family learning brochure

North East Lincolnshire Community Learning Services

Family Learning is value added.

When parents and children work

together an enjoyment in learning grows

and aspirations towards education

increase.

Family LearningProgramme

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What partners and learners say:

Learners

Partners

‘The course made me realise I just need to spend a little time and I can help him learn such a lot.’

‘The course has made me a lot more aware of how important the basic skills really are when it comes to (my child) learning language.’

‘I have really enjoyed doing the course. It has built up my confidence to join a group as I haven’t done anything since I gave up work to be a full time mum 6 years ago.’

‘Reuben couldn’t wait each week to fill in his book at home. He has had a smile on his face through each session.’

‘We have enjoyed learning together. I feel a lot more confident in supporting my daughter.’

‘Vulnerable children and parents working together is very positive.’ Deputy Head at Canon Peter Hall CofE Primary.

‘I’ve been doing things wrong‘ a parent commented. I have seen a difference in her child’s behaviour since she has attended. She is obviously applying what she has learnt.’ Grange Primary Teacher.

‘Some pupils have improved in self confidence by being able to pass on learning and share with a parent.’ Laceby Acres Primary School.

‘Children are visibly proud to be working alongside their parents.’ Bursar Primary.

Contact details:Family Learning Team on (01472) 326263 or 326266

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ContentsParents of children aged:

Welcome to Family Learning 4

Family learning contributes to meeting targets 5

In a nutshell we provide 6

Early Start Under 2 yrs 7

Talk and Learn Together Pre-nursery 2-3 yrs

Storybags and books Under 4yrs

Lift off to Nursery – Play and Number Nursery 8

Lift off to Nursery – Play and Language Nursery

Lift off to Nursery – Sounds & Numbers Nursery

Lift off to Nursery – Brilliant Books Foundation Stage

Lift off to Reception – All sorts of Numbers Reception 9

Lift off to Reception – Sounds, Language and Games Reception

Lift off to Reception – Sounds and Numbers Reception

Lift off to Reception – Phonics Reception

Lift off to Learning – Fun and Games Literacy KS1 10

Lift off to Learning – Fun and Games Numeracy KS1

Lift off to Learning – Fun and Games Combi KS1

Lift off to Learning – Brilliant Books KS1

Lift off to Learning – Science KS1 and KS2 11

Lift off to Learning – Design and Technology KS1 and KS2

Lift off to Learning – Papercrafts Course or Felt-making Course KS1 and KS2

Lift off to Learning – Family Cooking KS1 and KS2

Keeping up with the Children – 4 Operations of Number KS2 12

Keeping up with the Children – Fiction KS2

Keeping up with the Children – Fiction and Non-Fiction KS2

Y6 Transition Stage KS2

Getting ahead – Math Qualification Adult provision 13

Getting ahead – English Qualification Adult provision

Basic ICT – Qualification Adult provision

Recruiting learners 14

Enjoy and achieve 15

Contact details 16

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Welcome to Family Learning

North East Lincolnshire Community Learning Services is committed to offering Family Learning provision across the authority to support the needs of mothers and fathers and their children.

Parental involvement is a major influence on children’s learning – indeed it swamps all other influences. It is also significant that it is what parents do rather than who they are that matters.

Family Learning positively impacts on children and young people’s attitudes to learning, their wellbeing, motivation and achievement levels. For mothers and fathers family learning brings advantages too – not only are there better family relationships and an increased understanding of what providers are trying to do for their child but, as confidence grows, qualifications that seemed out of reach can be achieved. This helps to address inequalities and underachievement in our society by raising aspirations and developing skills for employment which break a cycle of deprivation holding back so many adults.

Family Learning aims to:

• encouragefamiliestohavefun and enjoy learning together

• make*mothersandfathersawareofthe positive impact their involvement can have on their child’s development

• togivemothersandfatherstheconfidence and knowledge to support their child

• toimprovetheliteracyandnumeracyskills of the mother and father and offer accreditation

• tosupporttheacquisitionofliteracy, language and numeracy skills of the child

• topromoteacultureoflife-longlearning within the family and community

• toencourageprogressiontofurtherlearning

Children Centres and Pre -School providers

The greatest impact of parental involvement is during the early years. This positive impact depends on a parent being ready and able to support their child but parents who have had a negative schooling experience with little success sometimes need reminding that their children are just starting out on this journey and learning should be an enjoyable and fun experience. The courses are not parenting courses although good parenting underlies all family learning. The courses offer a variety of learning activities to develop knowledge about how a child learns and how this supports the early literacy, language and numeracy skills of the school curriculum.

Schools

Working in a flexible partnership with schools, the family learning programme offers information about school, the literacy and numeracy curriculum and how mothers and fathers can better support their child’s development. However, parents are more effective when they know what a school is trying to achieve and how they can help. School has changed since parents attended primary school but how many parents know and understand those changes?

*throughout this brochure the term mother/father is used in conjunction with the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF ) guidelines. Family Learning is inclusive of all family members including mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and carers who have some responsibility for the child.

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Family Learning activities produce a number of outcomes and contribute to the following targets

North East Lincolnshire Council Corporate Outcomes

Improve the higher level skills and qualifications of local residents

Learners 19+ achieving level 1 qualification in literacy or numeracy

Number of parents completing employability skills training

Learning opportunities delivered in the most deprived communities (South, East Marsh, West Marsh and Immingham)

All young people and adults are healthy, emotionally secure and confident

Families will engage in learning to support their children’s learning

Family Learning continues to support schools helping you achieve your targets to engage with parents.

Photo of Tracey Jennings

Tracey was nominated for an award for ‘Adult Learners Week’ in recognition of her commitment to learning. She has attended family learning courses with her three children and supported other learners at Bursar Primary School.

Photo of Wendy Bristow

Wendy has completed math and early start courses with Family Learning and courses run at Immingham Children’s Centre where she now volunteers.

Photo of Denise Saunders

Denise has completed Family Learning courses with all her three children. She is a parent governor and lollipop lady at Grange Primary School.

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We provide:

A free course for mothers, fathers, grandparents, young parents and main carers.

A free crèche – making courses accessible to families with children under five.

Fully qualified teachers.

All resources and publicity leaflets.

Certificates on completion of the course or the Family Learning Challenge.

We ask you to provide:

8 learners.

Room space with adult sized table and chairs and refreshments.

A separate room/secure area for a crèche if one is required.

Verbal encouragement and support for the families who enroll.

What the programme offers:

Courses with children joining in for a minimum of 30 minutes each 2hr session.

Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge on all courses.

Flexible programmes to meet the needs of your mothers, fathers and children.

Some courses offer a school teacher to work with the children of the parents.

Separate accredited Math and English courses for adults to brush up their own skills.

The Family Learning Programme

In a nutshell it’s all FREE to you and the learner

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Early Start

Mothers, fathers, grandparents and carers with children under 2 years

12 weeks – 2 hours per week plus 0.5 hr hometime activity

Children join in for at least 30 minutes each session.

The importance of communication, learning through play and enjoyment of learning are the key aims of the courses. The focus of each session is the joint time together for parent and child. Both crèche activities and parent activities are planned to link into the joint session.

Parents are encouraged to incorporate early numeracy and mark making skills into play and to value rhymes and books. Parents produce games and craft items for their child and are encouraged to recognize the positive impact their involvement has on their child’s development

Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Talk and Learn Together

Mothers, fathers, grandparents and carers with children of 2 - 3 years

12 weeks – two hours per week plus 0.5 hr hometime activity


Through discussion and handout parents recognize opportunities to extend vocabulary and further develop communication skills suitable to their child’s developmental stage. The focus of each session is the joint time together for parent and child. Both crèche activities and parent activities are planned to link into the joint session. Topics include telling stories together, talking and listening, talking and thinking, talking and remembering, talking and writing and talking and playing. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Storybags and Books

Mothers, fathers, grandparents and carers with children under 4 years

12weeks-twohoursperweek plus 0.5 hr hometime activity


Opportunities are given to create storybags, boxes, puppets and games linked to the child’s favourite books and rhymes. Other books featured may include Hungry Caterpillar, Going on a Bear Hunt or Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The joint session time focuses on storytelling, dressing up and active listening.

The course lends itself to working with specific groups as well, such as fathers, grandparents or teenage parents. Discussions about underpinning literacy, language and numeracy skills aid completion of the Family Learning Challenge.

Programme of courses

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers and pre-school children

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Lift off to nursery

Lift off to Nursery Play and Language



Each session has time for joint activity where parent and child work together. The course gives mothers and fathers an introduction to initial phonic sounds based upon Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds and the need for developing good listening skills in the child. The course covers many aspects of getting children ready for learning and enjoying learning. Parents are given an awareness of the value of sharing books and the initial stages in reading readiness. The course is either theme based or storybook based.

Lift off to Nursery Play and Number



Each session has time for joint activity where parent and child work together. The course gives parents an introduction to early number skills of recognizing and counting numbers, simple shapes and measures, an understanding of the importance of the language used and an awareness of numeracy in the environment Parents are given an awareness of their role in encouraging their child’s development of a wide vocabulary and good communication skills. The course covers many aspects of getting children ready for learning and enjoying learning.

Lift off to Nursery Sounds and Numbers



The course combines part of the above courses – Play and Language and Play and Number. Each session has time for joint activity where parent and child work together. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift off with Brilliant Books - for the Foundation Stage



The course is based upon traditional tales and the typical school work drawn from books including games, puppets and story props. Books will include Gingerbread Man and 3 Billy Goats Gruff. Mothers and fathers look at how children are learning in school and how they can support their child. The focus is on enjoying books, bringing books to life with characterisation and supporting their child as they learn to read. Joint sessions include writing, crafts, games and language activities. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents and carers of nursery children

These courses introduce mothers and fathers to the Early Years Foundation Stage outcomes and approaches focussing on the importance of learning through play.

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Lift off to reception

Lift off to Reception – Sounds and Language



Children join in for at least 30 minutes each session. This course has a focus on the language and literacy needs of the Reception age group. The course is either theme based or story book based . Each week introduces a new theme or storybook. Parents look at a child’s stage of learning and development and discuss ways to support their child. The focus is on language development and communication through activities linked to literacy and books, sharing books and early writing skills. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift off to Reception – All sorts of Numbers



This course has a focus on the numeracy and language needs of this age group. Play and Number is based around a different topic each week with parents looking at the stages of learning and development and discussing ways to support their child. The focus is on language development and communication through activities linked to numbers, counting, money, shapes, space, measures, time, knowledge, understanding and creative play. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift off to Reception – Sounds and Numbers



The course combines the first part of the above two courses – ‘Sounds and Language’ and ‘All sorts of Numbers’. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift off to Reception - Jolly Phonics: Letters and Sounds Read Write Inc



These courses look at how and why phonics are taught in school and how parents can support their child with pure sounds and spelling. We look at what to do and more importantly what not to do! The course best supports parents whose children are just starting one of the above programmes. One session focuses on developing a love of books and how to read with your child.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers and reception children

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Lift off to learning

Lift Off to Learning KS1 Fun and Games Literacy



This course is closely linked to the school curriculum for KS1 and covers key themes of extending vocabulary, reading skills, phonics, keywords, spelling and writing. Most weeks a game is provided for mothers and fathers and child to make and play at home. Discussing the skills employed and the value of the game are a key part of each session. Parents become more aware of concepts such as communicating with a child, encouraging good reading habits, language development and reading in everyday life. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift Off to Learning KS1 Fun and Games Numeracy



This course is closely linked to the school curriculum for KS1 and covers key themes of counting, ordering numbers, early calculations, money management, shapes and measures. Most weeks a game is provided for mothers and fathers and child to make and play at home. Discussing the skills employed and the value of the game are a key part of each session. Parents become more aware of concepts such as communicating with a child, encouraging good reading habits, language development and numeracy in everyday life. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift Off to Learning KS1 Fun and Games Combi



This course combines the first part of the above two courses. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Lift Off to Learning KS1 Brilliant Books



The course is based upon traditional tales and the typical school work drawn from books including games, puppets and story props . Books will include Jack and the Beanstalk and Handa’s Surprise Mothers and fathers look at how children are learning in school and how they can support their child. The focus is on enjoying books, bringing books to life with characterisation and supporting their child as they learn to read. Joint sessions include writing, crafts, still life drawing, games and language activities. Parents complete the written Family Learning Challenge.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers and keystage 1 children

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Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers and keystage 1 children

Lift off to learning

Keeping Up with the Children in Science - target groups KS1 or KS2

6 weeks –2 hours per week plus 0.5 hr hometime activity


Mothers and fathers spend the first hour with the tutor discussing the investigation/experiment. This course gives an insight into the requirements of the science curriculum and provides experiences that will enable mothers and fathers and children to become more familiar with investigative processes and techniques. Topics may include investigating paper, air resistance, additives, force, movements, hardness, strength, flexibility and magnetism. Emphasis is placed on language, record keeping and fair testing.

Keeping up with the Children in Design and Technology - target groups KS1 or KS2



Mothers and fathers spend the first hour with the tutor discussing the design and technology. This course gives an insight into the requirements of the curriculum and provides experiences that will enable both mothers and fathers and children to become more familiar with processes and techniques. Topics include wheeled and wind powered vehicles, using cams and spanning a space. Emphasis is placed on language, record keeping and fair testing.

Family Cooking - target groups KS1 or KS2

6weeks-2hrsperweek

Targeting families with low basic skills and needing support with healthy eating.

The programme embeds literacy and numeracy through a better understanding of nutrition, healthy lifestyles and cooking on a budget. Access to cookers is required, although the course can be adapted if you have just 1 Baby Belling! Children may join part of the session depending on space available.

Papercrafts or Feltmaking - target groups KS1 or KS2

9 weeks –2 hours per week


Mothers and fathers and children create their own pictures, cards or seeded mosaics and learn new papercraft skills and accurate folding, measuring and following instructions.

Feltmaking introduces the process to mothers, fathers and their children who creatively use their handmade felt pieces to make small personal items.

Both courses lend themselves to including a group item for school display if wished.

Parents work on their own projects but when children join the session they create something new together.

Year 6 Transition Stage

A new course is being developed with some Y6 and Y7 partners to engage with both children and parents to ease the move into secondary schooling. Please contact the Family Learning team ( 01472 326266) for further information

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers and key stage 1 or key stage 2 children

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Keeping up with the children

Keeping Up with the Children - 4 Operations of Numbers


Maths has changed since mothers and fathers were at primary school. The course looks at how it’s done now. Place value, mental strategies and written strategies for addition, subtraction, division and multiplication are the topics covered. Most suited to parents of Y3 and Y4 children.

Keeping up with the children – Numeracy


The course builds on the 6 week ‘Four rules of Number course to look at other numeracy curriculum topics such as decimals, fractions, percentages, shapes and measures. Most suited to parents of Y3 and Y4 children.

Keeping up with the children – Fiction


Course content linked to the KS2 curriculum looks at enjoying good books, planning written work, writing poetry, introducing characters into text, writing stories, overused words and use of descriptive language.

Keeping up with the children – Non fiction


Course content linked to the KS2 curriculum looks at featuresofdifferenttypesofwrittenwork-theuseof persuasive or formal language, writing adverts, discursive text, book reviews and explanations. Good spelling strategies and dictionary work are also included.

Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers of keystage 2 children

IftheschoolishappyforKS2childrentojoininforbetween15-30minutesthatiswelcomeandencouragesparents.

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Mothers, fathers, grandparents, carers of keystage 2 children

Getting ahead

English course working towards Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 working towards a Functional Skills accreditation.

36 week course – 2hrs per week

Following an assessment the learner works at their own pace to learn or brush up skills in order to take the appropriate exam. The exam is free but the full year commitment to the course is expected.

Math course working towards Entry Level, Level 1, Level 2 working towards a Functional Skills accreditation.

36 week course – 2hrs per week

Following an assessment the learner works at their own pace to learn or brush up skills in order to take the appropriate exam. The exam is free but the full year commitment to the course is expected.

Improve Computer skills – includes 1 session on e safety with their child and PCSO

10 weeks – 2 hours per week

A free accredited course for parents to learn basic computer skills. There can be a focus on school based websites to support parents understanding of what their child learns in school. We include a session on internet safety and we invite a local PCSO to talk to parents and draw up a contract of behaviour with their child. We will need use of the computer suite.

Family Cooking

6-10weeks2hrsperweek

Targeting families with low basic skills and needing support with healthy eating. The programme embeds literacy and numeracy through a better understanding of nutrition, healthy lifestyles and cooking on a budget. Access to cookers is required, although the course can be adapted if you have just 1 Baby Belling!

Courses for adults to brush up their own skills

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It is hard to persuade some parents to come on courses but the benefits can be positive for all involved.

We all want school to be a happy place in which every child achieves and reaches their potential but schools are also places where many parents failed, where they were often wrong and where they are apprehensive about returning. It often needs a lot of courage to cross the threshold and come back into learning. There are many barriers to be broken down first.

A whole school approach is essential.

• Frontofficestaffareoftenthefirstcontactpersonasmost courses sign up at the reception desk. Please ensure staff know the course is running and that they have read the publicity leaflets or have some available.

• Ensureeveryoneknowsaboutthecourseespeciallythe learning mentor, the class teacher and support staff in the classroom.

• Usethepersonaltouch.Itismoreeffectiveforteachers and learning mentors to give out a leaflet to the parent as a personal invitation to support their child rather than put them in a book bag.

• Pleasebeawareofthereadinglevelsofsomeparents. Summarise the course for them as you give out a leaflet.

• Thereissafetyinnumbers–letthemknowwhoelseis on the course.

• Greetparentsatthefrontofficeandaccompanythemto the room for that first session.

• Ongoingencouragementandinterestfromstaffismuch appreciated. “How is it going?” “Your child really looks forward to joining you on the course.”

• Celebratelearningofbothparentandchild.

Family Learning supports mothers and fathers with pre-school children.

Where there is a secure and safe space we offer a free crèche place staffed by Level 3 creche workers.

Tips for recruiting learners

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Enjoy, learn and achieve

Contact details

For information on Family Learning please contact the team on (01472) 326263 or 326266

As well as Family Learning, Community Learning Services offers programmes in the following areas:

Skills for Life qualifications in English and maths (01472) 326261 or 324590 ESOL English for Speakers of Other Languages Adults with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities

Apprenticeships (01472) 324591 NVQs

ICT (Computers) (01472) 324265 Teaching Assistants and Childcare

Creative Arts (01472 )323540 Volunteering Teacher Training

Community Learning ServicesThink Learning

E-mail: [email protected]

Think Learning – [email protected]

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