How to tap into tailored learning that works for your community with ASF funding

To ensure adult learners are equipped with the right skills at the right time, colleges must be flexible, responsive and aligned with the needs of their community. In addition to supporting regulated qualifications, the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) offers an opportunity to address this challenge with bespoke, non-regulated learning that can be funded through the tailored learning and innovative provisions.  

What is tailored learning funding?  

Tailored learning funding is designed to support progression into meaningful employment and further learning. Formerly known as ‘Community Learning’ under the Adult Education Budget (AEB), this strand now sits within the ASF and provides colleges with the freedom to: 

• design learner-focused provision that addresses specific local skills needs 

• deliver employer-facing provision that has been designed in collaboration with businesses  

• improve essential skills (such as English, ESOL, maths or digital) 

• support wider social outcomes such as improved health and wellbeing, stronger communities and parental engagement in education 

• fund outreach activities to engage hard-to-reach learners and drive participation in adult learning for those who may not yet be ready for formal qualifications. 

What funding is available for developing innovative learning? 

To encourage local innovation, eligible colleges can use up to 3% of their ASF allocation on the development of innovative learning provision. This allows providers to:  

• work directly with local employers and stakeholders to co-design and deliver bespoke provision that responds to the priorities outlined in Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) 

• fund the development of new programmes, including research and project management costs 

• cover staff costs for time taken to prepare new qualifications for submission for awarding body or DfE approval 

• develop training for teaching staff to enable them to deliver learning in new and emerging fields such as green skills and artificial intelligence. 

Adding value with accreditation or endorsement 

Both tailored learning and innovative development funding can give colleges the flexibility to shape their offer around local demand. From designing bespoke employer-led provision to supporting learners who are just beginning their learning journey, these funding routes can encourage responsive, meaningful education where it’s needed most. To support the design of new curriculum having an awarding body to help with co-creation and quality assurance is an ideal way to bring in expertise and relieve the pressure of time constraints for teaching staff who often have to prioritise the delivery of regulated provision.  

By partnering with a reputable awarding body, colleges can add a layer of credibility to ensure that the content and structure of provision is relevant and adds value for learners.  

Accreditation or endorsement is a formal validation by an external awarding organisation that confirms a non-regulated qualification or learning programme meets established quality standards. Digital credentials can be used to further support recognition and progression by providing a secure and verifiable way for learners to demonstrate skills gained.  

To make the most of these funding opportunities, providers should ensure all delivery is compliant with ASF guidance and align their provision with local priorities and learner progression pathways.  

Find out more about NCFE’s accreditation services, or for more guidance on maximising use of the tailored learning fund and innovative provision, download our free guide for colleges.