Adult Basic Education

Find your local Adult Education Centre here

Adult Education is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

The Adult Basic Education Service provides literacy, numeracy and computer tuition in a supportive environment for adults who need to develop their skills in reading, writing, spelling, maths and using everyday technology. It is aimed at those who left school early, are out of education a long time or have specific learning difficulties. The service welcomes adult learners of all ages and backgrounds.

  • Tuition is offered on a one to one or small group basis with the option of gaining a nationally recognised qualification.
  • Intake is ongoing but some courses have start dates in September and January each year.
  • The service offers courses at different levels and covers different subject areas
  • The Educational Assessment is confidential
  • The service is free of charge

Basic education courses include:

Mainstream Literacy

Adult Learners can avail of classes in reading, writing, spelling, I.T. and everyday maths in small groups. They all start at the beginning and go at the students pace. Adult learners can also avail of themed literacy courses for example in health, culinary, horticulture or car maintenance while improving literacy skills.

Numeracy

Support is available in basic calculations, budgeting, everyday maths and maths for parents of school going children.

Information Technology

Using everyday technology to communicate and handle information for personal, social or economic reasons.

Family Learning

MSLETB Family Learning programmes recognise that parents are the first natural teachers of their children. Children learn about talk, reading, numbers and the digital world from everyday routines in the home. Family Learning programmes aim to:

  • Improve skills of parents giving them confidence to teach their children
  • Enhance the quality of parent-child relationship
  • Improve the developmental skills of young children
  • Recognise that Family Learning is a three-pronged approach: Parent / School / Community

Examples of Courses

My Baby & Me / Getting Ready for School / Maths for Parents of children from Infants to Second class / Child Development & Play / Family Relationships / Lego Building with Mam & Dad, Coding for parents / Maths for Parents of Children starting Secondary School / Easy Meals

All courses are free of charge

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

The Adult Basic Education Service offers English classes to speakers of other languages:

  • ESOL Literacy QQI Level 1
  • ESOL Beginners QQI Level 2
  • ESOL QQI Level 3
  • ESOL QQI Level 4
  • ESOL QQI Level 5
  • Preparation for International English Language Testing IELTS

Intake is September and January for Certified courses. However, additional courses can be set up depending on need. All adult learners are assessed and placed according to their level of English on entry. Classes are free of charge

Intensive Tuition in Adult Basic Education (ITABE)

The ITABE programme is designed as an intensive literacy, numeracy and everyday technology programme using themed learning. It is run 6 hours per week (delivered in two or three sessions per week) over ten weeks. It is aimed at those who are below Level 3 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

The programme covers:

  • Communication skills: Reading / Writing / Spelling / Maths / Speaking and Listening skills
  • Learning to Learn: Understanding Learning styles / Study Skills / Educational Guidance
  • Introduction to Computers: Basic IT / Internet and everyday technology – Banking online, PayPal and Booking holidays online

Examples of Course Content:

Introduction to Horticulture / Cookery / Hair and Beauty / CV Writing and Looking for Work / Electrical skills & Maths / Motor Maintenance / Tourism / Family Tree / Health & Fitness / Nutrition

Classes are free of charge

Skills for Work

This programme provides tuition to help employees deal with the basic skills demands of the workplace e.g. retail sales, communications and I.T.

Refugee Resettlement Programme

The Irish Refugee Protection Programme resettles programme refugees in every county in Ireland. ETBs are responsible for providing intensive English classes for the first year that refugees arrive and settle in a community. This is to help refugees integrate into their new community and understand the new culture, navigate services and learn the English language. All learners are assessed, and an Intensive English programme is designed. On completing this programme, Refugees can access ESOL classes.

Find your local Adult Education Centre here
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