Buckinghamshire Adult Learning shortlisted for 2022 Family Learning Awards
The Family Learning Team at Buckinghamshire Adult Learning have been shortlisted for this year’s Family Learning Award. The awards show how organisations are using imaginative, innovative and inclusive ways to deliver learning opportunities which help families in their communities.
The awards, organised by education charity Campaign for Learning, celebrate learning activities that supported families during lockdown and beyond and supported health and wellbeing.
As to be expected, some of the top priorities for organisations were focused around the significant changes to how learning is delivered beyond the pandemic, keeping families connected, boosting mental health and ensuring everyone can access opportunities to learn.
The Buckinghamshire Family Learning team developed a full, interactive online course programme during the pandemic for families, while addressing current learning needs as well as those identified or amplified by recent world events. They supported parents to access online learning as well as developing their own digital skills. All information is shared through a Google Classroom so everyone receives the same information and time for reflection. Learners use the Classroom to communicate with each other and support each other following the session.
Parents have given excellent feedback on the Family Learning courses, stating that they have helped build their confidence, reduce their social isolation, develop their language skills and realise the importance of play.
One parent said: “The courses have given me confidence to explore more play options to encourage my son’s learning. It has also been great to have someone to talk over any worries I have as a parent.”
The Early Years are particularly important as they lay the foundations for lifelong learning, behaviour, and health. The Family Learning in the Early Years Award shortlist recognised organisations that best demonstrated innovative approaches to delivering family learning aimed at families with children aged between 0-5. The shortlisted organisations are:
- Adult and Community Learning, Warwickshire
- Buckinghamshire Adult Learning
- Learning Unlimited
- The Whitworth Art Gallery
Anita Cranmer, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, commented:
“It’s fantastic news that our Family Learning Team has been shortlisted for this award. I know just how hard the team have worked – especially during the pandemic – supporting families across Buckinghamshire. It’s also great to see the positive feedback we’ve received from parents about our Family Learning courses.
“If you are a parent or carer of a child in the county who hasn’t yet discovered our free, online Family Learning courses, then I would encourage you to see what’s on offer by going to: www.adultlearningbc.ac.uk/family-learning”
Juliette Collier, National Director (Families) at the Campaign for Learning, said:
“The Family Learning Awards celebrate the inspirational work of organisations that create wonderful learning opportunities for families. This year’s awards demonstrate the ingenuity and tenacity of learning providers in delivering life-changing learning through the most challenging times. We congratulate the shortlisted organisations on their deserved success and thank everyone who took part for recognising and valuing the crucial role of families as the foundation for lifelong learning.”
To read about the 2022 Family Learning Award Shortlist visit: www.familylearningfestival.com/family-learning-awards-1
