Adult and Family Learning

• Adult learning
• Family learning

Adult Learning

For many people, adult education is both a key to personal success and to enjoying learning throughout life. Adult learning takes many forms - learning at work, vocational training and new qualifications as well as learning for leisure, recreation and personal development.

The Royal Borough has an extensive programme of adult education classes which are offered in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea College. These are held both on the six main college sites and in a range of smaller community venues.

Many tutors are themselves members of the local community who have particular skills and expertise. Courses range from one day ‘taster’ sessions to 36 week courses.

Classes are held throughout the day - in morning, afternoon or evening sessions. Although some courses are offered at different levels of ability, the majority are open to all adults (aged 16 or over).

Many people return to learning as adults after a long break. The service is particularly keen to attract new learners or those who have not studied for some time.

The Adult Education Programme offers a very varied curriculum, including art and design, performing arts, foreign languages, sports and health, information technology and cultural studies.

In addition there are specially planned classes for older learners, adults with learning difficulties or disabilities, and people who are not yet fluent in English.

Family Learning

Family Learning programmes are specifically designed to enable adults and children to learn together or to enable parents/carers to learn how to support their children's learning.

Family learning is fun, free and informal. Successfully re-introducing individuals to rediscover hidden skills, potential and interests whilst addressing any communication/literacy/numeracy needs.

Very often parents join an adult education class having enjoyed a family learning session with their children.

Currently, the majority of family learning takes place in designated nursery and primary schools.

The aim to is to develop the number and variety of family learning sessions by making them more widely accessible in community venues such as libraries and health clinics so that the family learning experience touches more local children and their families.

Wider family learning can also use health, sport, environmental themes and music as well as arts and craft as the medium by which families can try something different, generate new interests and become involved in community activities/their neighbourhood.

Download / print Family Learning Funding frequently asked questions for Community Groups [PDF file] (File size 163Kb)

For further information please contact the Family Learning Co-ordinator: familylearning@rbkc.gov.uk.