Family Learning: A Foundation for Strong Communities
by Mair Francis, After Coal Project Adviser I have been a Family Learning Commissioner for NIACE (The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) England and Wales. NIACE is a non-governmental organisation working for adult learners that advocates on behalf of adult learners and providers. Its focus is on those who are least skilled, most disadvantaged and whose motivation, economic and social circumstances present barriers to engaging in learning. The year long Inquiry into Family Learning was launched in October 2012 to gather new evidence of the impact of family learning, to develop new thinking and to influence public policy. Research shows that family learning could increase the overall level of children’s development by as much as 15% for those from disadvantaged groups. The recommendations for Wales were: Family Learning should be integral to school strategies to raise children’s attainment and to narrow the gap between the lowest and highest achievers. […]