Hmie Report Reveals Positive Results For West Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Learning And Development Section

6th November 2009

There was good news for West Dunbartonshire Council’s Community Learning & Development (CLD) Section this week when an inspection report produced by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education (HMIe) highlights the learning opportunities for young people, adults, literacies learners and community groups in West Dunbartonshire, delivered by the CLD Section and its partners with each being rated as ‘Very Good’.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s Convenor for Education May Smillie explains,” HMIe assign ratings to assess all Scottish Community, Learning & Development provision, ranging from unsatisfactory to excellent. This rating puts the services delivered in West Dunbartonshire on a par with some of the best in Scotland.”

The report was based on a challenging week long inspection which took place in September this year and entailed a team of 3 Education Inspectors visiting local youth groups, community groups, adult learning groups and classes, where they interviewed local learners, staff and volunteers.

The inspectors praised the excellent range of programmes, activities and opportunities on offer to young people, particularly to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and highlighted their very positive relationships with staff.

Comments made by the inspectors relating to adult and literacies learners included, ‘the impact of adult learning is very good’ and, ‘learners are more confident and comfortable in work and social situations’. The inspectors further praised the qualifications being gained by literacies learners who have progressed onto further learning opportunities such as computing, art and languages. It was also noted  that, ‘community groups are well supported and those involved are skilled and confident’.

Section Head for CLD, Sandra Davidson commented, ”This report is a big boost for our staff and learners as it emphasises the high standard of learning opportunities currently being delivered in West Dunbartonshire. It’s important that education and learning opportunities are not simply seen as being something that only happens in schools for young people. Learning opportunities should be available for everyone at every stage of their life.

It’s vital that we offer a range of learning services to all members of the community, whether it be someone wishing to return to work and upskill; someone wanting to brush up on their own reading and numbers skills or to help their children with their homework; someone wishing to learn for fun or as part of a community group; or a young person wanting to learn outwith school by being involved in a Youth Action Group or the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The challenge for the CLD Section and our partners in the voluntary sector for the future is to ensure that we continue to meet local learning needs and maintain the current high quality of provision.”