Lincolnshire’s ‘Family Learning’ program – where parents and children learn together - has now been running for 20 years with around 10,000 families benefitting.
The milestone was marked with a celebration in the school where the first classes took place. The Magdalen Primary School in Wainfleet was one of the first schools to join the Family Learning pilot when it was introduced into Lincolnshire.
County councillor for Wainfleet, Cllr Wendy Bowkett, said:
“Over 150 families have benefited from the family learning program at this school alone, and I’m delighted that they continue to run the program here, providing great learning opportunities for the parents and children involved.
“I would like to say a big thank you to staff members from the school who have championed Family Learning, the tutors and all the families who have attended the program over the past 20 years.”
Cllr Wendy Bowkett presented a plaque to the school on Thursday 29 September to commemorate the 20 year milestone. The event was also attended by families who had attended Family Learning courses over the last few years.
Cllr Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for adult learning at the county council, said:
“At the county council, learning and skills is really high on our agenda. We need to make sure that there are the right training opportunities available to give adults of all ages rewarding jobs, and to support businesses with the workforce they need.
“Family Learning is an important part of the council’s Adult Learning offer, helping parents to learn how their children learn and help them do well at school. The courses also help develop confidence and self-esteem of the participants involved giving them additional skills they need to progress in life and work.”
A special award was also presented to Anita Mills, Family Learning link teacher at the Magdalen Church of England Methodist Primary School, to recognise her efforts in implementing the programme in the school over the last twenty years.
Melanie Page, Head of School, said: “Anita’s passion and dedication to the family learning programme has benefitted so many families and children in our community. Family learning sees parents joining in with fun activities with their children, and gives them more confidence to support their learning at home. I’m incredibly proud that we’ve been successfully running this for 20 years, and a huge part of this is down to Anita’s enthusiasm and hard work.”
Anita Mills receives her award from Cllr Wendy Bowkett
Anita Mills (Family Learning link teacher), Cllr Wendy Bowkett and Thea Croxall (Adult Learning and Skills Manager)
For more information about family learning visit 2aspire.org.uk – Lincolnshire’s adult education website.