More Multiply – Community Learning awarded a second year of funding
In October 2022, the Council’s Community Learning Team in ESL won a grant to deliver a Multiply programme, a major DfE initiative to give people aged 19+ the opportunity to learn and develop the essential maths skills they need to succeed.
Our aim for the project was to work in the community and with employers to support people with no or low maths qualifications to develop their skills.
We know that people who improve their numeracy skills are more likely to be in employment, have higher wages, and benefit from better wellbeing. Economically, businesses that develop their employees’ numeracy skills have demonstrated increased productivity, profits, and improved employee retention.
In the five-month period between November 2022 and March 2023 we recruited 303 learners without a GCSE or level two maths qualification. 80% reported an increase in confidence in maths and many learners are continuing to develop their skills and progressing to qualifications.
In recognition of this excellent result, the West of England Combined Authority have awarded the Community Learning Team a further grant for Year two (April 2023/24).
During this year we will be extending the courses to 30 hours but retaining the central principle of improving confidence and breaking down barriers through fun, meaningful courses that include maths for home and children, maths for employment; brush up maths for those returning to the programme and entry level accredited courses for those wanting a qualification.
If you would like to find out more, either for yourself or for your staff, please contact Liz Handley our Team leader for Multiply by email: liz.handley@bristol.gov.uk or call 07721 589 445 or visit the Multiply Team at the Launch Pad on the Ground floor of The Galleries on Thursday mornings.