Posted on 3rd Nov
The most outstanding individuals and institutions that the further education sector has to offer were recognised in a virtual ceremony for the 2020 Times Educational Supplements (TES) FE Awards — and Nottinghamshire County Council, whose offering is provided by Inspire, won the Adult and Community Learning Provider of the Year category.
Judges said Inspire Learning was ‘ahead of the game’ when it comes to delivering learning for adults in a community setting.
Inspire delivers learning services on behalf of the county council, and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
Part of Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries, a charitable Community Benefit Society, Inspire Learning delivers educational services for all the community.
Also shortlisted for Outstanding GCSE resits provision, Inspire Learning has recently celebrated becoming one of the best education providers in the region, exceeding national benchmarks for its accredited adult learning and GCSE resit pass rates for maths and English.
Judges said: “Inspire offers a real, joined-up community service in which the clients determine and help to shape the offer. The adult and community learning complements the 16-19 provision, and is a great inspiration to others in the sector.”
Coun John Cottee, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council Communities and Place Committee, added: “The importance of community learning in bringing people together, building confidence and supporting people towards further study and employment is key.
“The lasting impact for our learners that we see time and time again cannot be underestimated. I welcome the national recognition for the great work that’s being done, particularly during our Covid recovery where adult learning, vocational skills and employment are more important than ever.”
Ian Bond, director of learning at Inspire, said: “To be recognised as the best adult and community learning provider in the country in the short space of four years is incredible. Since forming in 2016 Inspire Learning has gone from strength to strength, continually adapting our curriculum to meet the needs of the people of Nottinghamshire, offering learning and progression opportunities.
“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic we’ve continued to adapt, increasing and developing our eLearning offer, and creating a new team who are dedicated to helping and supporting local people into training and employment.
“We’ve also increased our work skills and functional skills courses, so that we can continue to support Nottinghamshire’s residents during the coming months and years.”
Find information about courses and help with training and employment at inspireculture.org.uk/learning
