Family Learning in Ireland Mary Flanagan Co-ordinator Clare

Family Learning in Ireland Mary Flanagan Co-ordinator 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: 1996. 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 Learning Project Lifelong Learners become 2009 Clare Family

Clare Family Learning was based on 4 Basic Skills Agency Articles in Viewpoint 1994 4 Visit to Dr. Peter Hannon, Sheffield University. ORIM framework. added numeracy 4 Kenan Model in Kentucky, USA 4 Research by Vygotsky and Bruner Clare Family Learning Project 2009 Clare

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 1994 4 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 4 Dads and Lads Sport olds 4 Dads and Lads Science 4 Parents of Primary 4 Active Citizenship children 4 Storysacks 4 Parents of 2 nd level 4 Quilts and Books children, First Years 4 FL and Irish 4 2 locally developed 4 Supporting Your First FETAC Level 3 Year Child’s Maths modules Family 4 Family Health Learning Clare Family Learning Project 2009

Family Learning in Ireland 4 Working Together Approaches to Family Literacy : 2004 4 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 2 nd 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

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

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 : 2000 - innovative way of delivering adult education 4 Oireachtas Report : 2006 -Recommends dedicated Family Learning Budget 4 Towards 2016: 2006 - 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: www. clarefamilylearning. org – to bring together Family Learning best practice, resources, materials and events 4 Clare Tutor Training check under news Clare Family Learning Project 2009