Opening Up Spaces For Informal Adult Learning - Making space for learning

• To support organisations from public, private and third sector to open up a space on their premises for informal adult learning.
• To offer adults a wider choice of local places where they can learn.
• To encourage organisations to explore new ways of contributing to their local community.

We will work with other organisations in the public, private and third sectors (sometimes called the voluntary and community sector) who already open up spaces for informal adult learning, so that the guide is based on evidence and lessons learned. We will consult with Transformation Fund projects you are delivering open space projects. Links will be formed with other Learning Revolution projects that are developing guidance for businesses, colleges, extended schools, museums and libraries to open up spaces for adult informal learning.

We are carrying out research and consultation with a wide range of organisations to define the content of the guide and the best format to present the information.

An external cross-sector advisory group will be established to provide ongoing advice, feedback and support throughout the project. It includes representatives from colleges; local authority adult learning providers; the museums, libraries and archives sector; unionlearn and faith groups.

We will circulate an electronic survey to a diverse range of organisations to find out what they would like to see in the guide.

Desk research will identify relevant materials and resources.

The work has been commissioned by the Department for Business, Education and Skills, and we hope it will benefit organisations and learners.

The guide can be found here (this link takes you to an external website)

The completed guide contains:

• Advice on practical issues such as costs and charges.
• Up to date information on relevant legislation and what you need to do to comply with it.
• Checklists and top tips, draft policies and paperwork.
• Case studies showing how a wide range of organisations have opened up their spaces for informal adult learning.

The work will support the vision of the Learning Revolution white paper by encouraging and supporting organisations to open their facilities for informal learning. The pledge will encourage organisations wherever possible and practical to open space for informal learning at free or low cost. The Learning Revolution logo and the database of venues on the School of Everything website will help learners find these spaces.

Ms Marie Kerwin
marie.kerwin@niace.org.uk
NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE