Adult Literacy Service
Literacy is a form of power. It offers opportunities in the world.
The Adult Literacy Service provides free and confidential group classes and one-to-one tuition for adults who wish to improve their reading, writing, spellings, maths or basic computer skills.
We provide classes for Speakers of other languages, driver theory and family learning.
The LOETB Adult Literacy Service provides support in the following areas:

We provide a range of reading, writing and spelling courses including:
- One to one tuition
- Small Group Literacy Classes
- Book Club
- Spelling and Grammar
- Reading and Writing
- Driver Theory and Literacy Support
- Communications (QQI Level 3)
- Leaving Certificate English
We provide basic part-time numeracy / maths courses
- One to one tuition
- Small Group Maths Classes
- Games based Maths Class
- Everyday Maths
- Maths through Cookery, Horticulture, Woodwork and Electrical Skills
- Maths (QQI Level 3)
We provide part-time basic computer courses
- Absolute Beginner Computers – (Touch, Type, Read, Spell)
- Beginners Computers
- Computer Skills – Level 2
- Using Technology – Level 2
- Word Processing – Level 3
- Excel (Spreadsheets) – Level 3
- Internet and Email – Level 3
- Desktop Publishing – Level 3
- Digital Media – Level 3
- Digital Photography – Level 3
We provide family learning courses
- Cookery
- Story Telling and Art for Children and Parents (Story-sacks)
- Green Families
- Horticulture
- Start from the Heart – Trauma Informed Learning
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
We can provide courses in all literacy areas that can help with basic workplace education. Our level 3 return to education programmes provide a steppingstone to further studies. Courses offered include:
- QQI Level 3 -Introduction to Childcare
- QQI Level 3 -Employability Skills including Maths, Communications and Retail Skills
- QQI Level 3 – General Learning including Personal Effectiveness, Personal and Interpersonal Skills, Career preparation, Planting and Potting, Plant Propagation, Art and Design, Pyrography, Craft, Sewing, Blowdrying, Basin Skills, Woodwork, Drawing, Bread, Pastry and Desserts, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Health and Fitness.
- QQI Level 3 – Science and Engineering, Electrical Skills, Maths, Electronics
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) is used to describe qualifications in the Irish education and training system.
We provide English Classes to Speakers of Other Languages. Assessment is carried out prior to placement to ensure learners are placed in a suitable class. Levels offered include:
- Absolute Beginners
- Beginners
- Elementary
- Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking (QQI Level 2)
- Pre-Intermediate
- ESOL (QQI Level 3)
- Communications (QQI Level 3)
Contact LOETB Adult Literacy
Service | Adult Literacy Service | English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) | Regional Literacy Coordinator, Adult Literacy for Life (ALL), LOETB |
---|---|---|---|
Contact | Ann Shields | Eileen Kenna Quinn | Tamara Latham |
Telephone | Mobile: 085 8760327 Laois 057 86 61338 Offaly: 057 93 49444 | Mobile: 085 8773754 Laois 057 86 61338 Offaly: 057 93 49444 | 085 8560160 |
ashields@loetb.ie | [email protected] | [email protected] | |
Address | LOETB Information Hub, Unit 1, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. | LOETB Information Hub, Unit 1, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. | LOETB Information Hub, Unit 1, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. |
The Adult Literacy programme is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Union.