BOLTON Community Education Service, which offers learning opportunities for young and old in vocational and recreational courses, has come under the scrutiny of Government inspectors. The service operates 111 classes throughout Bolton with 320 members of staff. The majority of students are aged between 19-59 and 75 per cent are eligible to claim full fee remittance or a concessionary rate be- cause of their financial hardship.

Over a period of four days last November the Ofsted team looked at 106 classes in 20 different venues and spoke with students, managers, administrative staff and volun- teers.

In 6pc of classes the standards of achievements were good or very good and particularly high standards were evident in business, IT, arts and crafts and in programmes specifically tailored for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Students are des- cribed in the report as "enthusiastic, committed and hard working", although the ethnic minority are considered to be under represented.

In 75pc of lessons observed, teaching was considered good or very good. Only 8pc were less than satisfactory.

Students with learning difficulties and dis- abilities were considered to be particularly well served by the "relevant and thoughtfully compiled range of discreet courses available to them."

The report also says that the CES is "good value for money" bringing in £1,722,000 to Bolton each year from outside sources, as well as making a "significant contribution to the development of communities in Bolton's regeneration areas."

The report identified key areas for future action to build on existing strengths, including a greater evaluation of students' achievements and the quality of teaching.

"This report is an excellent achievement for the service," said Cllr Don Eastwood, Chairman of Bolton's Education and Arts Committee. "The CES is a valuable resource where everyone who wants to carry on learning will get the best teaching. A wide variety of courses are available and we are extremely proud of this achievement."

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