Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member for Learning and Employability

The Skills and Employability Service provided Community Learning through a range of formal and informal programmes for adults across the County. It provided programmes that supported people and their families to gain skills needed to progress in the world of work and to support parents to give their children the best start in life. Community Learning offered engaging “first steps” learning opportunities as a way of increasing participation for people who were least likely to engage in adult learning and to prepare learners for more formal learning, as well as offering inclusive programmes to the community that helped prevent social isolation through poor health.

 Members heard that this Service was funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and worked with schools, colleges, third sector organisations and local community groups across Staffordshire. 90% of Service delivery was through commissioned provision to a range of sub-contracted partner organisations. The four priorities for the Service were:

·         to develop the skills, confidence, motivation and resilience of adults of different ages and backgrounds;

·         to support individuals to progress towards formal learning or employability;

·         to support individuals to improve their health and well-being, including mental health; and

·         to develop stronger communities.

Members received details of the learning framework, the 2019-2020 academic year performance for terms 1 & 2, and funding. The funding criteria for adult learning was for those outside of compulsory school age, therefore 18+ years of age.

In particular Members received details of the Service response to Covid 19 and its immediate and long-term impacts. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Employability and Skills acknowledged the challenge the Service had faced during this crisis, and particularly paid tribute to Amanda Darlington, newly appointed Community Learning Manager, for managing the crisis whilst being new in post.

Members noted there had been good engagement of learners across five of the eight districts and that further work was needed to improve engagement in South Staffordshire, Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle. Consideration was given to the reasons for this, including whether there was any correlation between levels of need and employability. It was noted that enrolment for adult learning courses had been low in Newcastle in previous years and members asked for further data to identify the reasons for this and what was being done to address the issues identified.

One of the consequences of the Covid 19 crisis was a more rapid move to all on-line learning and Members noted the challenges that had emerged. Going forward Members asked whether the on-line offer would remain a significant part of the Service offer. In particular they noted that any geographical differences in offer were removed with on-line courses, which was beneficial. However, they also shared concerns that homes without access to appropriate IT equipment would be disadvantaged, asking that consideration be given to how access to equipment could be achieved, through possible loan equipment to communities and/or individuals. The use of libraries in accessing equipment was also discussed to help combat digital exclusion. Wellbeing issues were highlighted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90