The Head of Adult Education commented on the work done with Like Minds – an organisation that supports people with learning difficulties

The service scores highly on FE student satisfaction surveys and recently an adult learner was a national winner at the Festival of Learning Awards. The Head of Adult Education showed a short video clip of the learner and their experiences.

The Head of Adult Education commented on the changes in 2019/20 when responsibility for funding for adult education will be transferred to the WMCA. The decision is likely to lead to changes in priorities, with perhaps a further narrowing, as improving skills is high on the agenda for the WMCA.

The Head of Adult Education commented on the vision for the City Learning Quarter and the different services that will be based on the site.

The Head of Adult Education commented the importance of effective marketing and word of mouth in promoting the service in addition to adverts on radio. The service also has a mobile promotional display that can be used in different venues. The panel queried what would happen when someone came into the centre interested in attending a course. The Head of Adult Education explained that the service has open days where people can get advice and help, in addition to course enrolment days - if people get over any concerns about studying then based on experience they will be ok when they start.

The panel discussed the possibility of a visit to the adult education service. The Head of Adult Education agreed to agree some possible dates for a tour of the site and the opportunity to observe a class.

The panel thanked the Head of Adult Education for the excellent report and presentation.

Resolved:

            The Scrutiny Officer to arrange a date for a visit by panel members to the adult education service.

The meeting closed at 7.15pm