GOVERNMENT inspectors have given a favourable report on the provision of education and training for 14 to 19-year-olds in Hertfordshire.

It was the county's first Ofsted inspection of provision for this age group, and looked at the work carried out by the local education authority and the Learning and Skills Council to provide school, college and work-based learning for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The inspection, which took place in May, found the provision was satisfactory and the report highlighted strengths, such as high levels of participation in post-16 learning, with many young people moving on to higher education; bold and coherent strategies to improve the curriculum and levels of achievement for 14 to 19-year-olds; good examples of planning provision; and excellent working partnerships between key strategic partners.

Inspectors also found successful collaboration between schools and colleges in some areas.

The report also noted some areas for improvement, including: the need to tackle the variation in achievement among 16 to 18-year-olds in different areas; access to vocational learning and alternative provision for 14 to 16-year-olds; and access to a broader range of vocational courses for sixth-formers.

Ofsted inspectors also recommended ensuring that all school heads and governors understand and support the county strategy, "Putting the Learner First".

Robert Gordon, executive member for education, said: "Our priority is to ensure that all youngsters get the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential.

"Parents and young people can be assured of our commitment to build on our strengths and address the areas for improvement."

John Harris, director of children, schools and families, said: "I welcome this report and the fact that it recognises the county's strengths in our provision for 14 to 19-year-olds.

"The inspectors also accepted that we have robust strategies already in place to deliver even further improvements."

Roy Bain, executive director of the Learning and Skills Council Hertfordshire, said: "There is a very strong sense of purpose and commitment between the partners to 'putting the learner first' in our planning of 14 to 19-year-old provision, and the partnership is making great strides in developing the curriculum and vocational training."

The partnership is setting up seven strategic planning areas across the county and also developing a three-year plan, funded by the Department for Education and Skills, to improve opportunities for 14 to 19-year-olds.