Learning as an adult, at any age — Easy Read

Choose what you want to learn

Your aim might be reading a message, understanding money, using a phone, making music, cooking or gaining a work qualification. You can start with one small skill or a broader course. Learning can be for pleasure, confidence, connection or work. A learning disability does not mean you have finished learning. Tell the provider what matters to you and what support has helped before.

Find options beyond the EHC age range

Ask local adult education services, colleges, libraries and community organisations about courses. Some learning is online, part time or in the evening. Ending an education, health and care plan does not mean all learning opportunities end. EHC plans have their own age and eligibility rules; adult courses and funding follow different arrangements. Ask about the actual course rather than assuming a rule for school or college applies to every adult.

Explore English, maths and digital skills

Government information lists Essential Skills opportunities for adults aged 19 and over in England. These may include reading, writing, numbers and using digital devices. Entry requirements depend on the course, existing qualifications and assessed skill levels. English for speakers of other languages has a different purpose from disability-related communication support. Ask for an accessible discussion about where to start and whether a qualification or informal learning better fits your aim.

Visit or try a session

Ask about the size and pace of the group, how teaching happens and whether you can visit or try a session before committing. Discuss reading, writing, memory, communication and sensory access without being expected to understand unfamiliar forms alone. You could bring examples of what helps or a communication passport. Ask how the tutor will check understanding respectfully and what happens if you need more practice.

Agree teaching support and adjustments

Describe barriers and useful changes, such as pictures, demonstrations, accessible materials, extra processing time, a communication aid or a different way to show learning. Ask the provider to consider reasonable adjustments and explain its learning-support arrangements. An EHC plan is not the only route to support. Agree which adjustments are confirmed, who will provide them and when they will be reviewed. Ask about assessments and exams separately if the course has them.

Check the complete cost and funding

Some adult English, maths and digital courses are free for eligible learners, while other courses charge fees. Eligibility can depend on the course, age, existing skills, residence, location and funding arrangements. Ask for the full cost, including equipment, exams and travel. Learning support for disability-related adjustments is different from hardship help with attendance costs. Do not assume a diagnosis makes every course free or that a course advertised as free includes all extra costs.

Ask about Learner Support where relevant

Learner Support may help eligible people aged 19 or over on further education courses who face financial hardship. Apply through the learning provider. It can cover certain study or attendance costs, but rules and awards depend on circumstances. It is not available for every course: Community Learning and higher education have different arrangements, for example. Ask the provider to identify the correct scheme and give you a decision before spending money you cannot afford.

Plan travel, personal support and benefits

Confirm travel, toilets, breaks, personal care and help outside lesson time. A tutor or classroom helper is not automatically your personal care worker. Ask social care to review agreed needs if your routine changes. Get a benefits check before starting a course or changing study hours; part-time and full-time study can have different effects. Keep using communication and learning aids in everyday life, not only during class.

Review whether the course works for you

Notice what you enjoy, what you are learning and what gets in the way. Ask for changes early if teaching, support or access is unsuitable. You can discuss a different pace, another class or stopping; check fees and cancellation terms. Keep a record of useful adjustments for future learning. Use the provider’s complaints process if support is refused or agreed arrangements do not happen.

Learning something as an adult

Choose your goal

Learning does not stop at 25

Try useful skills

Visit first

Explain how you learn

Agree your support

Check all the costs

Check your benefits

Plan getting there

See what works

What you can do next

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