News

Proposals for adult learning

Proposals to create a new service offering a wider range of adult learning opportunities for people in Poole and Bournemouth have moved a step closer.

Members of Borough of Poole's Cabinet have approved plans for the merger of adult learning services with Bournemouth Borough Council in 2009.

Currently, both councils provide an adult learning service offering a similar range of learning opportunities.

A new joint service would offer a wider range of courses for learners and have more potential to generate funds to offer improved choice.

In addition, both councils would seek to maintain adult learning in a wide range of local venues. It is also anticipated that more courses would attract higher levels of enrolment, resulting in fewer courses being cancelled through a lack of take-up.

Potential benefits also include improved access to information across Poole and Bournemouth with a single brochure and website bringing together details of all courses.

Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, Borough of Poole, said: "Potentially there are a lot of advantages for local people in having a single adult learning service, including increased choice for all residents. Currently, both services are relatively small but together they would be able to put more resources into direct service delivery. The service would continue to provide learning opportunities in a wide range of local venues."

The proposals will expected to be considered by all Poole councillors at the next full meeting of the council on December 16.

The new joint service will start from the beginning of the 2009/10 academic year, subject to final agreement by both authorities.