English
Literacy skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) are essential for accessing learning and leading a happier and healthier life. Our literacy skills courses develop adults’ skills so that they can help their child with phonics, reading and writing at primary school. We also have a 10-week English course for adults who want to work on their own literacy skills called Enhance Your English. Learners on this course can progress onto Functional Skills English or GCSE qualification courses with their local college.
Learner N attended Helping My Child with Phonics:
I have told other people at school that they need to do the phonics courses. My son is getting easier to handle now that I can engage him in activities to support his learning. [I] teach him in a fun way that uses what he is learning at school.
Maths and Science
So many people find maths scary. We aim to break down those barriers to learning to help you to realise that maths, and science, are not only relevant and useful but also fun! We offer two-hour introductory sessions in Spectacular Science, Maths KS1 and KS2 and Terrific Times Tables. You can then progress onto longer courses where you develop the skills to help your child with maths and science at primary school, and learn about the current ways of teaching maths (that might be very different to when you were at school). We also have a 10-week maths course for adults who want to work on their own maths skills called Manage Your Maths. Learners on this course can progress onto Functional Skills maths or GCSE qualification courses with their local college.
ESOL
We have beginner and intermediate English for Speakers of Other Languages courses for adults who would like to develop their English communication skills. Our 10-week beginner ESOL Life in the UK course is held in venues across Wiltshire. Our five-week intermediate ESOL courses are held online. Learners on these courses can progress onto ESOL qualification courses with their local college.
IT
We offer face-to-face introductory and beginners IT courses, plus a course aimed to help adults who want to improve their IT skills for life, work and study which is available both online and face-to-face. Learners on these courses can progress onto IT courses with their local college or online.
Adult Well Being
Our range of courses focus on helping adults to develop the skills and knowledge they need to manage and maintain their wellbeing. These courses are centred around making positive behaviour changes that build confidence and self-esteem, and enable you to set and achieve goals. Courses include two-hour Manage Worries Positively and five-week courses such as Wellbeing, Confidence and New Directions, and Positive Futures. We also have a 10-week course called Walk and Talk for Wellbeing. Learners on these courses can progress onto courses with their local college as well as online courses with Wiltshire IAPT or Well City Salisbury.
Learner S attended Wellbeing, Confidence and New Directions and Positive Futures:
I have rediscovered a sense of who I am and belief in myself and my ability to be a functioning adult. This may sound a little thing to some but when you come from a place of where you feel that you are failing in so many places and it’s just doom ahead then that little spark is something major. These courses have given me the strength to feed that spark so that other areas are starting to light up as well. During lockdown etc I have been shut off from the world like many have. These online courses have enabled me to make a couple of new friends. Yes it’s not in the real world but they have become part of my support network none the less. I’m sure that i have become part of theirs as well. I have shown new ideas, skills and resources and reminded of old ones as well… It is never too late to learn and also to connect with others who may be in the same boat as you or come from a completely different perspective. We don’t only learn and have light bulb moments from the course tutors but also from fellow students as well.
Employability Skills
We offer a 10-week Boost Your Employability Skills course which for adults to develop their skills in communication, job seeking, completing applications and interviewing online. We also have a range of vocationally-themed courses such as Working in Early Years, Working in Schools, Food Safety, and Customer Services which help you build the skills you need to apply for these job roles, and gain an understanding of these career pathways.
Learner D attended Boost Your Employability Skills:
I was out of work for long time after having my children. This course built my confidence and made me up to date on working world. [My tutor} Andy helped me to create a CV and personal statement, which I used to apply for the job. After completing the course, I actively looked for job and I have been offered a job. I strongly recommend this course.
Learner N who attended Working in Early Years:
Thanks to these courses I have gained full time work, and will soon be moving on to a well-paid apprenticeship as well.
Family Skills
We offer a range of courses to help parents and carers to support their child’s mental health and wellbeing. These courses support adults to develop their knowledge and confidence, and to enhance their skills using a range of strategies and techniques to support their child. Course topics include help with anxiety and worry, building resilience, and preparing for changes and transitions to primary school and to secondary school.
Learner J attended several Family Skills courses including Helping My Child with Anxiety and Worry:
My tutors and mentor are very understanding and very knowledgeable and are non-judgmental. They give support and encouragement and give you lots of positive feedback. They are amazing and make me feel I’m capable of anything and that’s much needed at the moment.
Independent Living
We have a range of courses aimed at making life easier. These include short budgeting sessions to help adults to manage their money: Saving Energy, Shop for Less, Balance your Budget. We also have a series of courses in our Smart range which are for adults with learning disabilities. Smart courses support learners with learning difficulties and SEND to build a range of different skills that they will use in everyday life. We currently offer:
- Communication Smart
- Confidence Smart
- Money Smart
- Eat Smart
- Home Smart
- Health Smart
- IT Smart
- We are developing further courses too.
These courses are held online or in person in venues across Wiltshire. Please contact the Outreach and Enablement Service through Wiltshire Council to refer onto these courses.
Learner P attended several Smart courses including Money Smart:
I have learned lots of new things through doing these courses, my confidence has grown a lot. I enjoyed the Money course the most. The learning activities helped me learn to count.