The newly published inspection report, released earlier this month, confirms that Lambeth “continues to be a good provider” of adult education
Lambeth Council’s Adult Learning Service has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for continuing to provide high-quality education and support to thousands of adult learners across the borough. The newly published inspection report, released earlier this month, confirms that Lambeth “continues to be a good provider” of adult education.
The inspection, carried out at the end of February, highlights how the council’s community-based approach ensures learning opportunities are widely accessible. By offering classes in local venues such as children’s centres, libraries and community hubs, Lambeth has created a network of support that reaches deep into neighbourhoods and supports learners at every stage of their journey.
At the time of the inspection, more than 750 residents were enrolled on courses organised by the council, with around two-thirds taking part in tailored learning across a range of essential subjects. These include English, maths, family learning, health and wellbeing, digital literacy and creative skills. Since August last year, over 2,000 residents have taken advantage of the learning opportunities on offer.
Funded by the Greater London Authority, the adult learning programmes are delivered in partnership with local community organisations, creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Inspectors recognised the value learners place on the courses and the strength of the support systems that come with them.
Councillor Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion at Lambeth Council, welcomed the report’s findings. “This council is wholeheartedly dedicated to empowering our residents to develop the skills necessary for securing well-paying jobs, enabling them to provide for their families and contribute to our ambitious growth agenda for the borough,” she said.
“Our adult learning service is vital to achieving this vision, and I am thrilled that this Ofsted inspection highlights the exceptional quality of provision that I have witnessed in my Cabinet role.”
Cllr Cameron added that while the council is pleased with the report’s positive outcome, it also sees it as a springboard for further improvement. “We recognise that there is always room for improvement. This inspection offers us invaluable insights to further elevate our adult learning services, and we are fully committed to that journey,” she said.
In December last year, Ofsted visited its children’s services, which highlighted significant improvements since the borough’s last full inspection in 2022. The visit assessed the experiences and progress of disabled children, those subject to child in need and child protection planning, and the quality of social work under the Public Law Outline. Ofsted’s detailed findings, shared with the council in January and officially published in a letter today, reveal clear progress and highlight a number of strengths across the service.
Inspectors found that services for disabled children had “vastly improved” and praised the leadership team’s strong grip on performance, with highly effective management systems now in place. The report also noted that social workers and their managers are increasingly alert to risks outside the family home, with a growing awareness of the complex factors that can lead to young people being drawn into exploitative relationships.
Inspectors noted that child and family assessments are becoming more comprehensive and better written, often reflecting the child’s history and including detailed analysis of risk. Social workers were found to be identifying appropriate interventions that respond effectively to children’s needs. The report also praised the senior leadership team, saying the director of children’s services and his colleagues had fostered a culture of continuous learning and development.
