Recognising, Valuing & Developing Family Learning in a Time of Change

This is the findings of a presentation as part of a report on the proceedings of a seminar in Sligo from 2009. The title of the seminar was “Early Childhood Care and Education & Family Learning”. This was organised by Pobal – a not-for-profit company that manages programmes on behalf of the Irish Government and the EU. The presentation “Recognising, Valuing & Developing Family Learning in a Time of Change” was given by Ms Catherine Byrne, Adult Education Officer, Wicklow VEC Family Learning Project and was based on the experience of Bray Adult Learning Centre
The presentation provides background information on the area of Bray, the work of Bray VEC and in particular the Bray Adult Learning Centre. The presentation then explores the basics of family learning and family literacy. The presentation then identifies the importance of family learning programmes and the benefits of same. The presentation then describes the integrated approach utilised by the thee family learning project in Bray – including the processes of supporting the educational needs of families, encouraging parents to become involved in their child‘s education, etc. The presentation outlines how a partnership approach is a vital component and that partners should include parents and service providers. The presentation also identifies the challenges for family learning such as service delivery and wider issues.