Family learning to employment

Kerry's story:

Kerry was working as a part-time aromatherapist and reflexologist, working mostly evenings. She wanted to help her two daughters, one in reception and one in middle school, with their school work, but found that her hours of work made this difficult. She also didn’t want to confuse her elder daughter, in particular, with a different approach to that being used in school.

Kerry was encouraged to come along to a Family Learning course by a friend who had attended the previous year. Through the course she found herself supporting other learners, not only with their learning, but with other issues that often made it a barrier for them to access courses. She went on to work as a support worker for families in the school and attended an adult teaching course.

From there she joined the Family Learning team as a support worker and occasional tutor. She applied successfully for a Millennium Reading Award to run men and boys sessions to encourage men to support their children's learning.

She then applied successfully for the position of development officer, working on new engagement activities to encourage learners who were reticent about learning. She has trained in information, advice and guidance and is supporting learners on to other courses and training, leading to employment. She has developed adult work placements through a work experience programme, so that learners can gain some record of work which to be used in a C.V. So far all those that she has helped to attend work placements have gained employment.

Description: left to right – Joan Such from the Family Learning team at Salford City Council; Gaynor Vaudry, learner from Salford City Council; Kerry Baker, learner from East Cowes Family Learning Centre.

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