CALAT Family Learning 2014-15 Wider Family Learning (WFL) Family English, Maths and Language (FEML) WFL provision is designed to support different generations of family members to learn together. It has the aims of:  developing the skills and knowledge of both the mother, father and/or carer and child participants  enabling mothers, fathers and/or carers to be more active in the support of their children’s learning and development and to understand the impact of that support. FEML programmes are designed for fathers, mothers and carers with Basic Skills (English and maths) needs, and includes programmes for families where English is not the primary language at home. These programmes aim to:  improve the English, maths and language skills of mothers, fathers and/or carers and their ability to help their children  improve children’s acquisition of English, maths and language skills WFL taster workshops (1-3 hours) Taster workshops are an effective way of giving your families an idea of what a Family Learning course might involve without having to commit to attending for several weeks. The topic would be a ‘taster’ of the course to follow (see below for a selection of menu of options) WFL engagement programmes (4 - 20 hours) These short, informal courses offer fathers, mothers and carers and their children the opportunity to work together on practical projects in a fun and relaxed way. They are useful tools for attracting fathers, mothers and carers into the school/centre who you would like to support to interact more positively with their children and with your setting. They can also be an effective means of engaging parents and carers who you would like to involve in a longer WFL or FEML programme, but who may lack the confidence or motivation for this. They are often first steps back into learning from which families can be signposted onto longer programmes. A flavour of WFL programmes 2014-15 Bespoke programmes organised in response to local need. Once Upon a Rhyme Card making Love Food Save Money Puppet making Making and using storysacks Making and playing games (Maths & English) Arts and crafts Jewellery making – beginners and intermediate ICT (accreditation optional) Photography Family Gardening, windowsill and bottle gardening, hanging baskets, raised beds Family Learning Festival 2014 Croydon Family Learning Festival (Friday 10 – Friday 17 October 2014) is a good opportunity to promote family learning activities in your setting and engage families who might then move on to longer programmes, either WFL or FEML. Please contact Catherine Rhys if you are interested in planning activities in your setting ([email protected]). FEML/ WFL longer and accredited programmes (30+ hours) Accredited programmes offer additional support for children to improve their early learning, English or maths, and their fathers, mothers and carers to develop their own skills, alongside their understanding of how to support their children’s learning more effectively at home. They are aimed at families where parents and carers do not have a GCSE in maths or English. Adults can work towards national accreditation at all levels from Entry 1 to Level 2 in English, maths, ICT (Entry 3) or Parenting (Level 1). Learners are offered specialist information, advice and guidance and supported to plan future learning and employment. A total of 60 hours is required to achieve Functional Skills English and maths, which can be delivered in a variety of flexible models. These can be discussed with a Family Learning manager. Menu of accredited programmes Title Accreditation Hours of course Family English (FEML) These courses are for adult learners who have English as a first language and who do not have a Level 2 English qualification. Separate units can be achieved in Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening, from Entry 1 to Level 2. 60 hours Family Maths (FEML) These courses are for adult learners who do not have a Level 2 maths qualification. Learners can work towards maths accreditation from Entry 1 to Level 2. 60 hours Family Language (FEML) These courses are for adult learners who do not have English as a first language National accreditation currently not available. Courses will focus primarily on speaking and listening 30 - 40 hours L1 Award in Parenting (WFL) Learners prepare a portfolio of evidence covering five units, as part of a BTEC accredited by Edexcel 80 hours Family ICT (WFL) Learners prepare a 18 hours (Entry 3 only) portfolio of evidence to achieve an introductory ICT accreditation Traded Service Family Learning Family Learning is also offered as a traded service to schools that have families where parents/carers do not fall into the above categories, but who would nevertheless like to understand better how their children are learning at school, find out how to support their learning at home and help with homework. The cost of this service follows Croydon’s Learning Without Boundaries service charges (www.croydonlwb.org/): Day rate £560/ £510* Half/part day rate £280/ £255* 3 day package £1,500/ £1,365* 4 day package £1,965/ £1,785* *discounted rate for Croydon LA maintained schools FREE CALAT English and Maths classes CALAT can also deliver free accredited Functional Skills English and maths up to Level 2 or GCSE classes in your school or children’s centre. These can be open to parents/carers of any year group across the school and your school support staff. Classes would require:  a minimum of ten learners across no more than two levels of ability (i.e. Levels 1 and 2, or Entry 2 and 3).  an initial assessment session to check eligibility and assess learners’ ability levels  a minimum of twenty five weeks (two and half hours per week) or thirty weeks (three hours per week for GCSE English & maths) For further information please contact Maureen Brooks ([email protected] )