Outfit created by Level 2 Fashion Design Learner

WAES

IMPACT REPORT

2022

​ e are delighted to share our impact report for the 2021-22 academic year W with you. Building on the successes of the previous academic year, our staff and partners have continued to excel in delivering high quality education and training programmes that ensures no learner is left behind. Whatever their starting points, learners have been fully supported to pursue and achieve their goals, which is evidenced in our high achievement rate of 92%.​ Carolyn Keen

Arinola Edeh

Our collaborative approach created so many highlights that we are extremely proud of. We delivered learning opportunities to over 6000 learners, launched our Digital Academy to support careers in the technology sector, boosted entrepreneurship support for learners to become self-employed and were once again National Finalists for our niche creative and cultural library apprenticeships.​ Working in the heart of our community, we delivered learning centred around a “whole person” approach, with inclusive learner support embedded holistically in all our programmes to build confidence, personal resilience and mental and physical well-being. The team’s agile response ensured that when the Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees needed rapid access to language skills development and support to settle in the UK, we had a comprehensive offer to meet their needs. Our community partners worked with us to deliver a combined 6,100 enrolments for 2,270 unique learners.​ To top it all, we had not one, but two Ofsted inspections. Our Lisson Grove Nursery was rated Good in May and the Service was rated Good with outstanding for behaviours and attitudes in June, leading to a new strapline of – ‘we are good and our learners are outstanding’.​ We know that the year ahead will bring many challenges, especially as we work to minimise the impact of the cost-of-living crisis for our staff and learners. We are not fazed by this and are confident that our staff and partners will continue to collaborate with us to create transformational learning opportunities for our amazing learners.​ Carolyn Keen Chair of Governors

Arinola Edeh Principal and Head of Service​

We are good, our learners are outstanding

The range of courses they offer meets a wide range of needs in the local community and beyond. OFSTED REPORT 2022

The YEAR in Numbers 15,631

NATIONAL FINALIST AAC Apprenticeship Awards

ENROLMENTS

80+

2022

COMMUNITY VENUES

OFSTED

INSPECTION

INCOME

OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT

£8.9m

92%

6,311

TOTAL LEARNERS Increase of 4.5% over previous year

193 STAFF Work with

97%

15 COMMUNITY PARTNERS

99% of our

learners feel safe at our 3 main centres

95% of learners say our teaching is good

OF LEARNERS

would recommend WAES to friends and family

VISION, Mission, Values, Priorities OUR

VISION

To transform our learners’ lives through inclusive, inspirational lifelong learning OUR

VALUES OUR

MISSION

To provide learning pathways that enable all learners to achieve their career aspirations and fulfil their potential

HOW WE DELIVERED ON OUR PRIORITIES DURING THE YEAR LEARNERS 6,311 learners enrolled, 20% increase on last year, with 92% successful outcomes

STAFF 95% of learners say our teaching is good

253 learners were supported through our bursary scheme

Dedicated careers support in place to assist learners with next steps

PARTNERSHIPS 15 Community Partner Organisations

Employed 4 apprentices at WAES

414 staff nominations by learners for our Staff Awards

Passion and High Achievement We are passionate about transforming lives through education and enabling our learners to realise their full potential Inclusivity and Fairness We are an open and welcoming service. We create an inclusive learning and working environment for each person, treating everyone fairly and with respect High Standards and Quality We are ambitious for our learners, staff and community, setting aspirational targets and high standards. We aim for excellence in all our teaching and learning Flexibility and Responsiveness We value our stakeholders, particularly our local community and strive to be agile in meeting their needs

FINANCIAL

ACCOMMODATION

£8.9m total income – an increase of 2.3% over last year​

3 modern, wellequipped centres

Exceeded funding targets, delivering 103% of GLA funding target Additional projects worth £600k run during the year

REPUTATION Achieved Outstanding or Good in 100% of OFSTED categories in 2022

Flexible workspaces for staff and learners

Improved facilities to support staff and learners

97% of learners would recommend WAES

National finalist in the FE Week Apprenticeship Awards

INCLUSIVE Learning Environment WAES is well known for inclusive, high-quality adult education programmes in arts, vocational, work-based curriculum, basic skills, community and family learning. We will continue to inspire and support our learners to achieve their ambitions to build a bright future.

6,311 ​

LEARNERS ENROLLED ​ during 2021-22​ ​

AGE​

Up to 24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55+ years

8%​ 30%​ 29%​ 19%​ 14%​

​E THNICITY​

Global Majority 62%​ White 38%​ Largest Global Majority groups​ African 11%​ Arab 11%

Malek Namlaghi is originally from North Africa and came back to the UK during Covid. Being away from her family, and over 60, she wanted to pursue her passion for art and restart her life, so she enrolled onto the Level 1 UAL Art & Design course and went on to complete Levels 2 and 3. ​ Despite having health issues, Malek was able to gather her artwork and invite her family to the creative showcase exhibition held at WAES. ​ Malek’s new-found knowledge and experience has seen her progress to university with the help and guidance of her tutors. This has motivated her to get involved in helping people over the age of 60 build a new life and to help children with disabilities have a better future. ​

SEX

Female 73%​ Male 27%

20% OF LEARNERS have a declared learning disability

Learners respect each other’s views. They listen carefully to each other. They encourage and support each other in their studies. OFSTED REPORT 2022

Learners appreciate the way that their improved use of English helps them in both their career and personal lives. OFSTED REPORT 2022

DIGITAL Pathways Digital changes have created a wealth of opportunities and new career pathways, and the pace of change​in this field means that this will continue to grow, with more career options becoming available in the future.​ At WAES, we support our learners at every level. From those who are just starting to learn basic skills to enable them to access services and support, all the way to training for learners who are pursuing digital careers.

SKILLS BOOTCAMPS​

DIGITAL SKILLS​

COMPUTING & PROGRAMMING​

Web Application Development​ AWS re/Start for Success​

Basic Skills​ Advanced Skills​ Digital Skills for Work

Software and Programming​ Cyber Security Practices​ Web Application Development​

Over 82,000 Westminster jobs are in the IT and Communications sectors. The continued growth and success of Westminster’s economy is dependent on securing access to digital infrastructure and information and communications technology services.​

Learners are highly motivated to learn. OFSTED REPORT 2022

City of Westminster has more registered businesses than any other London borough in IT and Communications​. (WCC City Plan 2019-2040)​

LEARNER CASE STUDY

Piyaporn Lahr

Amazon Web Services Course Meet Piya, who is originally from Thailand. She found the AWS re/Start Programme and was excited to enrol at WAES. She was pleased to learn that the course was hybrid, classroom-based and remote, which she couldn’t find anywhere else. She gained hands-on experience and received valuable information and tools from her tutor to help her pass the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certificate.​ Piya will now start her new role as a Trainee Cloud Engineer in March 2023 at Nology, a Technology Consultancy Firm. She is pleased to represent women in tech.   During the course we’ve been seeing the employment career coach. They helped with CV writing and giving me advice. Also, it gave me confidence to do things in terms of interview preparation.

SKILLS FOR WORK and Employability Programmes Our Employability programmes enable individuals to access work. We deliver short employment-focused programmes that include study towards and achievement of sector specific qualifications and provide support with applying for jobs and attending interviews.  On our construction short courses, we work with our trusted partner Adult Education Employment and Training for the delivery, which takes place at our purpose-built Construction Centre located at Portgate Hall. Learners gain their CSCS card, allowing them to work on a construction site.​

Leaders and managers ensure that they promote a wide range of additional activities for learners, such as trips to museums and galleries, and family activities. OFSTED REPORT 2022

The Sector Based Work Academy Programmes are longer in duration and linked to a specific employer. Guaranteed interviews take place at the I really end of the programme for either jobs or Apprenticeship positions. This year wanted to work we have delivered programmes for Morgan Sindall, Smyths Toy Shop for a company like Morgan Sindall and this and Westminster City Council. 56% of learners who completed would be a dream job as their employability programme went on to secure a job or most of my experience was Apprenticeship. in the hospitality industry. The London Mayor’s Office has HOSPITALITY PATHWAYS placed a greater importance on LEARNER apprenticeship and training programs for employment in order to achieve At WAES we were taught about employment equality for all. It is important that Westminster residents, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, fully benefit from the diverse range of opportunities economic growth brings. FAIRER WESTMINSTER STRATEGY 2022

Source: London Plan 2021

We have been awarded the Mayor’s Construction Academy Quality Mark. This identifies and recognises the high-quality construction skills training. ​

providing excellent customer service. I kept saying to myself and the teacher I really want and need this job, I was determined. At college I made some friends and it was nice to be around other Mums and engaging with them. On the day of the interview I told myself to do my best. After the interview I was told that I had been selected for the role and I was going to be a customer service advisor. I literally cried tears of joy in the interview room. I am so grateful and happy.

CUSTOMER SERVICE LEARNER

APPRENTICESHIP Programmes WAES was the first provider in the UK to successfully support Apprentices to complete the Library, Information and Archive Services Apprenticeship Standard. This standard prepares learners to perform a front-line role in a range of sectors with a focus on enabling access to information in an ethical and fair or appropriate manner.

Chloe Wilkinson

Sophie Millar

Chloe Wilkinson is a Level 3 Library Information and Archives Assistant at the Royal Opera House. Her passion for​history has led her to do an Apprenticeship in this field. Chloe combines her previous experience in customer services at Madame Tussauds along with her fascination and knowledge for the archives to provide a polished experience for her customers at the Royal Opera House.​

WAES Learner, Sophie Millar, went to university and did an archives internship. She’s always had an interest in libraries too but wasn’t sure which route to take. Eventually she came across the Library Apprenticeship course at WAES, which gave her a dual Apprenticeship option to become a Library and Archive Assistant. Sophie works for the National Gallery and has developed her knowledge further about art.​

I love the teaching at WAES. I didn’t go to university. I stopped at college, so coming back into education was really nerve-wracking for me but the way Jenny teaches is so calm and​stress free. I just think the teaching is really really good and helpful for everybody.​

I wasn’t sure which route I wanted to go into, and there weren’t very many dual course options. You couldn’t study both libraries and archives as a volunteering opportunity or as an apprenticeship. This was an ideal course for me to go into and find out what direction I wanted to take my career in.​​

Sheila Rabello De Aguiar Sheila Rabello De Aguiar immigrated to the UK 30 years ago. She studied English for six years and over the years she’s accumulated a range of skills in customer service with high-profile clients.​ Eventually she wanted to pursue her passion for information and found the Library Apprenticeship course at WAES being promoted by the British Library. She highly recommends this opportunity at WAES.​ To be honest with you, I’m already promoting the course. I truly believe in this because of course I think it creates a different path for professionals in information.​​​

COMMUNITY and Cultural Learning LEARNING AREAS​

The large ESOL programme supports newly arrived refugees to develop their English skills well as they adjust to life in the UK.

Creative Arts

OFSTED REPORT 2022

Family Learning

Digital​ Employability and Enterprise

Life Skills

Sustainability ESOL, Literacy and Languages

Volunteering

PARTNERS​ A World in a Suitcase Abbey Community Centre Chinese Community Centre Church Army - The Marylebone Project Groundwork London Hammersmith Community Gardens Association Home-Start Westminster Info Global Learning Solutions LTD

Learning Unlimited MEWSo MOSAIC Trampoline CIC Union Dance Urbanwise The West End Community Trust

Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees

The Community and Cultural Learning team worked closely with Westminster City Council to respond to the arrival​of two major displaced groups. More than 700 Afghan people arrived in Westminster in September 2021, needing to quickly adapt to life in the UK. Over 100​learners were signed up in registration sessions, with huge demand for English, family activities, introductions to living and learning in London, and more.​

This collaboration with WCC was deepened with the appointment in January of a dedicated coordinator to provide further wrap-around support for the Afghan families, adding pronunciation workshops,​digital skills classes, trips to cultural events, and financial literacy sessions. The relocation of almost all the evacuee families in March​2022 coincided with the first arrivals from the war in Ukraine.​

67% of our learners in Community & Cultural Learning are Westminster residents

Wellbeing

RESPONDING TO NEED

Building on the experience with​the Afghan evacuees, WAES moved quickly to partner with other WCC departments and Ukrainian ​ community associations to reach new arrivals. Alongside ESOL courses, teams across WAES helped offer pastoral support to learners facing real difficulties. UK Schools information sessions for parents, informal conversation clubs and cultural trips were also offered, to help with​the sudden transition to life in the UK.

CASE STUDY One Ukrainian learner, 78 years old, arrived in the UK speaking no English at all – in his initial assessment, he could only identify the word ‘banana’. His daughter wrote this about the impact of his first months at WAES: My father is really enjoying the course and, although it is very early days for him, he became so much more confident and independent in getting out and about and is really enjoying this new-found freedom and intellectual stimulation. 

Empowering STAFF to Deliver JOINT TUTOR OF THE YEAR

Charlotte Wolf Charlotte Wolf started off as a parttime tutor then progressed to course leader for GCSE English. She started working at WAES in 2018, although she’s been teaching for over 20 years. Charlotte brings a unique learning experience in the classroom by really thinking​about her lesson plan and how she can cater to each learner depending on their needs. Charlotte Wolf has been an amazing teacher throughout the whole course. English became more interesting with her lessons. I will be going into teaching now so having her as an example has changed my whole perspective about teaching and I feel even more excited about becoming an inspiring teacher like Charlotte. ESOL LEARNER NOMINATION Staff Awards 2022​

JOINT TUTOR OF THE YEAR

STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Angelica VillegasMancilla Angelica Villegas-Mancilla joined WAES in 2013 as an ESOL tutor. She particularly enjoys keeping track of learners as they make their way within the department and beyond. Angelica’s new challenge is in Diversity & Inclusion, where she’s really enjoyed observing other tutors and developing new skills. Angelica will go to extra lengths and help to solve tasks and give websites to practice our homework. In class she will get to know you better and it feels good to solve real problems with the knowledge you just learnt. She inspired me and encouraged me and supported us. She has taught me a different way to see my life and a lot on British Values. ESOL LEARNER NOMINATION Staff Awards 2022

Mohammed Rashid Mohammed Rashid started off as a volunteer​in the HR department and eventually progressed into the Management Information systems team as an MIS administrator. ​

193

STAFF ​

Teachers provide helpful digital skills to support learners with a learning disability or difficulty. OFSTED REPORT 2022

In both roles in HR and in his new role in MIS, Mohammed has been a delight to work with. He works quietly and diligently, supporting essential and important tasks, despite any hurdles that are in the way. He is always respectful and adds to the supportive nature of the office teamwork by being cheerful and optimistic. Nothing is ever too much.​ ​ STAFF NOMINATION Staff Awards 2022

Leaders and managers support teachers effectively in order to develop their skills. OFSTED REPORT 2022

SUPPORTING our learners to achieve Learners feel safe, and centres are safe places to study. OFSTED REPORT 2022

Learners develop a very good understanding of British Values. OFSTED REPORT 2022

31 LEARNERS

were given a laptop on loan​

96 LEARNERS received Welfare

1,371 LEARNERS attended careers support sessions

253 LEARNERS received support, including bursary, nursery, travel, childcare and equipment

Our learners were represented by

122 LEARNER REPS

Learners enjoy meeting new people, as this helps improve their well-being. OFSTED REPORT 2022

Teachers ensure that learners and apprentices gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to progress.

and Safeguarding Support

8

LEARNER DIGITAL AMBASSADORS

supported peers with digital access and learning

Mona completed university in Cairo and faced many challenges in her life including trauma and being diagnosed with Autism at a very late stage in her life. Studying at WAES has given her the confidence to keep pursuing a better future for her daughter and herself. ​  I was looking into NFT’s and digital art. It was for me suddenly realizing what I do manually that takes me maybe a month I can do in a week on the computer and then I fell in love with the palettes and the software. Throughout the course Mona has improved her ability to use different software in Graphic Design and has now progressed onto creative media studies. She received a bursary for equipment to help her study.​  It has been an incredible experience. Honestly, they practice what they preach. They go above and beyond in making sure you succeed. Making sure you’re OK, you’re supported.

OFSTED REPORT 2022

Senior leaders, managers and staff promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout the provision. OFSTED REPORT 2022

CELEBRATING Learners’ Success​ The Annual WAES Learners Award Ceremonies

Janice raised her siblings and left school at the age of 15 to start working. She became a single mum of two kids by the age of 19 and a carer to her eldest child, who was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of three.​ She joined this course to understand others and to truly find herself. She has since moved on to helping others with their mental health and well-being via her socials, combining her life and work experiences, and is still a full-time carer. ​ Janice was introduced to her assessor and tutors via email and phone call. The structure of the course was introduced and facilitated by online workbooks to help her complete her assignments. ​

The Learner Awards programme cover was designed by Rob Edgar who is studying the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Graphic Design. Rob joined the Graphic Design course at WAES to refocus on his passions and explore​his creativity after the challenges he faced throughout the Covid pandemic.​ I love my course. The tutors here are phenomenal and really supportive. There are so many creative individuals in my classroom and​we all bring our own wealth of experience and knowledge. We all have to start somewhere, and you might be amazed at what you learn. The inspiration behind the design is that there’s more than one perspective. I used two-point perspectives with light and shade​ and a kaleidoscope of colours. ROB EDGAR, GRAPHIC DESIGN LEARNER

Studying virtually enabled her to fit her learning around her full-time caring responsibilities and allowed her to achieve her Mental Health First Aid Certificate. This is her first step towards a new career path.

WAES has all the Tutors, assessors, they do all the assessments also the tools, the workbooks and a fabulous time frame to complete your studies in your favour. JANICE, MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID LEARNER

CELEBRATING Our Learners

The Annual WAES Creative Showcase

Millicent Martin has dyslexia and is a survivor of stage 4 cancer. She’s now been 10 years free of cancer. She missed being able to socialise with others so decided to enrol onto an Art course at WAES. ​ Meeting other students and seeing their work and comparing it to yours is completely different, because everyone is on a different level, but I enjoyed it. ​ Millicent entered an art competition with encouragement from her tutor and won. This gave her the confidence to go ahead and start thinking about the business side of​art and how her work can be patented in the future.​ ​ I saw all my pictures all over the college and I couldn’t believe it and I just felt like famous, you know? These things don’t usually happen to me.​ ​

CELEBRATING Our Learners

The Annual WAES Creative Showcase

Aadela Hasani is originally from Afghanistan. She has achieved her​ diploma in Fashion and Design at WAES. After searching for so long​ Aadela was supported by the National Careers service to find this specific course.​ Aadela also wanted to improve her English skills; with the help of her tutors,​she was able to add basic skills to her timetable, which she couldn’t do at any other college.​ She found the cost of travelling very expensive but a member of the WAES Team supported her with her application for free travel to allow her to​ attend her classes.​ Aadela has taken part in creative showcases featuring​some of her best fashion pieces, including this one on the right, which will be valuable for​ her portfolio.​

I want to stand up for my faith. I’m opening my own business. I don’t know how to start and this college will help me with that.

CELEBRATING Our Learners

The Annual WAES Creative Showcase

MEDIA MAKE-UP

ENGLISH

GCSE

HAIRDRESSING

CODING & CLOUD COMPUTING

DIGITAL SKILLS

APPLIED COMPUTING GRAPHIC DESIGN Westminster Adult Education Service  219 Lisson Grove London NW8 8LW  020 7297 7297 [email protected]  www.waes.ac.uk  @waesonline @waesonline @WestminsterAdultEducation

CERAMICS

HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

WEB APPLICATION DESIGN AAT ACCOUNTING CHILDCARE

FINE ART

FASHION

SKILLS FOR JOBS

FLORISTRY

TEACHING & LEARNING

BUSINESS MATHS

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES