A partnership that provides adult learning opportunities across Wrexham and Flintshire has been praised by education inspectors for helping people build confidence, skills and life opportunities.
A new Estyn report on the North East Wales Adult Community Learning (ACL) partnership highlights its strong leadership and high-quality teaching, saying learners make good progress, feel valued and enjoy their learning.
The partnership is led by both Wrexham and Flintshire local authorities and is funded by Medr, the Welsh Government’s arms-length body responsible for funding and overseeing post-16 education and community learning.
It delivers a range of courses across the two counties, working with Groundwork North Wales, Adult Learning Wales and Coleg Cambria in what the Estyn report describes as a “committed network”.
The report highlights the many strengths of the partnership, ranging from the commitment to learners’ well-being and personal growth, to the quality of the teaching and the breadth of learning for families and individuals.
Lessons are delivered across a range of venues such as local libraries, community centres and schools, and cover everything from literacy, numeracy and IT skills, to sewing, cooking, and wellbeing courses.
One learner who has benefitted from courses offered through the ACL partnership is Kim, who first started attending three years ago at her local school and community centre in Wrexham. She has taken part in courses like Wellies in the Woods, Kitchen Cookery and Crafting, alongside her children.
Kim says the sessions have become an important part of her life, helping her to make friends and strengthen family bonds, while improving her wellbeing.
She said: “It certainly stops you feeling isolated. The course is like a glue that sticks the community together – based in the community centre and the school.
“It’s enriching socially, you gain new skills, be creative, see things that inspire you and cook things.”
Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, said: “We are delighted that Estyn recognises the strength of our partnership to ensure all adult learners across Flintshire and Wrexham have access to exceptional learning opportunities, supporting not only their skill development but also enhancing their employment opportunities.”
Councillor Phil Wynn, Lead Member for Education in Wrexham, added: “The partnership has focused on ensuring our unique commissioning model within Wales supports the needs of both learners and the wider economy and we are delighted that this has been acknowledged within the report.”
Jo Tincello, Contract Manager for the partnership, added: “The report is testimony to the shared ethos and commitment of everyone involved to make sure that learners who may have not engaged in learning for some time can return and try new things.
“We work closely with all of our partners including Coleg Cambria and Adult Learning Wales to support learners in building their confidence and resilience, providing support which can change people’s lives.”
If you are a resident of Flintshire and Wrexham and aged 19+ you can find out what courses are available via ACL either by emailing acl@wrexham.gov.uk or calling 07584 335409.
