Hampshire Achieves service was rated 'Good' by Ofsted

The county council's ‘Hampshire Achieves’ service was rated ‘Good’ overall in all aspects of its service after an inspection on November 7 to November 10.

Hampshire Achieves is a county council-run service providing education, training, and community learning for young people, adults, families, and apprentices to help them into employment, improve their numeracy and literacy, and support their mental health and wellbeing.

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Several partner providers work alongside the council to run the service Community First Wessex, Itchen College, Gateway Central Services, Hampshire Cultural Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, and the County Council’s Library Service.

Currently, more than 1,500 learners are enrolled on courses and apprenticeships with the service.

Councillor Steve Forster, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Our Hampshire Achieves service does incredible work to support people into employment, while also going above and beyond to help them lead happier, healthier lives in terms of their mental health and wellbeing.

“Upskilling Hampshire residents remains a key priority for the County Council and is essential not only to driving Hampshire’s social and economic prosperity but, most importantly, to helping our residents thrive both professionally and personally.

"As a major employer ourselves, we are equally committed to growing and nurturing our own talent and are pleased to provide apprenticeships through our Hampshire Achieves service to our staff.

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“It is clear to see that Hampshire Achieves continues to make a profound difference to the lives of many learners from across all backgrounds in Hampshire, and I am delighted that Ofsted has recognised this positive impact.

"Congratulations to all our learners both past and present and thank you to everyone in the service, and our partner providers, for their hard work and dedication to investing in the talent of today and tomorrow.”

The inspection found that learners and apprentices are ‘motivated to succeed’ and ‘value the support and care that tutors provide highly so they can achieve their goals’.

Inspectors also noted that ‘learners and apprentices develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to be independent’ and which are ‘expected for learning and work in modern Britain’.

Additionally, the inspectors said the service’s apprenticeship offer enables learners to ‘make a positive contribution to the workplace that employers value highly’, with 124 County Council employees currently enrolled in an apprenticeship.

Thomas Yeaman from Alresford, who took part in the apprenticeship scheme in Business Administration and was recognised with an award for his work, said:  “This opportunity has been a great start for my career, and being named Chairman's Apprentice of the Year is a true honour.

"I've enjoyed learning and applying that knowledge in my work. I extend my gratitude to my tutors and team for their unwavering support throughout my apprenticeship."

To find out more about Hampshire Achieves and the wide range of courses and apprenticeships available, visit the County Council’s website.