1. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference

2. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference GEL Governance, Empowerment and Learning Research Report 2005-2006

3. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Purpose of Research To determine the barriers and incentives to learning for specific age groups who are themselves the target groups for the GEL Equal project. Questions for the research: Developed with the staff from the Neighbourhood College and Neighbourhood Projects The purpose of the research:

4. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Methodology Questionnaires Focus Groups Timeframe Sample Staff Training

5. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Headline findings: Questionnaires Who we spoke to Where they live What they do e.g. Employed, Unemployed, Retired etc

6. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Demographics of respondents 69% female 9% minority ethnicity 13% age 16-20, 25%: 21-30, 29%: 31-49 16%: 50-64, 14% over 65. Knowledge and use of Neighbourhood Projects Heard of GNC 84 % Used College Services 47%

7. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Use of GNC: Curriculum areas (1)

8. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Use of GNC: Curriculum areas (2) Don’t know range of subjects offered (awareness) Childcare (personal circumstances) Don’t like subjects (content & format) Too busy (personal circumstances) Time of classes (location & access) Reasons given for not using GNC

9. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Of the 306 total responses given: 31% said courses that were work or qualification related; 18% related to hobbies or interests and 18% said meeting people; 15% related to keeping minds active and 11% related to ‘feeling good about myself’ 7% responded with other ideas. Incentives to use GNC

10. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Preferred Location for Learning

11. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Duration of study The most popular course lengths were: What length of course? Flexibility was a key issue for focus groups 43% 2 hours a week for 12 weeks 23% one evening a week for 6 weeks 12% one day

12. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Timings When are you able to learn? 29% prefer morning courses 26% afternoon courses 28% evening courses 7% weekend courses Evenings between 5 and 9pm. The largest number preferred between 6 and 9pm.

13. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Other factors Mix of class Parking Local provision Ground floor Mental health support Mobility or disability issues Class sizes MARKETING:

14. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Getting involved with GNC

15. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Headline Findings: Focus groups (1) Key factors: What makes people want to learn after they have left school? Work related Identity issues Confidence Time of life Enjoyment

16. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Headline Findings: Focus groups (2) What stops people learning after they leave school? Key factors Cost Location and access (including transport) Course content and format Personal circumstances (including lack of time) Confidence Awareness

17. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Key issues identified: Marketing Location related issues Course content e.g. Qualification/non qualification issues Support services available Flexibility Direct incentives Incentives to return to learn Headline Findings: focus groups (3)

18. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Subjects identified fell into seven broad categories: Sports/physical activity Care, health and beauty Music and drama Arts and crafts IT related Academic Practical Skills If you could learn anything what would it be? Headline Findings: Focus groups (4)

19. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Key motivators identified were: Community involvement Social Practical Curriculum related What would encourage people to get involved in the college? Headline Findings: focus groups (5)

20. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference How do you think we are doing as a Neighbourhood Project/College? (1) Complimentary and supportive: Nice to know its there Atmosphere brilliant, welcoming, friendly Staff friendly and helpful Think we are trying very hard Good Foundation to build on, huge potential Very supportive and proactive in community learning Impressed with what’s on offer and service received The facilities are needed Think its great what we are doing, very good

21. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference How do you think we are doing as a Neighbourhood Project/College? (2) Suggested improvements: College should involve residents in setting the curriculum Need to raise profile of the Project, lack of awareness of Project Need to go into local groups to give out information Need branded leaflets People don’t know where we are Use the personal touch Concerns re future funding Excessive form filling

22. 27 th June 2006Irene Potter – Learning Partnership Conference Conclusions and Recommendations Childcare Curriculum Timing of provision Location Cost Marketing Involvement/governance Issues raised: