Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Adult Learning Team supports a wide range of learners, including people experiencing mental health challenges, learning difficulties or bereavement, and those who may have struggled in a traditional educational setting.
Its courses cover everything from ICT and introductions to working in hospitality, childcare and schools to therapeutic art, gardening and more. They help residents develop new skills, improve their wellbeing and take steps towards employment.
Almost all of the courses are free, and almost 90% of learners progress into further learning, volunteering, employment or better opportunities at work.
During an inspection in September, Ofsted spoke to course leaders, tutors, learning support workers and learners.
Under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, adult learning providers are assessed against a series of standards across different areas of their work. Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Adult Learning Service achieved the Expected Standard in all five areas assessed: curriculum, achievement, inclusion, learners’ wider development and leadership.
The result – the equivalent to ‘Good plus’ under the previous Ofsted framework – recognises the quality of the service and its work to help learners overcome barriers, develop their skills and achieve their goals.
Celebrating the news, Councillor Quesir Mahmood, Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
What a fantastic achievement for our Adult Learning Team to receive such a positive outcome following their recent Ofsted inspection.
The most important part for me was hearing how the service genuinely helps improve lives, with many learners going on to better themselves, including securing employment.
As a Council, our vision is to change lives for the better while creating a more prosperous borough for our residents – and this service is a shining example of us doing just that.
A big well done from me to everyone involved – we are incredibly proud of what you have achieved.
The Ofsted report highlights how the Adult Learning Service:
- Has high expectations of learners and tailors support to help them overcome barriers to learning
- Supports learners, including those with disabilities and health conditions, to gain sustained employment and continue to progress
- Works with Adult Social Care and local education providers to offer courses that respond to skills needs in Blackburn with Darwen and the wider region
- Helps learners access work placements, workplace visits and volunteering opportunities, while also running weekly jobs clubs and providing support with CV preparation and interview skills
- Meets safeguarding standards, helping learners feel safe
Each year, the Adult Learning Service supports more than 2,000 learners across Blackburn with Darwen. Sessions take place across the borough in easy to access places, including two dedicated Adult Learning centres, the Council’s Family Hubs and Blackburn College.
The report describes learners as ‘enthusiastic’ and ‘actively engaged’ in their learning. It also highlights how passionately learners speak about the positive impact their courses have had on their lives, and how they are ‘ambitious for their futures’, placing great value on their course tutors and learning support workers.
Jasmine Alhous, who attends the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course at Bank Top Adult Learning Centre, said:
This course has changed such a lot in my life.
When I first started a year ago, I couldn’t speak English and now I can help my children with their homework and understand their teachers when they talk to me.
I am so thankful for the classes I attend – my teacher Karen is amazing; she’s such a patient person who helps a lot.
This latest inspection follows a Good rating for Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Adult Social Care services following a Care Quality Commission inspection in July 2025, and a Good rating for the Council’s Children’s Services from Ofsted in March 2025.
The Council’s Apple Trees service – a short-break service for children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and autism – has also been rated Outstanding by Ofsted for 11 consecutive inspections.
Denise Park, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said:
The hugely positive outcome of this inspection reflects the hard work and commitment that goes into supporting our adult learners here in Blackburn with Darwen.
Many of our learners face challenges in life, whether relating to their mental health or a disability, or because they may have struggled in a traditional learning setting.
This team works hard to remove barriers to learning and give people the very best chances to succeed.
As a Council, we are absolutely committed to ensuring that no resident in our borough is left behind. Services like this, working closely with our colleagues in Adult Services and Children’s Services, help us achieve just that – supporting people into employment and volunteering and, like Jasmine, helping them improve their lives for the better.
I’d like to congratulate everyone involved – those leading the service, the tutors and support workers, and the learners themselves
I hope you are all rightly proud of what you’ve achieved and the difference you are all making.