ADULT education in the borough has been given the thumbs up by watchdogs.

The Adult and Community Learning service, run by Dudley Council, has been rated as 'good' by inspectors from Ofsted.

The service runs courses including health and well-being, arts and crafts, English, maths and digital skills for 550 adult learners around the borough.

The findings, published in a report on February 20, stated how learners enjoy their courses and grow in confidence during their course; how they receive effective support from their teachers and that most students continue their education at a higher level.

Inspectors praised the service for being 'exceptionally successful' at encouraging people are new to education.

The report said: "Learners receive effective personal support from tutors. In class, tutors establish a safe and cooperative learning environment which puts learners at ease. This enables learners to take measured risks and develop resilience and character. As a result, their well-being is significantly improved. Learners feel safe."

To improve further, inspectors told leaders to tailor English as Second Language teaching to meet people's needs and to make assessment more consistent.

Councillor Ian Kettle, cabinet member responsible for adult learning, said: "This is a very positive report. I’m particularly pleased that inspectors have recognised the good work we are doing to bring adult learners back to education, many of whom did not have a positive experience of learning when they were at school.

"The inspectors also said they were pleased with how learners had grown in confidence during their courses which highlights just one of the other many benefits of learning in a professional, supportive, community setting."