Evidencing the impact of family learning

We want to show that impact from family learning is broad and wide-ranging, affecting adults, children, families and communities in a variety of ways.  We use a number of methods to record and capture this impact, highlighting the rich diversity of learner stories as well as facts and figures.

• We collect inspirational case studies.
• We have developed an on-line database of practitioner research, 'Family Impact Findings'.
• We carry out research.
• We participate in, and collect information from, research projects carried out by partner organisations.

• Policy-makers
• Family learning managers and practitioners
• Researchers
• Planning and funding agencies

This work is ongoing

We plan to bring together much of the information we have collected into one on-line database.

We have:

• Collected case study evidence for DIUS (now BIS, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills) on the impact of wider family learning      
• Examined and made recommendations on the collection of data on family learning for DIUS/BIS     
• Participated in and collected evidence for the NRDC study, 'Learning Literacy Together' 
• Collected case study evidence on the impact of the Family Learning Impact funded projects on reaching families at risk, for the LSC (now the SFA, Skills Funding Agency) 
• Brought together case study evidence 
• Developed an on-line database of family learning practitioner research, 'Family Impact Findings' 
• Organised, in partnership with FLLAG (the Family Learning Local Authority Group), an academic conference to explore the links between family learning, impacts and the national agenda   
• Developed ongoing work on recording and developing progression in and from family learning   
• Published 'Connect-five', evidencing the contribution of family learning to the Every Child Matters agenda

Family learning case studies (2009)

Opening the door: case studies from 2008/09 Family Learning Impact Funding programmes (2009)

Providing the evidence: the impact of wider family learning (2009)

Learning literacy together: the impact and effectiveness of family literacy on parents, children, families and schools (NRDC, 2009)

2009 FLLAG Conference - Families, Learning, Impact and the national agendas (2009)

Family Impact Findings

Families, learning and progression (2008)

Connect-Five: Family Learning and Every Child Matters (2007)

This work has been carried out at different times, for different audiences, all the while making the case for the impact and effectiveness of family learning in meeting many different government agendas and in strengthening families and communities.  The continued collection of data helps providers to influence local government departments and other partners, it is used in training tutors and managers and for sharing good practice.

Mandy Thomas
mandy.thomas@niace.org.uk
+44 (0) 116 204 2838
NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE