RDF Care CIC services

Education & Training Signposting

Q: Do I need to know which course I want before asking for help?

No. The conversation can begin with interests, previous experience, confidence, and practical circumstances. The aim is to help identify sensible options and a manageable next step, not to expect a finished plan at the start.

Q: Does RDF provide the course or qualification?

Education and Training Signposting helps a person explore and contact relevant education or training options. The course, place, entry requirements, timetable, and any qualification are set by the provider, so these details should be checked directly with that organisation.

Q: What should a professional include when discussing a referral?

It is helpful to explain the person's current circumstances, interests, goals, relevant experience, practical barriers, and the questions they want answered. The referring professional should use their usual consent and information-sharing processes and confirm the next steps with RDF.

Signposting to education, training and skills opportunities that support personal development and future goals.

Ask about this service Make a referral

Who this may help

A practical route, shaped around the person.

The right level of support depends on the person’s circumstances, strengths, preferences and the referral conversation.

Adults who want to explore learning, vocational training, digital skills, or other education and training opportunities but are unsure where to begin.
Adults who would benefit from talking through their interests, previous experience, confidence, routine, or practical circumstances before approaching a provider.
Families or people who support an adult and want clear, realistic information to help them discuss possible learning or training next steps.
Social workers and other professionals or organisations who are considering education and training signposting as part of a person's wider support plan.

What support can include

Useful help with the everyday.

The exact support is agreed around the person’s goals. These are examples of the practical areas that can be discussed.

A straightforward conversation about what the person enjoys, what they have tried before, what they would like to learn, and what a useful next step might look like.
Signposting to relevant education, adult learning, skills, or vocational training options for the person to consider.
Working through practical questions to ask a course or training provider, such as entry requirements, timetable, travel, learning format, available support, and how to apply.
Helping the person make a short list of options rather than giving them too much information at once.
Preparing notes, questions, or a simple next-step plan that the person can use when speaking with a provider, family member, Social Services, or another professional.
Helping the person identify possible barriers, such as confidence, communication, travel, or fitting learning around existing commitments, so these can be discussed openly with the relevant organisation.

What it can feel like

A clear, respectful way of working.

Support is not about taking over. It is about agreeing useful next steps and building confidence at a manageable pace.

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The conversation can start with uncertainty. The person does not need to arrive with a course title, application, or fixed goal.
02
The focus is on the person's own interests, experience, confidence, and circumstances, rather than making assumptions about what they should do.
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Options are explored at a practical pace, with time to consider what each one involves and what information is still missing.
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The person may leave with a short, written set of questions or one small next step instead of a long list of tasks.
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If the person's wider support plan includes further discussion, education and training options can be revisited as their interests or circumstances become clearer.

Possible outcomes

Progress can start with small changes.

Each person’s goals and progress will be different. The focus is on practical improvements that matter in everyday life.

A clearer idea of the subjects, skills, or types of training the person may want to explore.
A more manageable next action, such as checking an entry requirement, contacting a provider, attending an information session, or discussing an option with a professional.
Greater confidence to ask practical questions and make an informed choice about whether an option feels suitable.
A better understanding of the time, travel, learning format, and support questions that need answering before a commitment is made.
A useful starting point for a wider support plan, recognising that progress may be gradual and that an initial option may need to change.

Referral-led admissionsFormal admission to RDF Accommodation & Support CIC is through Social Services or another professional body or organisation. Contacting RDF does not itself create admission or confirm that a placement or support arrangement will be available. Adults, family members, social workers, and other professionals can contact RDF for guidance about the service and the information needed for a referral conversation. The referral route and next steps will depend on the person's circumstances and the organisation making the referral. Professionals should share relevant information through their usual consent and information-sharing processes.Discuss a referral

Service questions

Helpful answers about Education & Training Signposting.

Open a question to reveal a clear answer. These are a starting point, and RDF can also talk through the service and referral route with adults, families and professionals.

01Can I contact RDF myself about education or training?

Yes. An adult, family member, social worker, or another professional can contact RDF for guidance about education and training signposting. Formal admission to RDF is arranged through Social Services or another professional body or organisation, so an enquiry is not the same as a formal referral or admission.

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02Do I need to know which course I want before asking for help?

03Does RDF provide the course or qualification?

04What should a professional include when discussing a referral?

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