Decision details

The Head of Community Learning provided Cabinet with an overview of the adult community learning service with information about adult community learning in Rhondda Cynon Taf; the range of provision offered, the contribution it makes to the wider Council agenda, the impact it has on learners and the changes that are proposed by Welsh Government for the future.

Members were advised of the major changes to be introduced to the grant funding provided by Welsh Government from September 2020 onwards that will have an impact on the provision offered and the Officer commented that it was important that the Cabinet were aware as approval may be required at a later date for any proposed changes to future governance and delivery of adult community learning in the County.

The Head of Community Learning continued her update by advising of the current provision and advising that In 2017/18, the number of learners enrolled on courses that were accredited came to 2,860. Members were informed that in the 2017/18 academic year 96% of learners completed their courses while 93% attained a qualification. These both exceed the national comparators.

The Cabinet Member for Education & Lifelong Learning welcomed the report before Cabinet and spoke of the importance of the service provision and the large number of learners utilising the service.  The Cabinet Member welcomed the consultation currently being undertaken by Welsh Government in relation to funding as any of the proposed formulas taken forward would have a benefit on the service.  The cabinet member also referenced the case studies within the report which provided a good illustration of the soft outcomes achieved.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services queried whether any courses were provided online and the Head of Community Services acknowledged that this was a consideration but due to the open access courses available and to avoid duplication learners were referred to these courses instead.

The Leader of the Council queried when news on the funding formula would be made available and also queried the provision of community learning courses provided within the medium of welsh.  The Head of Community Learning advised that news of the funding was imminent and also advised of the large number of courses already provided through the medium of welsh, although was happy to review once the funding had been finalised.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To note the contents of the report; and

2.    To provide comment as appropriate on the current provision of adult community learning in Rhondda Cynon Taf and the potential changes to future funding arrangements.