The learners are adults; the majority of them are women, coming from a variety of backgrounds. Each individual learner brings with them very different experiences of life and education. The learners are people who face different barriers to accessing mainstream education provisions. For example, they may be full time carers, have a disability, no experience or formal education or lack the confidence and self-esteem needed to attend classes.

Learners are usually referred to SAVTE through health, housing, social and community workers. Family and friends can also make referrals.

We presently have eight ESOL learning groups running in Sheffield. Some have a free creche for children over six months, they all cater for different levels of English. The classes are held in Firth Park, Burngreave, Upperthorpe and Netherthorpe, Hucklow and Abbeydale. The primary aim of the learning groups is to provide an opportunity for those who have benefited from home tuition to move on to a class environment. They encourage interaction, increase confidence and form the basis of a support network that can be extended beyond the classroom and into the community. Furthermore, they enable learners to improve their English and achieve accreditation for their work.