These are the skills needed for everyday life and work. They include speaking and listening, reading and writing, maths and computing/IT skills. If you are a parent, they also include being able to help your children with their learning before they start school and once they are at school.

Some people didn't get the chance to learn essential skills when they were younger, perhaps because they moved around a lot or missed schooling though illness. Perhaps they were bullied or suffered from dyslexia which wasn't heard of at the time. Other people haven't used these skills since they left school, so they have got a bit 'rusty'.

Whatever your reason for wanting to improve your skills, there will be an adult essential skills group for you. It isn't like going back to school. You'll be with small groups of other people, all of whom want to learn.

Essential skills learning is free, although there may be a charge for computing/IT classes depending on your level of existing skills.

For computing and IT groups, contact the Learning Link at Harlow College on 01279 868100.

For speaking and listening, reading and writing or maths skills, contact Diane Woodburn at Harlow College on 01279 868038.