First learners complete courses as County Council given £4.7m to improve numeracy

The Department for Education have awarded Norfolk County Council £4.7 million of funding as part of the Multiply project, which aims to improve numeracy skills in adults.

The funding will last until the end of March 2025 and will be used to give grants to major training providers, such as Norfolk Adult Learning and colleges, as well as smaller organisations and grassroots providers. This grant-based approach means a larger number of people can take a course which is relevant to the skills they need.

The importance of numeracy skills shouldn't be underestimated, and it's already made a difference to some of the first learners to complete a course funded by the project. Kayleigh, a young mum, used to love maths at school but just lost her confidence. She felt overwhelmed when she came to her first maths session, but her Multiply course tutor helped her work out things on paper instead of just in her head She finds that a lot easier and would recommend giving the course a go.

James, a young man, is unemployed and struggling with his mental health. He was always good at maths but lost confidence. Since taking up a Multiply course, he feels he's gained more knowledge and confidence and would recommend it as he's been enjoying it. James now wants to progress on to taking some qualifications.

An example of some of the courses that will be available are:

• Introductory courses which help increase people's confidence with numbers
• Courses designed to help people understand and manage their money, particularly during the cost-of-living crisis
• Specific workplace courses, delivered with employers to provide skills relevant to the workplace
• Numeracy courses aimed at parents who want to increase their own skills to be able to better help their children
• Additional maths modules built in to existing vocational courses
• Intensive and flexible courses which lead to a Functional Skills Qualification

Cllr Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "Ensuring that people have the right skills to be able to further their careers is important to Norfolk County Council. Our in-house provider, Adult Learning, along with our partners for Multiply, including City College Norwich, East Coast College, and College of West Anglia, have a wide range of activities which people can sign up for. The small group and individual learning approach helps learners to make the most of their tuition"

The council has also taken on 7 Multiply Champions, who will work with district and borough councils to provide advice and support to people looking to improve their numeracy skills and understanding. The Champions will attend local events, and work in various community areas, such as libraries, to ensure they reach people who would benefit from a Multiply funded course.

For more information, to see available courses, and to sign up and register your interest, please visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/multiply.