Education advice
Links to local and national education advice and support:
The Bromham Road office in Bedford has a trained team of staff and volunteers who can give independent advice on many topics for older people in Bedfordshire. 01234 360 510 – lines are open 9.30am – 4.00pm, Monday – Friday. The Age UK website provides a page on work and learning information for people in later life, including education and training, technology and the internet and redundancy.
Find out about special schools, check special provisions in mainstream schools and get advice on school transport.
Central Bedfordshire Skills for Life
Skills for Work and Life – “Do you need help with English and maths? We offer small, friendly classes across Bedfordshire during the day and in the evening. You can work at your own pace, either to brush up your skills or work towards a recognised qualification.”
Central Bedfordshire Council Local Offer
Your guide to the support and services available for children and young people with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25 years.
4YP offers careers information and guidance, intensive support and mentoring and youth work services. They cater for Central Bedfordshire and are in Houghton Regis, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard, Sandy/Biggleswade/Flitwick/Shefford and surrounding villages.
The aim of the charity is to provide comprehensive training, advice, information, advocacy and community outreach services to young people in Bedfordshire. The link above shows the many training programmes offered in Dunstable, with some being in Bedford.
Development allows developing the skills that employers are looking for. Many of the courses run through Central Bedfordshire.
Scouts offer 6- to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that they make a positive impact in communities. There are many groups of scouts throughout Central Bedfordshire, and their contact details are on the website.
Links to Online Tools & Useful Websites:
The Advice Guide website is the main public information service of Citizens Advice, providing people with 24/7 access to information. The link will take you to the self-help education page.
ACE Education offers Advice Booklets and Briefings, as well as advice on: School Admissions and Appeals, Exclusion from School, Special Educational Needs, Anti-Bullying and Attendance.
Action for Blind People is a national charity with local reach, providing practical help and support to blind and partially sighted people of all ages. They offer visually impaired people help to find a job.
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work opportunities.
Directgov is a government website offering information on public services, including information on apprenticeships, universities, higher education and pre-school education.
The Veteran’s Gateway puts veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
Offers support, guidance and information on pregnancy, toddler/preschool, primary, secondary, teenagers, bullying, family, and divorce & separation.
Home Education Advisory Service
This website offers information about home education and the variety of support available. Also offers a membership subscription to receive various publications and helpline support.
Netmums provides information to mothers on everything from advice on healthy foods, where to find playgrounds to meeting other mums at Netmums meetups and also information on clubs and classes.
Giving educational and emotional support in the migration journey of those who are under the age of 18, without a responsible adult and have either fled their country or been brought into the UK.
