1. ‘Bite Size Learning Healthy Lifestyles Programme’ (BSLHLP)
Community Learning & Development
Presentation to
National Early Years Conference
Parallel Session
‘A Focus on Engagement and Empowerment of Children, Families and Communities’
Presentation
‘Bite Size Learning Healthy Lifestyles Programme’ (BSLHLP)
Gina Ahmed, Community Learning & Development
Alan Addison, Community Learning & Development

2. Community Learning & Development
Definition of Community Learning & Development (CLD)
‘CLD is learning and social development work with individuals and groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods. A common defining feature is that programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants… CLD’s main aim is to help individuals and communities tackle real issues in their lives through community action and community based learning’.
(Working and Learning Together to Build Strong Communities, Scottish Government Guidance for CLD 2004)

3. Forth Neighbourhood CLD Team Mission Statement:
Community Learning & Development
Forth Neighbourhood CLD Team
Mission Statement:
‘To Work with Children, Young People and Adults providing learning & development opportunities which help tackle poverty, educational disadvantage and poor health’
(Forth CLD Neighbourhood Team Plan July 2010)

4. What is Bite-Size Learning
Community Learning & Development
What is Bite-Size Learning
Adult educational programme designed to engage those most often hardest to reach.
Often a first and important step for some
Informal community based approach to learning
valuing lived experiences
Dialogical/hands-on learning programme (see handout)
Consultative process (before and throughout)
Partnership work/Collective approach
Inclusive learning environment
Introduction to topics of interest – adaptable framework.
A way forward – Going Forth

5. Going Forth Consultation with NHS
Community Learning & Development
Going Forth Consultation with NHS
Came about as a result of an identified need for a more holistic approach to address increasing obesity rates, particularly in children.
The Scottish government/NHS HEAT H3 target on child healthy weight was introduced in Better Health, Better Care in Dec 2007.
NHS Lothian negotiated a change in approach from weight management to one that included prevention and treatment.
The new approach includes learning from the French EPODE programme and is being developed in consultation and involvement from the community, schools and partner organisations (including CLD).

6. BSLHL Programme was Born (see BSLHLP handout)
Community Learning & Development
Taking it Forward:
BSLHL Programme was Born (see BSLHLP handout)
A pilot at Craigroyston ps
A result of GF consultation/report/previous GF programmes.
Recruitment:
Further consultation with local parent/carers individuals/groups.
Advertising in local paper
School gate visit – lots of ground work
Flyers/posters
1-1 contact with local parents
Meeting with head teachers & partner organisations

7. 2010 BSLHL Plan / Progression Routes
Community Learning & Development
2010 BSLHL Plan / Progression Routes

8. Community Learning & Development

9. Community Learning & Development
What Makes BSL work:
Planning time
Consultation / listening (suitable time/day/topics/level etc)
Relaxed atmosphere (breakfast – NHS funded)
Valuing and sharing lived experience
Support & encouragement within the group
Belief in people
Being part of a community group
Starting where people are at and taking small steps
Crèche provision (NHS funded)
Monitoring & evaluation of programme
Recognising achievements / outcomes
Progression choices

10. Quotes from BSL – local parents/carers
Community Learning & Development
Quotes from BSL – local parents/carers
‘I had never been to the gym in my life, now I go twice a week’
‘I’ve made new friends and feel much more confident’
‘I’m loving it, BSL has made such a difference in my life’
‘Me and my kids now do so much more together’
‘I have now become a volunteer at my child's school – thanks BSL’
‘I just cant believe the things I’m doing now’

11. Community Learning & Development
Outcomes of BSLHLP:
20 local adults doing SVQ in Child Development
EL passes allows individuals to visit gym
Parent/child swimming
New family activity session
MMC womens group
Stronger links with local schools
More adults/children attending centre activities
Additional exercises classes
Increased sense of community spirit – friendships formed, community walk
Planned cooking session in partnership with PCHP
Increased sense of responsibility, belief and self-worth
Personal achievement (more exercise, better diet, more family time)
Increased partnership work
Local people involved in ongoing evaluation BLSHLP

12. Community Learning & Development
Partners:
NHS Lothian
Edinburgh Leisure
PCHP (Barri Grubb & Move It)
School Educational Psychologists (CEC)
Head Teachers & School Staff (CEC)
Working For Families (CEC)