Working together: approaches to family literacy

In this document developed by NALA, a variety of information is given to numerous elements of family learning. The report provides a national and international context to family learning, identifying the original concept and its background as well as family literacy programmes in Ireland. The report also provides some theoretical background to the area, then provides a number of key principles which are recommended as a basis for the development of family literacy and numeracy programmes. The report also provides a series of guidelines for setting up and running family literacy programmes, suggesting
– Getting started and building partnerships;
– Programmes;
– Recruiting participants;
– Funding and key practical issues;
– Evaluation.
This is of interest to the project as the identified areas broadly correspond to that of the proposed project curriculum. The report finally provides a series of recommendations and NALA strategy

Significantly for the project’s target beneficiaries, it notes that family learning “is an important way of recognising and building on the strengths of families and communities who feel marginalised or excluded from the expectations of school.”