Independent Living Skills courses provided by colleges support learners to develop skills for their future. The focus is on building communication, employability and independent living skills, as well as developing an awareness of health, wellbeing and the local community. ColegauCymru welcomes Estyn’s thematic report on the Independent Living Skills (ILS) Curriculum in Further Education Institutions (FEIs). 
There are around 1,700 learners who completed ILS programmes in 2023-2024, reflecting growing demand. Estyn’s report highlights the notable improvements in ILS provision since its last report in 2017, especially in personalising learning and collaboration. We recognise that some issues remain, for example, inconsistencies in tracking and assessments and weaknesses in quality assurance.
Colleges are continuing to work together, for example in developing and sharing effective practice and resources, but it is important to highlight the acute financial pressures that colleges are operating within. In addition to wider budgetary pressures, there are additional financial demands of implementing the ALNET Act, with projections from college ALN leads indicating over £3 million in extra costs for 2025/26. Ensuring sufficient, sustained funding is critical to meet statutory duties and safeguard the quality and long-term sustainability of inclusive provision for learners with ALN. Maintaining staffing levels is essential to manage the increased workload, and recruiting and retaining specialist staff, including learning support and Welsh-medium provision, remain significant challenges. Colleges are continuing to see high demand for their provision, including enrolling a growing number of learners with increasingly complex needs, often without the corresponding specialist resources, training, or external agency support to meet those needs effectively. It is critical that the Welsh Government commits to sustainable funding for pastoral coaches - the work of whom changes lives.
We are pleased that Estyn has recognised notable improvements across the sector since the last review in 2017. Colleges are committed to working with government, Medr, and other relevant partners, to further strengthen ILS provision in Wales, supporting ILS learners to succeed in their learning journey.
Further Information
Estyn Thematic Report
The Independent Living Skills (ILS) Curriculum in Further Education: Building a person-centred skills-based curriculum
September 2025
Estyn News
Independent Living Skills curriculum in Further Education needs greater coherence and consistency
25 September 2025
ColegauCymru Independent Living Skills
Amy Williams, Policy Officer
Amy.Williams@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
Chris Denham, ALN Transformation Lead for FE
Chris.Denham@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
