What is Family Learning?

Family Learning courses are run in schools, children's centres, community centres, family centres and other venues across the district.  The courses aim to give parents and carers the opportunity to find out how things are taught in their own child's school, as well as a chance to share ideas with other parents and develop their own skills.

Have you ever wondered how your child(ren) are taught subjects like maths and English in school?  If you have, then one of a range of short courses held in venues across the district may help you to better understand.  For example, courses like Keeping Up with the Children - Numeracy, and Keeping Up with the Children - Literacy are free short courses which are aimed at introducing you to the strategies used to teach children maths and English in year 6, 7 and 8.

These courses help you to develop a greater awareness of how to support your child(ren) with their homework.  They also give you the opportunity to compare the way in which your child(ren) work in school with your own experiences of school and allow you to brush up your own skills at the same time.

Other family learning courses include Maths is Magic, Playing with Language and Positive Parenting.  The Positive Parenting course is free and usually lasts for 12 weeks and is for parents / carers who would like to discuss and reflect on their experiences of being a parent.  Throughout this course you are supported while developing your communication and problem solving skills and your confidence in managing children's behaviour.

Another form of family learning is the Families Enjoying Everything Together (FEET) programme which is aimed at parents / carers of pre-school children.  The FEET programme is available the term before children are due to start nursery, and it aims to ensure a smooth transition from home to nursery, and it encourages parents to enjoy playing and learning together with their children.

To find out more about the courses available contact the Families Information Service on 0800 587 8042.  Alternatively you can search the Family Services Directory, Children's Centres or the Adult and Community Education Service website, see Related Links.

For further details and some useful contacts see the Parenting and Family Learning leaflet in Related Downloads.