AN ADULT learning provider has received a ‘Good’ rating from the education watchdog.

PHX Training provides adult learning programmes and courses for unemployed individuals, refugees, and asylum seekers.

In Cumbria, the training provider currently has centres in Carlisle, Workington, and Barrow. 

It currently boasts 111 learners across seven learning centres across Cumbria and Lancashire with an additional 693 who have completed courses since the beginning of a new contract period.

The aim is to develop the skills required to mitigate local and regional skills shortages and facilitate transitions to employment.

Ofsted inspectors found that "Learners are motivated and keen to learn.

"They benefit from calm and respectful learning environments that help many learners to overcome their previous fears of education and barriers to learning.

"Curriculum leaders and tutors identify accurately what most learners already know and can do at the start of their courses.

"They use this information to plan highly individualised learning," it reads. 

Overall, most learners complete their courses, aspiring to venture into apprenticeships, further learning, or employment.

They appreciate the social and familial skills they gain during their courses, such as being able to help their children with homework after going through functional maths skills courses.

Briony Fawcett, managing director, said: “This is the first full Ofsted inspection we have had across the organisation because of our Ofsted-regulated work so we’re thrilled to reach these standards across all of our offices.

“Our aim is to continually raise the bar in training for those who need it at all relevant levels to help fill the skills gaps and help our communities in which we operate.”

Staff at PHX, who Inspectors found to be "highly qualified and experienced," continue to develop their subject knowledge through monthly staff development activities while also receiving support and positive recognition from the service's leaders and managers.

In terms of improvement going ahead, the report found that staff should ensure accurate identification of all learners' starting points, especially for the few studying online.

The service was inspected by the education watchdog on May 29.