1. How do I search for a course?

You can search by subject, for example 'Art'.

Alternatively, if you know the course code or subject (available on the website/brochure) you can use this. If you leave all the fields blank then the search will return all courses.

Once you have found a subject you are interested in you can further filter your results by date, time of day, start month, availability and price.

You can further sort your search results by clicking on any column to group your results by, for example: - Subject or Start Date. This will filter the results by date in either ascending or descending order.

When you've found the course that suits you, click on Book place on the right hand side of the screen under course information sheet.

2. What is my account?

If you enrolled on to a course with us previously through one of the following options, then your details will have been recorded within our database. This means you already have an account that needs activating before you're able to book a course online:

• Through our old website
• By telephoning the service or contact centre
• By attending one of free courses such as Neighbourhood learning, Family learning or Learn2b

3. Is funding available for a course?

Some courses are not funded and are offered at full cost.

Most courses will be fully or part funded by the ESFA to be eligible for either a fully or part-funded course, a person must be legally resident in the UK/EEA for three years prior to the beginning of the course.

A person must be a British/EEA citizen, or have the right to abode in the UK, or be a refugee who has been resident in the UK since the granting of refugee status, or an asylum seeker with 6 months residency.

4. What course should I take to improve my employment opportunities?

There are subjects within the brochure that may help you to improve your chances at work or improve your chances of getting employment, these courses are offered FREE to people in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), or another means tested benefit whilst currently active in seeking employment. Up to date evidence will be required.

The Adult Learning Service has a Learning for Work programme specifically designed to help people get back to work - see our website for further details.

We also work in partnership with the National Careers Service and can offer free advice and guidance in order to support you to take your next steps in learning and work. Your course tutor will be able to give you more information about this service.

5. What's my Learner Number?

Your Learner Number is available when you sign up for a course with Adult Learning Services. It is also available on the form when you register.

6. Can I pay for more than one enrolment at the same time?

Unfortunately we are unable to process multiple enrolments online. Each enrolment has to be processed individually due to the funding arrangements associated with these courses. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

7. Are there any other costs associated with my course?

Some courses will have materials and exam fees built into the course cost, where there are extra charges this will be clearly stated on the Course Information Sheet.

Some practical courses will require you to buy your own material, you will be sent a materials list with the rest of your course information. We advise that you do not buy any materials until the course is confirmed to run, 2 weeks before the start date.

8. Will I be reminded that my course date is coming up so that I do not miss my course?

NO, you will receive course information after your enrolment but it is up to you to note the start date and to attend the course. Refunds will not be given if you forget to turn up to your course.

9. How will I know that my course is running?

If we have to cancel your course due to low numbers you will be informed 2 weeks before the start date.

10. I am not in receipt of any benefits can I get help with my fees?

We do have a small Bursary Grant that we can use to assist those suffering financial hardship, our aim is to help everyone to access our courses. Please email alsreferrals@northamptonshire.gov.uk

11. How can I contact you?

You can call our customer service centre on 0300 126 1000 or email us AdultLearning@northamptonshire.gov.uk

Full course information can be found on the website

1. Complaints or comments

If you have a complaint or comment about the standard of service, quality of tuition or any other matter relating to a course, you should in the first instance either telephone 0300 126 1000 for advice as to how best to pursue your complaint or comment or email adulted-customerfeedback@northamptonshire.gov.uk

Alternatively if you wish to formally complain this should be in writing to: Customer Feedback, Northamptonshire County Council, FREEPOST NH0078 Customer Service Centre, One Angel Square, Angel Street, Northampton
NN1 1ED.

2. Variation of course details
 
The published details of each course are the basis on which NCC intends to provide the course at the time of publication. However, if the required number of enrolments (which varies from course to course and area to area) is not achieved, the course will be withdrawn and the course fee refunded. Also, any details shown for a course might have to be changed due to unforeseen circumstances, in which event every effort will be made to inform learners as soon as possible. If any such change is made either before or during a course which causes difficulty, the learner is advised to contact us as soon as possible.

3. How We Use Your Personal Information

Your personal information is used by the DfE to exercise its functions and to meet its statutory responsibilities, including under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 and to create and maintain a unique learner number (ULN) and a personal learning record (PLR). Your information will be securely destroyed after it is no longer required for these purposes.
 
Your information may be shared with third parties for education, training, employment and well-being related purposes, including for research. This will only take place where the law allows it and the sharing is in compliance with data protection legislation.
 
The English European Social Fund (ESF) Managing Authority (or agents acting on its behalf) may contact you in order for them to carry out research and evaluation to inform the effectiveness of training.
 
Further information about use of and access to your personal data, details of organisations with whom we regularly share data, information about how long we retain your data, and how to change your consent to being contacted, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-privacy-notice

4. Smoking

Please note that all schools and related premises are smoke free environments.

5. Safety first

You must follow regulations made for your safety and that of others. Ties and loose clothing should not be worn in workshops and areas where machinery is in operation. Long hair should be tied back. Students working in workshops and craft areas should discuss with their tutor the need for any necessary protective clothing.

6. Bad weather

In the event of very bad weather, e.g. heavy continuous snow or other dangerous road conditions, classes may be cancelled. We will: inform the local radio, place notices on our website if in office hours, attempt to inform all learners by phone or email where possible. Replacement classes will be arranged whenever possible. Please refer to your Learner Welcome Pack for more details regarding bad weather refunds.

7. Behaviour code

Behaviour on site and in classes is expected to be of a standard to allow effective learning to take place. Students on site and in classes are expected to ensure that their behaviour/activity does not cause offence, damage or injury to other students, staff or property. Students must follow any regulations or guidance given concerning use of equipment, smoking arrangements or car parking.

8. What to do if you have a medical condition

If you are worried about participating in a course because you have a medical condition you should consult your General Practitioner. Neither course tutors nor NCC Adult Learning Service can undertake to advise you as to whether or not any medical condition could be adversely affected as a result of attending a class. Upon request, the course tutor will provide your GP with any information about the course that they require.

9. Examination courses

Learners are advised that if they enrol on an examination course they will have the option to enter or register for the examination or equivalent at the appropriate time.

10. Admission to courses

Admission to any course is at the discretion of NCC Adult Learning Service. Our courses are available to people aged 19 or over.

For many courses no previous experience or qualification is required for entry. In some subjects an assessment of ability will be given and participants will be advised as to the suitability of the course, or as to what they should be learning.

If you want advice on selecting a course please phone the enrolment line.

Courses can be cancelled up to two weeks before the start of a course. Students are advised not to buy materials until the week before a course begins. Late starters will be charged a pro-rata fee only after the third week of the course.