Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Family Learning in Ireland Mary Flanagan Co-ordinator Clare Family Learning Project

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 What is Family Learning? 4 Denny Taylor first coined the term ‘Family Literacy’1983. Literacy happening in the home 4 Andrea Mearing in UK suggested the phrase Family Learning: Wider context including programmes aimed at disadvantaged parents and their children. Literacy and numeracy

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Definition 4 Family Learning is an umbrella term which describes a wide variety of educational intervention programmes that have an intergenerational focus in their design and delivery 4 Mainly parent only programmes in Ireland 4 Some parent and child together

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Key Points 4 Parents are the first and most natural teachers of their children 4 The home is a very valuable learning place 4 The parental involvement on a child’s learning is eight times more important than any other factor, such as occupation of parent, in increasing a child’s achievement in school’ ( Feinstein and Symons 1999:51) 4 Building social networks for parents 4 Encouraging parents to become Lifelong Learners

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Clare Family Learning was based on 4 Basic Skills Agency Articles in Viewpoint Visit to Dr. Peter Hannon, Sheffield University. ORIM framework. Clare added numeracy 4 Kenan Model in Kentucky, USA 4 Research by Vygotsky and Bruner

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Clare 4 Clare recognised the potential of Family Learning 4 Took into account a wider approach 4 Emphasis on practical activities, notion of play 4 Likelihood of further participation

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Clare Family Learning Project 4 Responding to parents requests in Piloted programmes –Emerging skills –Homework help –Moving on –Developed Pack 2000 –National Dissemination using Tutor Training 4 Funding –Department of Education –International Year of the Family –Private US foundation –EU Horizon, Integra

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Range of Programmes in Clare 4 Parents of 0-7 year olds 4 Parents of Primary children 4 Parents of 2nd level children, First Years 4 2 locally developed FETAC Level 3 modules Family Learning 4 Dads and Lads Sport 4 Dads and Lads Science 4 Active Citizenship 4 Storysacks 4 Quilts and Books 4 FL and Irish 4 Supporting Your First Year Child’s Maths 4 Family Health

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Family Learning in Ireland 4 Working Together Approaches to Family Literacy : Vocational Education Committees VECs 4 Area Development Management ADMs 4 Home School Community Liaison Teachers 4 Lifestart Project - various counties 4 Read to Succeed - various counties 4 Banagher Project - Transition to 2nd Level 4 Libraries - Storybags - various counties 4 Community Development Initiatives

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Who Benefits? 4 2 for 1 Strategy: Parent and Child 4 3 for 1 Strategy: Parent, Child and Community

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Outcomes for Learners 4 Positive attitude to their children’s schooling - increasing childrens’ chance of achievement in school, staying in school 4 Progression onto other options 4 More confident in coming to class 4 Increased interest, willingness and ability to learn 4 Building confidence through small successes - gives hope 4 Good social networks and friendships

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Barriers for learners attending 4 Negative experiences of education to date 4 Difficult home life 4 Extreme poverty 4 Lack of confidence 4 Fear 4 Shift work 4 Lack of childminding facilities 4 Costs

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 What makes a Family Learning Programme Successful? 4 Partnership 4 Informal / non formal structure 4 Interesting topics - Meeting the needs of groups 4 Building on existing knowledge of learners 4 Practical activities 4 Nurturing parents learning then they in turn can help their children learn 4 Experienced and well trained tutors 4 Flexible provision, times, locations

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Family Literacy 1994 Family Learning 2000 Wider Family Learning 2007 Small booklet produced Pilots run countywide Focus on early years Family Learning Pack produced The Clare Family Learning Project Wide variety of programmes to meet the diverse needs of our learning community Portable, affordable and adaptable Huge potential for growth To reach those least likely to engage in education New developments

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Partnership 4 Schools recognise the benefits of parental involvement 4 Community groups: Use of premises, Use FL tutors, can provide link people 4 Health Service Executive: PFLAG 4 Social Services: Social Workers 4 Libraries: Use of premises 4 Network meetings used to promote work 4 Common Denominator is Family Learning

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Government Recognition 4 White Paper Learning for Life : innovative way of delivering adult education 4 Oireachtas Report :2006 -Recommends dedicated Family Learning Budget 4 Towards 2016: Provision of learning opportunities for vulnerable groups, disadvantaged communities. Measures to increase retention in school, and reduce literacy, numeracy problems.

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Recommendations 4 Identify best practice and disseminate 4 Retain non formal flexibility, positive experiences 4 Ability to respond to local needs 4 Respect for where learners are at 4 Build further links with schools 4 Develop Family Learning programme to support parents of special needs children 4 Continue to train tutors nationally 4 Develop resources for range of FL courses 4 Empower parents to choose learning, not impose it

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Wider Benefits of FL 4 Likelihood of continuation in education 4 Increased parent child interaction on literacy and numeracy activities 4 FL now linked with English Language for Parents of Primary and Second Level 4 Cultural Integration of Migrants 4 More active citizens in communities

Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Vision for Family Learning 4 Parents attracted to it naturally 4 Extend promotion of programmes (start small) 4 National quarterly family learning newsletter: –to bring together Family Learning best practice, resources, materials and events 4 Clare Tutor Training check under news