Local Communities and Learning Learning Partnership Conference 27 th June 2006 Jim Austin, Head of Gloucestershire Adult Education Service

97 definitions A geographical identity Identification through common interest/concern What do we mean by communities?

What do we mean by learning? That which we learn through life experience Knowledge gained through family and friends Informal learning Formal learning leading to qualifications

Learning in Gloucestershire Many and varied University Workplace Community/voluntary sector Schools Colleges Children Centres Other less obvious institutions

The work undertaken by the County Council Funded by the Learning and Skills Council and County Council Focus on disadvantaged/vulnerable communities Delivered through 21 organisations 8 Local Learning Consortia Over 15,000 learners supported 13% ALDD,10% BME, most uptake in…?

Learning in Gloucestershire Able to plan provision across the county as a whole Able to ensure there is a consistent high quality across the county Able to link to other learning within the county – children centres, extended schools, work force development

For the future? Reduction in LSC funding Introduction/increase in fees Continuous improvement in quality Tough choices – more plumbing, less pilates The impact of the FE White Paper

Future Opportunities? The role of Children Centres and Extended Schools in disadvantaged communities Regeneration programmes Future use of the social care budget The impact on communities of ‘commissioning’ services The use of technology Role of ‘clubs’/volunteers to deliver learning