Adult and Community Learning in Conwy and Denbighshire Earns High Praise in Latest Estyn Report
The ‘Conwy and Denbighshire Adult Learning in the Community Partnership’ has received significant recognition in a recent Estyn inspection report for its exceptional delivery of adult and community learning.
Led by Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, the partnership delivers an extensive range of part-time and adult education courses within communities across both counties, in collaboration with Adult Learning Wales. The inspection, conducted in June 2024, highlights the partnership’s strong leadership, collaborative efforts, and the impressive achievements of its learners.
Another key highlight mentioned in the report is the quality of teaching. Tutors are commended for their patience, adaptability, and use of high-quality resources. The report noted they were “found to provide clear explanations and valuable feedback, fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages learner growth”. The partnership's use of digital technology to enhance teaching was also particularly noted as a best practice example.
Estyn also praises the partnership for learner progress and development. Learners are celebrated for their “keen engagement and the strong progress many have made in acquiring new knowledge and skills”. Inspectors noted that learners, particularly in courses such as British Sign Language and ESOL, have applied their learning to real-world contexts, boosting their confidence and employability.
The report goes on to say that learners have demonstrated valuable skills, including time management, independent working, and effective collaboration. Courses focusing on well-being have positively impacted learners, with many reporting increased confidence, better work-life balance, and stronger community involvement.
Within the report, the partnership’s leadership is also described as inclusive and supportive, with strong collaboration between Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Adult Learning Wales. The report adds that “the effective use of service level agreements has ensured a broad and well-coordinated curriculum offering across the two counties”.
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's Chief Executive, Aled Jones-Griffith, explained,
“We are immensely proud of the progress our learners have made and the role our dedicated staff have played in making this possible. The partnership’s continued success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration between our teams and Adult Learning Wales.”
“The report reaffirms the dedication of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and the Partnership in fully supporting our adult learners, playing a key role in helping them realise their potential and enhance their skills while learning within their communities."
Head of Curriculum and Performance at Adult Learning Wales, Mark Baines, said,
“The report highlights the strengths of how an effective partnership can make a big difference to the learners of Conwy and Denbighshire. The hard work and efforts of the partners involved continues to make a positive impact on the community along with wider benefits”
The full Inspection Report on the Conwy & Denbighshire Adult Learning in the Community Partnership, prepared by Estyn, can be found here.