More than 900 people have now taken part in free adult learning courses in Swindon.

The courses, provided by the borough council through the Adult Community Learning programme, Multiply, aim to help residents and people who work in Swindon to develop confidence in their numeracy skills.

David, a recent attendee of the Multiply course, said: "I'm very grateful for the opportunity to improve my maths.

"When I started my maths lessons, my tutor was very helpful and very patient with me.

"I’m very happy with my teachers and the support I have received."

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Issy Johnson, a business administration apprentice, achieved her Functional Skills Maths level two qualification through Multiply after previously failing twice.

Her manager, Katharine Mills, said: "Issy’s confidence around maths was at an all-time low having failed twice and she was ready to give up with her apprenticeship because of this.

"We have seen a huge improvement in her confidence during this time.

"I honestly think that if it was not for the support that Issy received from Multiply, she would not have managed to complete her apprenticeship.

"She has even gone on to win Apprentice of the Year at the Swindon Borough Council Staff Awards."

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Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for education, said: "As part of our aim to build a fairer Swindon, we want everyone to have access to the education they need.

"The Multiply courses run by the council are a fantastic way for residents to improve their numeracy skills as well as developing the knowledge and confidence with numbers that they need to succeed in work and everyday life.

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our teams and colleagues involved for their contribution, time and dedication to these courses."

Anyone interested in learning more about the wide range of free adult learning courses available from Swindon Borough Council’s Adult Community Learning Team can email ACL@swindon.gov.uk or visit the adult learning section of the Swindon council's website.

The initiative began in 2022.

The courses, funded by the Department for Education, focus on practical maths skills and aim to reduce anxiety around numbers and build basic numeracy skills.

They also aim to increase work-related maths skills, help families with budgeting and cost-saving, and guide parents and carers on how to help their children develop numeracy skills.

 

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