NORTH Yorkshire has achieved an impressive Ofsted turnaround of its Adult Learning and Skills Service (ALSS) thanks to an increase in those securing qualifications.

The service has been judged as “good” by inspectors just two years after it was rated as “requires improvement”.

The turnaround is driven by an increase in the proportion of adult learners who complete their qualifications, particularly in English, mathematics and ICT.

Ofsted says adults, apprentices and learners who have high needs benefit from a “well-tailored programme”, which allows them to “develop their independence and prepare well for the future”.

The inspectors noticed an “increase in confidence” in adult learners, and said they “engage more actively as citizens in their communities”.

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan, the county council's executive member for education and skills, said: “It’s fantastic that Ofsted has recognised the work of the ALSS which benefits so many people across the county.

"I would like to thank our dedicated staff for all their hard work in striving for improvement.

“The report praises leaders for a ‘thorough analysis and understanding of local need’.

"Supporting the most disadvantaged and vulnerable residents by giving them the skills they require to succeed in life is one of the key priorities of the council.

“We know that improvements to the service can still be made and our aim now is to achieve an ‘outstanding’ rating in the next inspection.

"We have every confidence our staff will continue to advance the quality of support on offer to learners.”

One adult learner undertaking an ICT course said it was an "absolutely wonderful course", adding: "I found the teacher’s ability to meet me at my level has been brilliant.

"As an older mother and part-time worker still having universal credit, my teacher has made it possible for me to learn as well as care for my daughter and fit other commitments in. My teacher is able to juggle all our needs and still leave me feeling capable and able.”