New Directions Retains ‘Good’ Ofsted Status

READING’S learning and employment service for adults has retained its ‘Good’ status following a recent Ofsted visit.

Inspectors say leaders and managers of New Directions have made sure the service continues to provide a good educational experience for Reading residents. The Ofsted report goes on to say that the service offers a welcoming and safe environment for learners to develop new knowledge and skills. New Directions and its partners provide a wide range of adult learning courses to raise the skills and enrich the lives of the local community. The short Ofsted inspection on 5th and 6th June was the first since the service was judged to be good in December 2015. The inspectors report says: “Learners benefit from high-quality careers information, advice and guidance to help them select the right courses.” It continues: “Tutors know their learners well and ensure that they all have a chance to participate in activities and discussions during lessons. A “well-considered” apprenticeship programme has been introduced since the last inspection and the report says a large majority of participants are developing new knowledge, skills and behaviour for their job roles. Safeguarding was judged to be effective with leaders and managers giving it a high priority and ensuring learners are safe and feel safe. Inspectors highlighted some areas requiring further attention which they say leaders and quality managers had already accurately identified in the self-assessment report. The report says leaders and managers have effective oversight of the performance of the great majority of staff delivering the service’s directly delivered provision. It also praised managers for installing high-quality information technology into most classrooms which tutors used effectively to present information.

Cllr Ashley Pearce, Lead Councillor for Education, said:

“I would like to congratulate everyone at New Directions for maintaining their ‘Good’ Ofsted rating. “New Directions makes a real difference to people’s lives by enabling them to develop new knowledge and skills. I’m pleased that the apprenticeship programme is also progressing well with a majority of participants making good progress. “I would encourage anyone who is looking for high quality careers information and advice on adult education courses to make contact with New Directions which offers courses in venues across the borough.” New Directions offers the opportunity for Reading residents to learn a wide range of skills in areas including Arts & Crafts, Food & Drink, Health & Wellbeing and Languages. There are also chances to brush up on IT skills, English & Maths and a host of vocational courses. More information about courses offered by New Directions can be found on their website at https://www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk/. ENDS The full Ofsted report can be found at: https://files.api.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50091651