Family Learning Future Leadership and Management Programme Steve Withers – Coventry family learning

October 2017

Where was i? Experienced in developing and delivering FL programmes 3 years staff management experience (more process focussed than development) Lead coordinator with local children's services to target provision Data collection and presentation

Where were Coventry family learning? Valued AOL within Coventry Adult Education Service (OFSTED - Good) Excellent support for learners Developing progression pathways for learners Below target recruitment levels Diminishing number of venues Challenges with key partners Some tutors reluctant to innovate and develop new courses

Wider family learning Strengths Courses well established in target areas of the city Excellent learner feedback and evidence of impact Experienced and dedicated staff team Areas for Development Programme lacking diversity and flexibility Limited resources and budget Need to be more aware of opportunities to attract families to courses

Feml/school programmes Strengths Experienced tutors with a passion for Primary Education Excellent learner feedback and evidence of impact Up-to-date courses tailored to the learners Areas for Development Better knowledge of school data to target provision Enrolment numbers

Enrolment numbers

Hopes for the programme Greater understanding of national agendas To become a more strategic manager of the FL Programme Develop networks with FL managers from other LA's Enhance skills to enable tutors to develop and innovate and to support them to create effective action plans

March 2018 – Where am I now? Greater understanding of national agendas, such as social mobility and digital skills, and how they are being addressed elsewhere Recognising the extent to which FL is shaped by local need, politics and service structure Clearer understanding of my current management style, the kind of manager I would like to be, and how these changes could benefit the team

March 2018 – Where are Coventry family learning? Productivity Plan - Formulated for review and implementation Recruitment and marketing strategies Valuable school data accessed and influencing future provision Coventry FL tutors supported in developing FL STEM programmes to be delivered in the Summer

Next steps and benefits for the future Develop links with Sheffield and other FL providers Develop ICT within Coventry FL Further involvement with national forum beyond the Future Leaders Programme Greater engagement with national initiatives and opportunities

Have my expectations of the programme been met? Greater understanding of national agendas – Definitely, and I am really keen to continue to follow national agendas and opportunities for Coventry FL To become a more strategic manager of the FL Programme – I feel I am more aware of my managerial style, and have put in place some ideas to support the team to play an active role it our direction and focus Develop networks with FL managers from other LA's – The links with Sheffield have been inspirational, and I am excited to continue these links in the future. Has made me more aware of opportunities to network with other providers. Great to meet everyone at the forum and to start to develop links Enhance skills to enable tutors to develop and innovate and to support them to create effective action plans – Ongoing. New courses developed by tutors to start in the summer term.

Quote from my manager “Enthusiasm and drive have resulted from the opportunity to explore Family Learning at a strategic level.  As a result of participating in the project and networking at a strategic level , Steve is showing the determination to affect positive change to Family Learning in Coventry.” – Dorothy Hunter