Basics and beyond - Family Learning Research Conference

[Background] [Aims] [Outcomes] [Audience] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions]

Background

Family Learning in England started in the 1980s, and was further developed in the 1990s by the Basic Skills Agency's pilot projects in family literacy and numeracy. A number of studies demonstrated the impact of family learning on both adults' and children's literacy language and numeracy skills.

Over time the agenda has broadened, as we explore how creating a learning culture in a whole family context can contribute to a range of social impacts including contributing to early intervention and parenting programmes that aim to break down cycles of poverty and disadvantage.

But the current policy environment challenges those involved in adult and family learning to take a long hard look at the evidence. The expectations of a rigorous evidence base from commissioners are increasing and will continue as community budgets and findings from the Early Intervention review are implemented, and funders expect to see a proven return on scarce resources. At the same time, family learning is in danger of losing its link with the basic skills agenda for both adults and children.

This conference will take a fresh look at the research, focusing particularly on the themes of:

• family literacy;
• family numeracy; and
• the contribution of adult and family learning to early intervention and parenting.

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Aims

The aims of this conference are:

• to take a fresh look at the evidence base for family learning;
• to re-examine the established research base in the current context;
• to look at new research, and to identify where the gaps are and what is needed to fill them;
• to examine whether we need to take a fresh approach to how we define family learning or learning in the family;
• to provide an opportunity for all those involved in research, development or practice around learning and families to engage with each other.

As well as keynote presentations, there will be workshops and interactive discussion sessions. The conference will also provide a chance to find out about NIACE's Centre for the Learning Family, a new hub of expertise around learning and families.

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Outcomes

Delegates will come away from the conference:

• with an understanding of current research and debates around adult learning and families, particularly in the areas of literacy, numeracy and early intervention/parenting;
• with thoughts and ideas for how they might contribute to the development of the evidence base for learning in the family; and
• with thoughts and ideas for how they might develop their work with families based on current research;
• having made new connections with professionals and researchers from a variety of sectors.

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Audience

The event will be of interest to researchers, policymakers, practitioners and managers with an interest in whole family approaches, basic skills, or adult and family learning, particularly:

• researchers in education;
• researchers in parenting and early intervention;
• family learning tutors;
• school teachers interested in a whole family approach;
• voluntary and community organisations;
• adult basic skills tutors;
• adult and family learning managers;
• children's centre managers; and
• local authority officers and elected members with an interest in adult learning, children's services or community budgets.

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Programme

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Event Information

• Arrival and registration is at 10:15am for a 10:40am start. The event will end at 4:30pm
• Event fee per person:
  £ 60: for selected parallel presenters (closed)
  £125: early bird fee (closed)
  £150: full fee
  (includes sandwich lunch, tea/coffee
• NB: NIACE does not charge VAT on conference or course fees.
• Only online application forms with the payments section completed will be processed.
• NB: If you wish us to invoice your employer we require a copy of the Purchase Order before the form is processed.
• Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed online application forms (one online application form per person)
• Video cameras may be in use at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed or appear on the video outputs please indicate this on the application form and make yourself known at registration
• Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there will not be handouts for all sessions
• If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact: events@niace.org.uk

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Application Conditions

• Event: Wednesday 25 January 2012
• Closing date
  for parallel presenters: Saturday 5 November 2011
  for early bird fee: Thursday 1 December 2011
• for full fee: Thursday 19 January 2012
• Cancellations notified by email to events@niace.org.org before the closing date of Thursday 5 January will be subject to an administration fee of £50.
• The full fee is payable prior to the event
• Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
• A 15 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
• Places are to be reserved online - scroll up and click on Apply Now
• Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
• Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed out one week before the event.
• NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list.

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