Cheshire West and Chester Council Skills and Employment services rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been rated as a “good provider” of skills and employment services by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Following their inspection in May, the Ofsted report said that “learners enjoy learning in a welcoming and friendly environment, where they build their confidence and feel empowered”. Learners described “their experience as ‘life changing’”, developing “the knowledge and skills that they need to help them in their lives” and improving their resilience, health and wellbeing. The report found that most move onto further study or work after completing their course.

Staff were described as “supportive” and “ambitious and aspirational for their learners”. The team was commended for “aligning their curriculums effectively to meet local skills, employment and community needs”.

The positive inspection report comes after the Skills and Employment team was awarded the international quality Matrix Standard in January 2024. This recognised that the service provides high-quality information, advice and guidance to support residents into employment and skills training.

The Skills and Employment team offers services across the Borough at four Work Zones, as well as in community venues and schools, enabling classroom-based learning and the opportunity for residents looking for jobs to talk to staff to discuss their learning and skills needs. Some of the Work Zones, such as in Ellesmere Port, are located in the same building as Jobcentre Plus allowing for close working and referrals to help residents in their search for work.

The Council’s experienced Skills and Employment team members can help residents to access free and impartial information, advice and guidance to:

• support people into employment by helping them to apply for jobs, write CVs and cover letters, and prepare for interviews.
• enable residents to identify relevant training/learning opportunities such as in English, maths and IT, or sector specific courses such as childcare, forklift truck operation, beauty, customer service, mental health awareness, and more.
• assist people in overcoming any barriers accessing learning and work opportunities (for example, childcare, travel, and finance), including signposting to organisations that may specialise in specific support.

Cllr Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Digital Transformation, said:

“I would like to congratulate the Skills and Employment team for achieving a rating of “Good” from Ofsted, and for their tireless work helping residents. The dedication and expertise of staff in empowering people to develop their skills and help them to get into good quality jobs is something of which the Council is very proud.

“Through various courses, programmes, sessions, and in providing advice and guidance, the team help people to overcome barriers they face and help them into good quality jobs and stay in work. Not only is this transformational for people’s lives, but it also helps to drive economic growth across the Borough. Supporting people with skills and employment is part of the Council’s vision for an Inclusive Economy, helping everyone to contribute and benefit from their local economy and ensure that no-one is left behind.”

For more information on the Council’s Skills and Employment service and to access support,email:

skillsandemployment@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 

or visit the Council website:

Skills and employment | Cheshire West and Chester Council