Adult education courses to better support community needs

Kent County Council (KCC) is refocussing adult education courses to ensure learners continue to progress in their learning with a focus on core English, maths and digital skills.

The decision follows a national change in funding rules by the Department for Education (DfE), which means KCC will no longer be able to use money from the Adult Skills Fund to subsidise more leisure-focused courses.

The council will have an increased focus on core subjects, helping Kent residents to grow important skills, equip parents and carers to support children and young people in their own learning and improve physical and mental wellbeing and confidence.

By adapting our delivery model, KCC’s Community Learning and Skills (CLS) service will have an even greater focus on the priorities set out in the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which aims to narrow skills gaps and mould courses to the needs of local people.

The funding changes will come into effect from Thursday, August 1, 2024, and staff will continue to support learners whose courses will no longer be subsidised as KCC CLS prepares for the switch-over.

For more detailed information, please see https://democracy.kent.gov.uk/mgListPlans.aspx?RPId=115&RD=0&bcr=1

We will continue to update you with further information in due course.

If you are currently enrolled on a course with us, or you are planning to enrol on a course starting between now and July, these changes will not impact your enrolment with us.

If you have any queries or comments, please contact us at CLSCustomerRelations@Kent.gov.uk