Black and Asian learners reap big benefits from union learning, reveals Ofsted*
Black and Asian learners are reaping big rewards from trade union-led learning at rates which are well above the national average, reveals a new report from Ofsted (the Government's education standards watchdog). In the report on U-Net, part of unionlearn, the TUC's learning and skills organization, Ofsted found that success rates for Black learners have risen from 54% in 2007/08 to 81.8% and for Asian learners from 70.2% to 82.1% a significant improvement on the national average. The report also found that there is a 'strong ethos to widen participation and promote social inclusion' and that 'equality of opportunity is good'.
Union Learning Reps (ULRs) have made a big difference to workplace learning and this role has been particularly attractive to Black and Asian employees. Approximately seven per cent of the over 20,000 ULRs are non-White and these ULRs play a strong role in encouraging colleagues and members of their communities to engage in learning. Ofsted judged that ULRs provided 'outstanding peer support' as 'mentors, advocates, negotiators, role models and advisors' which is good news for workplaces all over the country. The report praised ULRs as 'highly effective as role models', whose input learners value highly and 'cite as one of the most important elements in their learning.'
There was fulsome praise for the partnership between employers and trade unions. Ofsted found that 'employers benefit from these partnerships, with improved staff morale, reduced sick leave and staff turnover, fewer complaints and grievances, and higher rates of internal promotion.' The report places U-Net among the best providers in the country, awarding a Grade 2 for all aspects of learning provision. Ofsted judged overall success rates as above national averages and support for learners as outstanding.
The successful partnership between employers and trade unions has produced 'learning...highly responsive to employers' needs [which] meets learners' needs as well.' The report concluded that this is backed by good employer support to meet the needs of learners who do not traditionally have easy access to learning'. This was also reflected in the fact that Ofsted rated 'Skills for Life success rates...above national averages'. In this time of recession, it was equally pleasing to hear that the report found that 'learners develop good skills and improve their employability and career prospects' and high praise for 'very good progression'.
Liz Smith, unionlearn director said: 'I am particularly pleased that U-Net has been recognized for its 'strong ethos to widen participation in learning and promote social inclusion' and that success rates for Black and Asian learners are well above the national average. It is a credit to Black and Asian learning reps all over the country, who have encouraged people to take that first step back into education, which can be extremely difficult.
' Ofsted's praise for our work among non-traditional learners and for ULRs proves, what we have always said, that unionlearn reaches learners, other organizations cannot reach.'
Unionlearn's mission - to change lives through learning - has certainly worked for some of the learners who spoke to Ofsted . One learner was proud to say, 'I read a book to my little grandchild the other day - it was magic.' Another is now helping their child with their homework and said, 'when my daughter asked for help on prisms and cuboids, I said, 'leave it to me!''. One woman is completely changing her career, thanks to union-led learning and told Ofsted , 'my school said I wasn't bright enough for nursing. Now I know it's not true'.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
All unionlearn press releases can be found at www.unionlearn.org.uk
To view the Ofsted report in full go to:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_reports/download/(id)/106564/(as)/57714_330986.pdf
Media enquiries:
Wanda Wyporska T: 020 7079 6950 M: 07795 844728 E: wwyporska@tuc.org.uk
Press release (700 words) issued 26 Mar 2009
