Family learning to employment: raising aspirations and gaining skills

The project showcased the impact of family learning on raising aspirations and leading to employment.

We produced:

• a topic paper, examining how family learning programmes can raise aspirations in relation to employment options;
• an activity sheet for tutors and learners, providing inspiring stories, a game and discussion ideas;

We also organised a celebration event which brought together learners, practitioners and  policy-makers to share their experiences and stories.

• Family learning learners
• Family learning tutors
• Family learning managers
• Those working in employability
• Policy-makers

We produced a topic paper for family learning practitioners and managers, detailing how family learning can lead to employment and community involvement, it includes inspirational case studies, as well as an outline of policy and what employers are looking for.

We also produced an activity sheet for family learning practitioners to use with their learners, including a fun 'choicer' activity to help learners think about their learning and employment possibilities, as well as practical information and activities to help in considering progression routes.

We launched these materials at a celebration event, which brought together learners, practitioners and policy-makers. The focal point of the day was a 'knowledge exchange' session where policy advisors moved around tables, listening to learners and picking up ideas for consideration. They came away with a wealth of thoughts to take back to their organisations and departments.

Family Matters topic paper 3 - family learning to employment (2007)

Family learning to employment: an activity sheet for family learning (2007)

Family learning to employment - celebration event (2007)

Learners had much to say about how family learning had raised their aspirations to further learning and employment, and helped to create a learning and working culture within their families.  Policy-makers came away with a wealth of thoughts to take back to their organisations and departments:

The learning journey

• It takes a long time for change and progression to happen, but when it does it's sensational.
• The learning journey starts with wanting to help the children, and moves on to the parents' aspirations as well.
• Once people start there's no stopping them.
• There needs to be opportunities available for learners to progress on to.
• The importance of joining up different initiatives, building on family learning.

A holistic and flexible approach

• The importance of a whole school approach that works.
• It's all about families - the home/life balance.
• More courses are needed at all levels, held at different times of the week and year, with more flexibility on numbers.

The importance of location

• Schools are the best place for family learning, and there's more that they can do.
• Children's Centres are also a good location - start early.
• More physical space is needed.

Recruiting learners

• Enthusiastic ambassadors are a vital tool to engaging learners.
• It's useful to have a designated person recruiting learners.
• The importance of a personalised approach that helps to engage those who might not think family learning was for them, eg fathers.
• Never underestimate the 'pester power' of children to get parents to attend programmes.

Support

• The importance of the support groups and networks that learners make through family learning, in helping them to have the confidence to go further.
• The availability of childcare/creche facility is vital.

Web Links
	Karen’s story
	Joanne’s story
	Paul’s story
	Kerry’s story
	Kevin’s story
	Tracey’s story

This project raised the profile of the contribution family learning makes to raising aspirations and employment opportunities.  It also celebrated the achievements of learners.

Clare Meade
clare.meade@niace.org.uk
+44 (0) 116 2042851
NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE