Have your say
| Date: | Various (see below) |
|---|---|
| Fee: | Free |
| Contact: | Gurjit Kaur (gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk) Tel: 0116 204 2833 |
| Apply by Post/Fax |
| Date | Location | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Jan 2010 | London | EVE1013/0110 | Apply Online is now closed for this event |
| 10 Feb 2010 | Sheffield | EVE1012/0210 | Apply Online is now closed for this event |
[Background] [Pre-conference preparation] [Aims of the event] [Programme] [Event Information] [Application Conditions] [Application Form]
Background
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), working with its many partners, has developed two key strategies for disabled learners and learners with mental health difficulties in the further education system. ‘Learning for Living and Work’ (LSC, 2006) was based on the recommendations of a strategic review of planning and funding provision for disabled learners – ‘Through Inclusion to Excellence’ (LSC, 2008). The ‘Mental Health Strategy’ (LSC, 2007) was developed partly in the recognition that the requirements of learners with
mental health difficulties could not be met solely through ‘Learning for Living and Work’. They need also to be addressed through wider LSC activities and reforms.
The LSC is currently in the process of implementing both ‘Learning for Living and Work’ and the ‘Mental Health Strategy’. In each document, the importance of involving learners and seeking their views is strongly emphasised.
The LSC and its partners, including NIACE, believe that these events are vital for a range of reasons: -
- Learners will have an opportunity to say how the strategies are affecting their learning and lives
- Learners will be able to influence policy in events that involve policy makers and those who implement policy (e.g. learning providers)
- The LSC will demonstrate the importance it places on seeking learners’ views on the work it does
- The LSC will be able to hand over to successor organisations i.e. the Young People's Learning Agency (YPLA), the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and Local Authorities, a process for involving disabled learners and learners with mental health difficulties
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Pre-conference preparation
We will prepare easy read and accessible versions of resources and materials so that all delegates are fully included and aware beforehand of what is planned.
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The event aims to
- enable disabled learners and learners with mental health difficulties to contribute to implementation of strategic plans
- give key policy makers and implementers an understanding of how the strategies are being carried out through interaction with learners
- ensure that learners feel that they really can make a difference through their involvement in strategic implementation (with feedback on their contributions planned)
- have a programme at the end of which all participants will have made an important and valued contribution
- give messages to learning providers, funders and inspectors about how further to improve learning opportunities for disabled learners and learners with mental health difficulties
The event will be of particular interest to: -
- disabled learners
- learners with mental health difficulties or mental health service users
- carers, support workers and advocates
- providers in the further education system offering learning opportunities to disabled learners and learners with mental health difficulties
- those strategically responsible for ‘Learning for Living and Work: Going Forward – Implementing the Vision of ‘Through Inclusion to Excellence’ and the ‘Mental Health Strategy: The Way Forward – Implementing the Vision of Learning for Living and Work’
- strategic directors and managers responsible for ‘learner voice’ initiatives and securing a voice for disabled learners
- inspectors / Ofsted
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Programme
09:45 Arrival and registration (tea/coffee available)
10:20 Welcome and introduction to the day
10:30 Keynote address
10:45 What the day is about - Meeting the delegates
11:15 Getting your views: preparing to consult
11:45 Tea/coffee break
12:00 Small group work on the implementation plans
(Please indicate your first choice on the application form)
How are you involved?
1. Planning
2. Quality
3. Variety of experience
13:00 Lunch
14:15 Keynote address
14:30 Small group work on the implementation plans
(Please indicate your first choice on the application form)
4. Work experience
5. Progression from learning
15:00 Over to you: key messages from delegates
15:25 Celebration and certificates of attendance
15:30 Close of conference (tea/coffee available)
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Event Information
Arrival and registration is at 9:45am for a 10:20am start. The event will end at 3:30pm
Attendance is free
(includes lunch, tea/coffee)
Places will be allocated in order of receipt of completed application forms
Completed and signed application forms must be faxed or posted to NIACE by the closing date. Reservations by telephone cannot be accepted
Application forms are individually acknowledged by e-mail. Joining instructions, including map and directions, will be e-mailed one week before the event
Participants should be prepared to take their own notes as there will not be handouts for all sessions
We will prepare easy read and accessible versions of resources and materials so that all delegates are fully included and aware beforehand of what is planned
If you have not received an e-mail confirming your attendance and joining instructions 4 working days before the event please contact:
Gurjit Kaur
Tel: 0116 204 2833
Fax: 0116 254 8368
Minicom: 0116 255 6049
E-mail: gurjit.kaur@niace.org.uk
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Application Conditions
Event: Thursday 28 January 2010, London
Closing Date: Thursday 14 January 2009
Event: Wednesday 10 February 2010, Sheffield
Closing Date: Thursday 28 January 2010
Substitutions are to be advised 5 working days prior to the event
A 10 working days notice period is required for provision of electronic note-takers, sign language interpreters and transcription to Braille
NIACE reserves the right to reject applicants who are not from the target audience list
Allocation of places
Places will be limited to five learners and two tutors/support staff from each institution
Places will be limited to two representatives from each organsation
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