Inspectors raise concerns over leadership and learner development at Bury Adult Learning Service

Thursday, 29 January 2026 01:51

By David Murphy

Bury Council’s adult learning service has been told it needs to improve in two key areas following a recent inspection by Ofsted under its newly introduced reporting framework.

The inspection, which took place on 25 November 2025, used Ofsted’s updated five-point scale and found the service met the 'expected standard' in three out of five assessment areas. However, inspectors concluded that both ‘leadership and governance’ and ‘participation and development’ need attention.
Under the new grading system, services are judged as either exceptional, strong standard, expected standard, needs attention, or urgent improvement.

Inspectors found strengths in inclusion, learner achievement, and curriculum and teaching. Tutors were praised for their subject knowledge and commitment to serving learners in some of the borough’s most marginalised communities, including those with care responsibilities, asylum seekers and people from traveller backgrounds.

The report highlighted how adult learners across Bury were enrolled in suitable courses and acquiring new skills. Many felt a strong sense of community within the service. The council also ensures funding support for residents on low incomes or facing financial hardship.

However, the report pointed to significant shortfalls in staff development and careers guidance. Inspectors found that while leadership teams had taken steps to improve oversight of learner progress, tutors were not regularly benefiting from structured training to enhance their teaching. Leaders had identified this as a priority, but said ongoing external challenges had delayed progress.

Participation and development were similarly rated as ‘needs attention’. The report stated that only some learners received proper guidance on career pathways. Most lacked access to structured information about employment opportunities or the steps needed to achieve their goals.

Ofsted said: “Leaders are cognisant of factors that adversely impact on staff morale and workload. They have a strategic plan designed to improve staff’s contractual arrangements and provide structured training. However, a number of ongoing external factors beyond their control have impeded leaders in bringing about these improvements quickly.”

In response, a spokesperson for Bury Council said the report confirmed they were meeting expected standards in several key areas and had already begun to implement action plans to address areas highlighted for improvement.

They added: “Safeguarding continues to be a strong and effective area of practice, reflecting the service’s priority in maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all.”

Councillor Charlotte Morris, cabinet member for culture, the economy and skills, said: “Bury is the first authority to have a report published under Ofsted’s new inspection framework, and it’s a positive one. We are encouraged by those areas that are meeting standards, and committed to making improvements in the areas highlighted.”

At the time of the inspection, around 670 learners were enrolled in courses through Bury’s adult learning centres or community venues.