An inspection report by HM Inspectors was published on Tuesday 6 February following a three-day progress visit, which took place in December.

The Community Learning and Development (CLD) team support children, young people, adults and families across North Lanarkshire through a wide range of community-based learning programmes and activities.

During the progress visit, inspectors considered the work of the council and its partners. They also spoke to learners, community representatives, staff and volunteers to evaluate how the service’s work is improving the lives of local people and making an impact on communities.

The report from Education Scotland stated: “The local authority and their CLD partners are making sufficient progress with their CLD plan and have the capacity to continue to improve”. 

Inspectors particularly highlighted examples of highly effective practice including work around the safeguarding of children and young people and the development of staff and volunteers using awards and accreditation.

Other areas of positive progress included:

• A clear vision for improvement which ensures that “CLD priorities are at the centre of North Lanarkshire’s plans to improve the life chances of its citizens”
• Effective partnership working which is “leading to improved coordination of services and reduced duplication”
• The strong use of data to set clear targets, identify needs and engage with learners in a way that is “enhancing the life chances of the most disadvantaged people in North Lanarkshire”
• “Clear pathways to volunteering, achievement and employment” including the provision of awards and accreditation for young people and adults.

Councillor Angela Campbell, Convenor of Education, Children and Families said; “I’d like to congratulate everyone at CLD and their partners on the highly positive report from Education Scotland.

“The report reflects the hard work of everyone involved in community-based learning programmes across North Lanarkshire that are helping children, young people and adults reach their full potential.”

Liz Fergus, Community Learning, Development & Resources Manager at North Lanarkshire Council, welcomed the report’s findings saying “I am delighted that inspectors had the opportunity to see many of the great opportunities provided across North Lanarkshire by our CLD team and partners.

“Our learners and participants also enjoyed the chance to talk to inspectors about the great personal achievements that they have made as a result of taking part in our learning programmes.”

Over 7,700 children, young people and adults were directly involved in CLD provision provided by North Lanarkshire in 2022/23 with more than 1,000 young people gaining accreditation each year including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Youth Achievement Award, Dynamic Youth Award and the North Lanarkshire Challenge.

The service also provides a range of awards to adults and families, such as SQA qualifications, Adult Achievement Awards and Discovery Awards, which have increased in number over the past year.