New report calls for clearer progression pathways and improved data use in adult basic skills provision

Estyn’s latest report on Literacy, numeracy and digital skills in adult learning in the community highlights the crucial role that community-based adult learning plays in helping people build essential skills – often as a ‘second chance’ to access education and improve life chances. While inspectors found effective teaching and examples of creative provision across Wales, the report raises concerns about how well data is used to track learners’ progress and the clarity of routes available to help learners move forward.

Inspectors visited eight of the 13 regional partnerships and Adult Learning Wales, reviewed data, surveyed tutors, and drew on inspection and annual link visit evidence. They found that partnerships understood the complex barriers many adults face when trying to re-engage with learning – including low confidence, digital exclusion, and financial or health difficulties. While some providers had taken steps to address these, many partnerships’ websites remain difficult to navigate, and learners often struggle to access clear information about available courses.

Teaching was generally effective, with tutors tailoring delivery and offering strong one-to-one support. However, in a few instances, over-reliance on workbooks or a limited range of teaching strategies left some learners unengaged. The report calls for stronger professional learning for tutors to develop their subject-specific skills further.

The report also raises concerns about how well providers track learner progression. Although 84% of learners completed their courses in 2022-2023, data collection systems were not sufficient to show how learners develop over time or move on to further learning or work. Inspectors found that partnerships often lacked robust progression routes and did not always provide learners with the advice and support needed to take their next steps.

Owen Evans, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, said:

“This report shows just how important adult community learning is in giving people the skills and confidence they need to improve their lives. Tutors are working hard to tailor support to learners’ needs – but we must do more to make progression clearer and ensure that we’re learning from the data we collect. Every adult learner should have a clear path forward, whether they’re learning to help their children, find work or simply build their confidence.”

The report also reflects on the impact of the UK Government’s Multiply initiative, which expanded numeracy provision from mid-2023 to early 2025. While this created new partnerships and reached previously disengaged learners, providers were frustrated by the short-term nature of the funding. The report recommends that Medr and the Welsh Government offer clearer, more flexible guidance around the use of the community learning grant, especially for engagement and family learning provision.

Welsh-medium delivery remains limited, with learners generally prioritising skill acquisition over the language of instruction. However, in bilingual areas, some digital and numeracy learning is successfully delivered through Welsh. The report encourages greater collaboration with local organisations to expand bilingual and Welsh-medium provision where appropriate.

Estyn makes a series of recommendations for Medr, the Welsh Government, partnerships and tutors, focused on improving guidance, data use, progression planning, and professional learning.