A A R
Angela West
Job Title: Family Learning Coordinator
Based at: University of Wales, Newport, I also work for University of Glamorgan and UWIC.awest

Your Role

What your job is about, aims and objectives:
Based at the University of Wales Newport, I co-ordinate intergenerational projects on behalf of the three hubs of First Campus. Working together with Higher Education and Further Educational Institutions, local schools, Communities First, voluntary organisations and key partners we can help encourage all generations to take part in fun and exciting new ways of learning together.

What is Family Learning?

“Families are the main context of learning for most people. Learning within the family is usually more lasting and influential than any other. Family life provides a foundation and context for all learning”’
Alexander, Titus and Clyne, Peter, (1995).  “Riches Beyond Price: Making the Most of Family Learning”. NIACE

It is recognised that family learning is instrumental in raising attainment at school.  It can break cycles of deprivation by building trust, mutuality and understanding, which empowers parents and carers to develop their abilities and become more active participants in the local community.  To this end it is essential to work collaboratively with key partners and community groups to ensure that skills and resources are pooled effectively to achieve common goals.

Example of a typical event/ typical day at work:
The role is extremely varied and no two days are alike.  However, the main context of the role is concerned with family learning intervention.  Such strategies are responsive to the families ‘ability’ and ‘readiness’ to engage in learning.  These are usually low level and informal learning opportunities that enable pathways into existing further and higher education provision.  Effective signposting and referral systems ensure that learners are entered at a level and route appropriate to their needs and ability.

Family learning is mostly intergenerational, can be formal or informal and can be undertaken outside formal institutions or in conjunction with them, with or without professional support.  It's about discovering and exploring things together as a family and can include everything from learning about your family history to finding out more about recycling.

Of course, each day always starts with a cup of coffee!

Key tasks:
  1. To establish and maintain effective consultation/networks at all levels, with families, practitioners, providers and government departments.
  2. To review and adapt planning and provision of new programmes according to needs; funding criteria and physical, intellectual and financial resources. 
  3. To adopt a collaborative approach to promoting national family learning campaigns.
  4. To secure external sources of funding where appropriate, i.e. match funding and joint funding bids etc.
  5. To offset silo operations by adding value to existing programmes and avoiding duplication of effort where appropriate.
  6. To produce and distribute professional collaborative marketing material that is fit for purpose. 
  7. To promote community based capacity building and embed sustainability where possible.
  8. To set SMARTE targets (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, time-bound and equality of opportunity)
  9. To identify transparent progression routes for adult learners and operate effective signposting and referral procedures. 
  10. To implement ‘joined-up’ monitoring and evaluation exercises and share findings to ensure quality and equitable provision.
  11. To share good practice.
Favourite part of your job:
The flexibility to respond creatively to individual needs and meet so many different people.

Background

Like most family learning practioners I have a varied career background to include industry, the library service, adult education and the career service.

Educated at University of Wales, Newport I have a BA Hons in Education and Training with professional qualifications in teaching and advice and guidance.

Having come from a non traditional background, I can identify with the people I work with and appreciate some of the barriers and issues faced by families trying to engage with education.  I believe that this has made me more determined to make learning accessible for all and to ensure that learning is both personally and professionally rewarding.

Other interests:
In my spare time I enjoy photography and getting outdoors into the countryside whenever possible.  There is no better way to end a long drive or walk in the countryside, than with a good pub lunch!

And finally..

Buffton (1999) Family learning, she asserts, is that which:

Supports efforts to raise children’s achievements levels, raises expectations and aspirations of both children and adults, promotes active citizenship and, as the family group is the microcosm of the community, is community capacity building at its best”.

BUFFTON, J. (1999).  “Family Learning:  Taking the Work Forward.”  Working Paper.  Second report of the National Advisory Group for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning.