• Post-19 adult and community learning praised for continued improvement
• Essential skills help students gain access to work and further education
Our Newham Learning and Skills (ONLS) is celebrating a glowing report from government inspectors.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, OBE said: “I’m so proud of the commitment and dedication our Newham Learning and Skills team demonstrates when supporting our residents in reaching their potential.
“Receiving recognition from Ofsted is a testament to the important work they do across all our communities. It’s another positive step and a clear sign of how we deliver - we are so ambitious for our people and want to support them in acquiring the skills needed to access good jobs and a wide range of opportunities.
“As we shift the dial through our Building a Fairer Newham plan, we will continue to do all we can to replace insecure, low-wage, and exploitative employment with hope and opportunities for our residents, especially our young people. Our Newham Learning and Skills team plays a vital role in building an inclusive growth economy focused on tackling the range of financial vulnerabilities facing too many residents.
“Our focus on digital and technical skills, such as cybersecurity and software development, aligns with areas of real labour market demand. By helping residents build confidence and gain meaningful qualifications, Our Newham Learning and Skills is opening life-changing pathways.
“We’re also proud that Ofsted recognised the strength of our provision for learners with special educational needs and disabilities, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive and accessible learning.
“This is an important milestone, but we know there is more to do. Our goal remains clear: to ensure every Newham resident has the chance to thrive in a growing, future-facing, inclusive economy as we advance fairness.”
Ofsted visited the four dedicated learning centres delivering ONLS learning across the borough, as part of their inspection which reported that: “Learners, most of whom have several barriers to education and employment, develop valuable new knowledge and skills as a result of their studies…(and) a high proportion of learners move onto positive next steps such as higher level courses, apprenticeships or employment”.
For 2024/25 ONLS continued to drive to diversify the curriculum offer and provide greater progression opportunities for our residents. This ensures that the curriculum offer is in line with the identified local needs in areas such as digital, data and technology.
Referencing SEND provision, the report said: “Learners with SEND receive helpful support from staff and make good progress towards their goals. Staff have developed a curriculum for learners with SEND which is well structured and is based on a good assessment of what learners know and can do at the start of the course.
“Staff, who are suitably qualified and experienced, support learners to develop the knowledge and skills they need and to be independent in their daily lives… Learners with SEND achieve well, in line with their peers”.
