ADULT education services have been rated as ‘good’ by government inspectors.

The report on Southampton City Council’s provision found that a high proportion of learners achieve their goals, make good progress through to employment and that teachers are ambitious for their learners.

Inspectors told city council head of economic development and skills Denise Edghill that the service has a “good model of sub-contracting” that offers challenges and support and holds sub-contractors to account.

But they added that all online or distance learning subcontractors should have training on how to keep learners safe from radicalisation or extremism, and that safeguarding training records are kept up to date.

Councillor Darren Paffey, cabinet member for education and skills at the council said: “This is a fantastic highlight to the academic year in Southampton.

“The adult education Ofsted process is every bit as rigorous for further education colleges, so retaining our ‘Good’ rating is testament to the hard work of the team within the council and our citywide network of exceptional adult learning course providers.

“These courses provide adults with genuine opportunities to develop their skills and get into work and underpins our ambitions for our city and residents.”

It comes after three city colleges - City College, Itchen College and Richard Taunton College - were told by Ofsted to improve by inspectors this year.