Welcome to Calderdale Adult Learning (CAL)
Welcome to the 2024/25 academic year at CAL.
If you are reading this, maybe you already know you are ready to learn something new, follow an interest or develop confidence applying for jobs. The great news is, you are in the right place. CAL is a wonderful place to learn, and you will get so much support.
There are lots of new learning opportunities this year:
- More courses on your doorstep
- A new learning programme at CAL’s Heath Campus in Halifax
- More support to help you gain employment, find volunteering opportunities, or move onto further learning
Calderdale is 50 years old as a borough this year and there is a lot to celebrate! The 2024 CultureDale programme is underway, showcasing our brilliant cultural heritage. Our inclusivity, creativity, kindness, and resilience make this a great place to live and work, and we want to aim even higher so everyone can participate in our economy and enjoy rewarding, healthy, and fulfilling lives.
It really is Your Learning, Your Way at CAL. We help so many people achieve their larger life. You could finally get those qualifications, secure your ideal job, and improve your wellbeing. Whatever course you choose, we will support you all the way.
Find a course
The range of courses on offer is our best ever and we will be adding to them throughout the year.
Further information
Information, advice and guidance
CAL Service continues to work to the matrix Standard, the national quality standard for organisations delivering information, advice and guidance (IAG) on learning and work.
CAL aims to help learners progress through their chosen course of study. Individual course information can be found through our online course search.
These pages advise on course content and what the course can lead on to. Tutors and learning support staff are always available to give you support to help you decide whether a course is appropriate for you. If the course is not appropriate we will aim to put you in touch with an alternative provider.
For more detailed and specific careers advice, we work in partnership with the Education Development Trust. You can email them at enquiries@educationdevelopmenttrust.com. If you feel you would benefit from either an individual appointment with them or a class visit, please ask your tutor in the first instance. You can also contact the National Careers Hotline on 0191 731 4750. Additionally, the National Careers Service website is an excellent source of information on careers, finding a job, courses and learning - visit National Careers Service National Careers Service.
Attendance and expectations
Adults will often have a lot of commitments such as family and work demand, and attending classes is not always a priority. Your course is either fully or co-funded by the government through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and all CAL learning is subject to Ofsted inspection. As such you will be required to carry out various learning activities so that we can ensure you are making the expected progress.
You may have to undertake additional work outside of session times to extend your learning or comprehension where applicable, and you are expected to be punctual, attend regularly and show commitment to achieve successful completion of the course.
If your attendance drops below 88% or you have not attended three consecutive classes without informing CAL, you may lose your place.
Tutors
Tutor vacancies are advertised during early Spring term. For more on tutor vacancies, see: Council jobs or for an informal chat, please contact: Learning Support team.
Feedback and comments
Feedback and comments
We want to know what you think about CAL, good or bad, so please tell us:
- how your course is getting on;
- your experiences of using CAL;
- something we have done well;
- or something that you want us to improve or resolve.
Submit your Learner feedback.
Ofsted learner view
The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) asks that all learners know about the online questionnaire called 'Learner view'. This allows all learners to give their views about the learning experience they have had.
To complete the questionnaire, go to Learner view (GOV.UK).
Please spare a few minutes to give Ofsted your views on Calderdale Adult Learning.
Safeguarding
CAL has a policy statement and procedures in place for safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.
If you have a safeguarding concern, please call 01422 392820 or email cyps.cal@calderdale.gov.uk to speak to our dedicated Learner Support Team, who will direct you to the relevant person.
For more on this, see: Safeguarding adults.