New developments in adult community learning

New developments in adult community learning are stated in a report this week discussed at Shropshire County Council’s Community Services Scrutiny Panel (which met on Thursday 13 December).

The report also details the progress and quality improvements in adult and family learning, and aims to increase learning across Shropshire and bring a greater variety of learning opportunities for families and disadvantaged learners.

Several new programmes are outlined in the report, including Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities (NLDC). Some of the courses are aimed at unemployed learners, supporting them to look for jobs. The 'Fit Club' is another programme which offers one-to-one support to help learners address healthy eating and healthy living issues. This programme will run in Harlescott Grange, Harlescott, Meole Brace (all in Shrewsbury) and Ludlow, starting in February 2008, and is one of several family learning courses throughout Shropshire.

Councillor Peter Corston, Chairman of the scrutiny panel, said “There are numerous benefits which learning brings to local communities, and the range of family learning programmes illustrates the importance of working with families. By participating in adult and community learning, residents are becoming more effectively involved in improving their communities."

Adult community learning attracted 54,338 enrolments and 3,406 learners for the academic year 2006/07, and provides learning opportunities for a broad cross section of the community.

Erica Garner, Head of Learning, Employment & Training, said “Since the Adult Learning Inspection in November 2005, a wide number of quality improvements have been made. We are confident that our robust approach to providing learner-centred courses, and the focus on improving teaching skills to meet individual needs, will enhance the service as a whole.”

12 December 2007