Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Service

Who are we? Small committed service situated within Customer Services and Libraries Contracted by the Skills Funding Agency to deliver informal adult learning opportunities to local communities

What do we do? Commission and deliver informal adult and family learning Courses delivered in Community venues Courses range from 1 to 60 hours Main areas of delivery are ICT, Art and Preparation for Life and Work (including Family Learning)

Adult Learning Subcontracted to 21 providers 4 Colleges, Voluntary and Community Sector, Libraries, Herts Music Service 15,208 Enrolments 11,841 Learners

Family Learning Direct Delivery of Family Learning Targeted provision Schools and Children’s Centres 3,370 enrolments 2,817 learners 352 achieved qualifications

Who we deliver to…. 39% of delivery in the Top 50 most deprived wards in Hertfordshire 16% BME learners 26% are aged over 60 16% are learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities 3.4 % have mental health problems

What learners say…… Better than cigarettes, anti-depressants and drink! I learnt how to keep safe and keep my partner safe when we are out’ Thanks to your help, I got the job I wanted which I could not have done before these lessons

Project work Community Learning Champions Self-organised learning groups Sustainability/green projects Civic engagement Courses in residential homes

Funding and Targets HAFLS received £2.7 million Target 13,248 learners 15% of the budget for management costs 85% of the budget covers commissioned provision and the direct delivery Family Learning Team

Ofsted –November 2008 “The council’s strategy to develop provision to meet the needs and interests of the most vulnerable communities across Hertfordshire is very effective.” Service graded “satisfactory” overall Family Learning, Equality and Diversity and Capacity to improve graded “Good”

Current Developments in Informal Adult and Community Learning National Budget protected until 2015 National Review of Adult Safeguarded Learning as part of the reform of Further Education New Vision for IACL Piloting of Community Learning Trusts More accountability to local communities

Purpose of Government Supported Community Learning Maximise access to community learning for adults, bringing new opportunities and improving lives, whatever people’s circumstances. Promote social renewal by bringing local communities together to experience the joy of learning and the pride that comes with achievement. Maximise the impact of community learning on the social and economic well-being of individuals, families and communities

Future Developments What might this new vision for informal adult and community learning look like in Hertfordshire?