London Borough of Croydon

What is family learning

What family learning is

Family learning provides a range of opportunities for families in the widest sense (children, parents, carers, grandparents…) to learn together in order to raise skills across generations. These inter-generational programmes take place in partnership with schools or other organisations such as libraries, children's centres and youth clubs.  They enable families to learn in a relaxed and 'fun' atmosphere, picking up ideas to reinforce learning at home. For many adults a family learning course can be the first step to taking up further adult learning and training opportunities or gaining a job.

Why family learning is important

Research has shown that families are our first and most important teachers, and that parental support is a key factor throughout a child's education. Children spend only 15% of their waking hours in school, which leaves 85% spent at home, with huge potential for learning.

'Children whose parents support their learning and take a keen interest in their education do better at school and in later life' (DfES, 2004 Delivering Skills for Life). 

'Family learning can have wide cost benefits: impact on health, family relations, lifelong, learning and active citizenship' (Family Learning, Agenda for Action, Campaign for Learning, 2004)

Family learning helps adult family members to gain confidence to provide vital help for their children, and also helps to promote good relationships within families. It offers a second chance for parents to return to learning, to develop their own skills and to be aware of all the other learning opportunities on offer.

So family learning leads to improvements in

  • Children's learning and behaviour.
  • Adults' own skills and their awareness of opportunities for further learning.
  • Adults' abilities to help their children learn.
  • Adults' job prospects.
  • Confidence for both adults and children to enjoy learning together.
  • Positive attitudes towards education for adults and children.

Family Learning Quotes

'Mummy, I love Mondays because you come and play with us' (Child)

'Our children loved the trip, well we all did really, it was fun and we learnt a lot'  (Parents)

'Parents are definitely more effective in the support they provide to their children, better able to help children with their homework' (Head teacher)

'It is encouraging to see how children are much happier…this is clearly reflected in the quality of their work and in their behaviour' (Head teacher)

Contact Details

Contact name
Catherine Rhys
Job title
Croydon's Informal Learning Manager
Telephone
020 8662 5571
Email
familylearning@croydon.gov.uk
Address
Skills for Life
Sandown Road
South Norwood
SE25 4XE
Contact name
Musseret Anwar
Job title
Skills for Families Curriculum Manager (responsible for Family Literacy, Language and Numeracy)
Telephone
020 8662 5571
Email
musseret.anwar@croydon.gov.uk
Address
Skills for Life
Sandown Road
South Norwood
SE25 4XE

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