Learner Involvement Strategy 2016 - 17
Learner Involvement Statement
Staffordshire Adult and Community Learning Service place its learners at the core of our Teaching
and Learning Improvement strategy. We recognise that our success in engaging and providing high
quality learning experiences for learners depends on ensuring that their views are sought and help
shape our future development.
Purpose of the Learner Involvement Strategy
The purpose of the strategy is to provide all staff involved in the delivery of programmes to learners
with a coherent, pro-active framework to achieve the following benefits:
Benefits for learners
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A more responsive, more engaging, higher quality offer that empowers learners in shaping
their own experience, and delivers improved outcomes for more learners, especially those
who might otherwise not succeed.
Benefits for providers
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Increased learner participation, retention, progression and achievement.
Learners who are more expert and independent, and who can help to shape learning
experiences tailored to meet their needs and objectives in a way that achieves success.
Better quality of information about the learners’ perspective, which can be used to
triangulate other sources of data and drive professional and organisational development and
quality improvement.
Better decisions about resource allocation and investment.
Learners who feel more involved are motivated to put something back into the organisation.
2016 – 17 Learner Involvement Opportunities
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Focus Groups
The Teaching and Learning Advisors will consult with and listen to the views and opinions of
learners through the use of informal focus groups. The theme for this year is exploring the
digital expectations and experiences of learners across all adult and community learning
provision. Each sub-contracted provider is expected to participate in the activity. The data
captured from the focus groups is fed into the Self Assessment process to improve provision.
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Learner End of Course Survey
The end of course survey measures the overall effect that the learning process has on
learners. The survey is available in a paper based format in the Learner Handbook or
electronically at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/educationadultcommunity/home.aspx. The
results of the survey are analysed externally and reported on twice during the academic year
in order to identify trends and areas for improvement. Providers are required to send in a
minimum 30% sample or receive a financial penalty.
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Observation Process
The observation process includes the capture of learner feedback and comments by asking
key questions. Provider Managers and Teaching and Learning Advisors are responsible for
implementing recommendations and actions identified within the observation process. The
data from observations is fed into the Self Assessment process to improve provision.
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Class Visits
The Teaching and Learning Advisors undertake a series of unannounced class visits which
provide an opportunity to seek additional views and opinions of learners. This year there
are two themes for the visits that monitor induction/health and safety/initial assessment
and RARPA compliance. Providers receive a detailed report and an action plan (if
appropriate).
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Complaints/Compliments/Incidents Monitoring
During the induction process learners are issued with the complaints/compliments/incident
monitoring procedure with key contact details outlined within the Learner Handbook.
Alternatively, the information can be located on the Adult and Community Learning Service
website. A wide range of communication methods are used: telephone number, email
address and text back number. All complaints received (both directly and via our subcontracted providers) are monitored, analysed and addressed in a timely manner.
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Learner Feedback Text Number 07580 808457
The learner feedback text number is an opportunity for learners to provide additional
comments about their learning experience. The feedback is monitored and may inform
delivery.
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Learner View
Learner View gives the learner a chance to tell Ofsted what they think about the Adult and
Community Learning Service. Learner View asks for the learner’s opinion on a range of 10
aspects: from whether the lessons/learning sessions are well taught to if they would
recommend the provider to a friend. Ofsted will use the information provided when making
decisions about which providers to inspect, and when. For more information, go to
https://learnerview.ofsted.gov.uk/
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FE Choices Learner Satisfaction Survey
During term 2, every learner will be given the opportunity to complete the survey.
Learners are encouraged to complete the survey online, but paper copies can be made
available if necessary.