Labour has slammed the previous Liberal Democrat stewardship of adult education provision in Stockport after an Ofsted report published on 31st May found that local services ‘required improvement’ earlier this month.

Executive Councillor for Education Dean Fitzpatrick said ‘This is just one example of a litany of failure from the Lib Dems which the new Labour Executive is unearthing.

‘Our Continuing Education Service, which currently works with over 2,800 in Stockport and which is often absolutely vital in providing people with a stepping stone back into employment, should be a jewel in the crown for the borough.

‘Instead there are some fantastic students and staff who are committed to learning and teaching but have been let down by a lack of leadership over a number of years.

‘Today’s damning Ofsted report even goes so far to specifically state that the previous Executive simply weren’t challenging or monitoring provision for local people well enough to help improve the quality of education being offered. It’s written in black and white.’

Ofsted inspected Stockport’s Continuing Education Service between 3rd May and 6th May 2016 and found every area it assessed to require improvement. The service receives around £1.2 million each year from two contracts with the Skills Funding Agency.

Councillor Fitzpatrick added ‘I am taking action to sort out the mess I’ve inherited. I have instructed officers to set-up an improvement board which will produce a 24 month improvement plan for the service.

‘Labour will ensure we have an adult education offer for local people which gets people back into work, assists students to obtain new qualifications, helps those who wish to progress in their careers, and backs more people to do voluntary work.

‘The principles which I am setting out today will be that resources are targeted where they are most needed, every penny of public money should be spent on achieving positive outcomes for residents, and that local people are provided with the first class educational opportunities which they deserve.’