Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 28
28
Paragraph: 80
Community learning appears to have been largely overlooked by the Department.
Conclusion
Community learning appears to have been largely overlooked by the Department. The Department does not have sufficient oversight of what data is available on A plan for an adult skills and lifelong learning revolution 51 community learning. Nor are we confident that the Department has a good understanding of what provision exists nationally. The Department’s lack of strategic vision for community learning is concerning and suggests an underlying lack of insight into the benefits and value of community learning. An ambitious, long-term strategy for community learning provision and funding is needed.
Paragraph Reference:
80
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
78. The principal purpose of the AEB is to engage adults and provide the skills and learning they need to equip them for work, an apprenticeship or further learning. Community Learning plays a considerable role within AEB provision of supporting those furthest from the workplace, and in improving the health and well-being of learners. 79. The purpose of Community Learning is to develop the skills, confidence, motivation and resilience of adults of different ages and backgrounds in order to: progress towards formal learning or employment and/or improve their health and wellbeing, including mental health and/or develop stronger communities. The Community Learning national objectives require providers to prioritise disadvantaged learners. 80. The Department collects data via the Individualised Learning Record (ILR) and annual figures are published via an annual Statistical First Release. Community Learning is delivered in nearly every local authority area across England through adult education services, FE colleges, Institutes of Adult Learning and other training providers and voluntary sector organisations. It tends to be run in accessible informal venues, such as libraries, children’s centres and community centres. 81. We are working closely with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, including in the development of the new UKSPF, as outlined in the response to recommendation 23. 82. The Government has maintained funding for Community Learning within the AEB. The Pound Plus approach, introduced in 2013/14, expects providers to add value to Government’s contribution by leveraging additional income (e.g., from fees and sponsorship) and by making cost savings. 83. The government appreciates the importance of adult education to improving people’s life chances. Through our FE reforms, we want to ensure we are supporting as best we can all learners, and that includes those who need the most support to progress to more formal learning or employment. Funding beyond 2021–22 will be considered as part of a wider Spending Review later this year.