Realising The Learning Revolution Thursday, April 9, 2009 - 16:36

Since its publication the White Paper, The Learning Revolution, has prompted a widespread and thoughtful debate across the adult learning sector.

NIACE will be holding a policy briefing in London on Tuesday 21 April 2009 to examine how The Learning Revolution will achieve its aims.

Talking about the forthcoming NIACE policy briefing - Realising the Learning Revolution - NIACE Principal Advocacy Officer, Alastair Thomson, said:

"The Learning Revolution has been welcomed by many individuals and organisations, including NIACE. However its warm words and high hopes will not be realised unless everyone concerned with adult learning is confident in exploiting the opportunities - and is aware of the possible pitfalls."

NIACE has warmly welcomed this strategy for informal learning, which reconnects structured learning with less formal opportunities for adult learning.

We welcome in particular:

• the identification of £20 million in new resources to back creative and innovative developments in informal adult learning
• the support offered to create digital mentors and learning champions to encourage all sections of the community to take part
• the encouragement to open spaces for adult learning in public buildings
• the decision to charge local authorities with the responsibility of co-ordinating local provision
• the identification of an adult learning satisfaction measure in the national indicators for local authority agreements (however NIACE will press for the adoption of a participation measure)
• the principles confirmed in the informal learning pledge (which NIACE signed at the launch)
• the recognition that learning opportunities for adults touch the work of a wide range of government departments
• that informal learning and more structured learning need to be developed side by side
• the decision to launch a learning festival which NIACE hopes to help organise

Alan Tuckett, NIACE Chief Executive, said:

"This White Paper represents a bright light at the end of the tunnel for adult learning and provides concrete evidence of the personal commitment and vision of John Denham. It is no mean achievement to find new money on this scale at a time when there have never been more pressures on public funding. Working together, we want to make this the start of a renaissance of learning opportunities for adults in Britain, for the benefit of individuals and communities alike."

"NIACE will continue to press for a re-balancing of funding for adult learning to restore opportunities lost in further, higher and community education in recent years, to contribute effectively to the support for and re-engagement of individuals and communities affected by the recession. However, the White Paper does mark a significant step change in government policy and we will work hard with all our partners to realise its vision."

The Learning Revolution is available to view at the DIUS website

Apply online to attend NIACE's Policy Briefing - Realising The Learning Revolution - in London, on Tuesday 21 April 2009.