1. Widening participation: Learning Networks Elizabeth Kwaw Senior Research Manager/EPALE Theme Lead Policy & Research, Ecorys UK

2. Widening Participation - What does it mean? Extending equality of opportunity for all Often discussed in the context of HE: “Activities and interventions aimed at creating an HE system that includes all who can benefit from it – people who might not otherwise view learning as an option, or who may be discouraged by social, cultural, economic or institutional barriers’ https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/Widening_part icipation_roughguide_for_education_providers.pdf https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/Widening_part icipation_roughguide_for_education_providers.pdf

3. Widening Participation - What does it mean? Widening access to learning: Engaging new learners Learner voice: empowering them by including them in the design of programmes Meeting learners in their environments: in places where they are comfortable e.g. visits to community meetings, workplaces, unemployment offices Removing barriers that will discourage access: language, location, timing and setting of learning Enabling progression: developing flexible pathways Using adult learners as mentors Staff training: learning how to work with disadvantaged groups OED network (Outreach Empowerment and Diversity) http://oed-network.eu/index.php?k=118640)

4. Key strategies for widening participation Partnership working: between higher and further education, schools, employers, advice and guidance networks, parents, community groups and training providers Outreach activities: visits to schools, develop innovative activities linked to visits such as drama/theatre, collaborate with others working in the same area to learn from them

5. Examples Social Partnerships Network: Led by the Open University consisting of: Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) UnionLearn Unison National Extension College (NEC) Association of Colleges (AoC) LearnDirect Leonard Cheshire Disability (LCD) National Institute for Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) The Open University The partners work together to develop strategies and activities that support lifelong learning, social mobility and lifelong learning http://www.open.ac.uk/about/inclusion-and-curriculum/social- partnerships

6. Examples Aimhigher Aimhigher was a national programme (in England) which aimed to widen participation and access in HE by raising awareness, aspirations and attainment among learners from under- represented groups. It closed in July 2011. The Higher Education Academy host publications and materials produced by Aimhigher partnerships for HE, school and college communities – useful resource https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/workstreams- research/themes/retention-and-success/widening-access- programmes-archive/aimhigher-0

7. Examples Aimhigher West Midlands: partnership of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), schools, academies and colleges. Aimhigher Mentors: Undergraduates who provide face-to-face and on-line support for learners related to educational, personal and career-related challenges, opportunities and choices Partner schools and colleges typically host 4 Aimhigher mentors, who usually support 5 learners over a total 12 to 15 weeks Learners are selected by the school or college, and are from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities that are underrepresented in higher education Schools use their Pupil Premium to fund their involvement in the scheme. http://www.aimhigherwm.ac.uk/

8. Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. The Erasmus+ UK National Agency is a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. Thank you Any questions?