Wiltshire adult education service marks record-breaking year
Over 1,000 people enrolled on courses to get back into learning
Over a thousand people have enrolled on an adult education service in Wiltshire in the past year - the most the course has ever seen.
The Family and Community Learning Service (FaCL) is a Wiltshire Council run scheme, offering people a chance to get back into learning.
In the last academic year, 1,100 people attended courses which are held in community spaces across the county as well as online.
Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “I’m delighted that the FaCL is celebrating a record-breaking year. The courses we offer are vital to our residents who need them. I would encourage anyone who is looking to improve their learning to check the courses on our website.”
This year's courses open this month (September), including the Working in Schools course, which has proven to be among the most popular. This course provides an opportunity to learn more about careers in supporting learning as well as courses for parents and carers helping their child develop resilience and boost wellbeing.
Other course topics include:
• Family learning courses to support parents and carers to help their child with emotional wellbeing and learning,
• Confidence and wellbeing courses
• Adult skills courses, such as English, maths, budgeting, and work-related skills, and
• Independent living skills courses for adults with additional needs.
Courses are free to those meeting eligibility criteria.
Learners must be aged 19+ on 31 August 2024 to learn with Family and Community Learning this academic year. Learners must also have a Wiltshire postcode and either have lived in the UK/EU for three years or meet certain residency requirements (for example, certain types of immigration status are exempt from the three-year residency rule). Learners must also be able to tick one of the following criteria:
• On a lower income, earning less than £25,000 a year.
• In receipt of benefits (other than child benefit).
• Care leaver, refugee, foster carer, carer, military family / ex-armed forces personnel, learning difficulty or disability, or have school-aged children who receive free school meals.
• Not in work and looking to go into work, now or in the future.
FaCL help may be available to those who feel they don't meet the criteria.
People can contact the team to find out more on 01225 770478, familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire.gov.uk or Facebook.