Tag: Adult Learning

Supporting children with numeracy

National Numeracy Day is fast approaching (17th May!) and this week we are highlighting information and resources for supporting parents and carers with children’s numeracy.

Numeracy and Mathematics Glossaries

This glossary has been developed for parents and carers of children and young people in the broad general education in Scottish schools. It provides clear definitions of some of the most commonly used terms in numeracy and mathematics.

https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-at-home/supporting-numeracy/numeracy-and-mathematics-glossary/

Videos to Support Parents with Numeracy and Mathematics Methods and Approaches

The National Parent Forum of Scotland (NPFS) worked in partnership with Count On Us and Education Scotland to create eight ‘Learning Together’ videos.

The videos outline a range of methods and approaches including early numeracy foundations, addition and subtraction, and fractions, decimals and percentages.

https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-at-home/supporting-numeracy/support-for-parents-on-numeracy-and-mathematics-methods-and-approaches/

National Numeracy

National Numeracy have lots of ideas for parents and families to support children with maths along with lots of free activities. The site also offers resources to help educators support family engagement with children’s maths learning.

Supporting children | National Numeracy

I am a Mathematician

We use maths every day, at work, leisure and at home. Parents and carers can play a vital role in reinforcing the importance of maths to their children, promoting a positive attitude towards it and making it a fun activity to do together as a family.  This resource will help parents to support their children’s learning with fun activities to do at home.

https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/Documents/IAmAMathematician270417.pdf

National Numeracy Day 2023. Will you be a numbers champion?

Sign up for National Numeracy Day: National Numeracy Day sign up | National Numeracy

National Numeracy Day will take place on Wednesday 17th May 2023.  Education Scotland and the Scottish Government will again participate as lead supporters of the #NationalNumeracyDay campaign in the hope of encouraging all adults in Scotland to become more confident in using numbers in every day life.

This year National Numeracy will celebrate numbers by hosting a mainly virtual campaign, packed full of practical advice from celebrities and experts, inspirational stories from real-life learners and a host of free online events and resources.  The campaign will focus on three key themes; numeracy for work, managing money and supporting children.  “The impact of the economic [Covid-19] crisis has been disproportionately felt by those with low numeracy skills”  (Counting on the Recovery, 2021). It is particularly important at the moment, as households continue to face financial challenges, that we highlight the importance of being number confident and knowing how and where to get help to improve maths skills.

If you sign up for National Numeracy Day you will receive free, fun materials and resources to use and share, and join over 4,800 organisations helping the nation to feel good about numbers.  All participants will have access to an online number skills checker called ‘The National Numeracy Challenge’ that will help signpost to resources to improve number skills.

What can you do? As an individual or an organisation you can run an online event, you can circulate resources to learners/parents or you can just simply promote the campaign via social media to your partners and stakeholders.

To find out more visit National Numeracy Day – 17 May 2023

The Numeracy Challenge is a fun interactive tool to find out how confident you are using numbers, and it flags up how easy it is to get support and learn if you want to. Take the Numeracy Challenge, and encourage your staff/colleagues and learners too.

Since 2018, Scotland has had record numbers of community organisations, adult learning providers, schools and businesses signing up to be numeracy champions:

  • An estimated 7,554 people took action on the National Numeracy Challenge from Scotland, which is a 25% increase on last year and around 9% of the total Challenge actions
  • The average Challenge Quick Check score in Scotland was 12.3 out of 20, in line with the average UK score of 12.4
  • The average confidence score in Scotland was also higher than the UK average (7.0 compared to 6.8 out of 10)
  • 18% of all official Champions organisations supporting National Numeracy Day were from Scotland

 

Number Confidence Week, 7-11 November 

Confidence to use numbers helps everyone to be more successful at work, to manage our lives and to support our children at school. This annual campaign , run by National Numeracy, aims to make sure that everyone feels comfortable with everyday maths. 

49% of adults have the numeracy skills expected of a primary school child. Feeling that we “don’t get” numbers or that we’re no good at maths can mean we avoid them, which only makes matters worse. Low confidence with numbers can hold us back, affect our wellbeing and have an impact on how our children feel about maths too. Number Confidence Week exists to help us take steps towards numbers instead of running away from them. But doing so is only possible in a safe, supportive space. National Numeracy has created free online resources that can be accessed by anyone, at any time.  

How can you support and promote Number Confidence Week?  

Visit the Number Confidence Week campaign hub:  Number Confidence Week 2022 | National Numeracy 

Have a go at the National Numeracy Challenge, and promote it to others:  https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/challenge/edscot 

Social media: #NumberConfidenceWeek #becauseofcld @Nat_numeracy @EdScotCLD 

Maths Week Scotland “Playing with Pattern” Online Workshop 2nd October

A gentle workshop for anyone interesting in making patterns using  art and a little bit of maths. Funded by Maths Week Scotland, this workshop will be run by Lucy Rycroft-Smith and take place 11-12.30 on Sun 2nd Oct. Described as a gentle introduction to mathematical art, the workshop is suitable for adults and children (8 yrs+). 

Playing with pattern making Tickets, Sun 2 Oct 2022 at 11:00 | Eventbrite

Becoming a Numeracy Champion- free online training available for CLD practitioners and STEM Ambassadors

Following on from the success of Phase 1 of a STEM grant, this training programme is being offered free to CLD practitioners in the South East (Oct-Nov), Northern Alliance (Sep-Nov) and Tayside (Nov-Dec). There is also a “mop up” session for all areas (Dec). The programme consists of 3 x 2hr workshops and was highly valued by previous participants.  Use the links below to find out more and to book a place:

National Numeracy Day 2022- Are you a Numbers Champion?

National Numeracy Day will take place on 18th May 2022.  Education Scotland and the Scottish Government will again participate as lead supporters of the #NationalNumeracyDay campaign in the hope of encouraging all adults in Scotland to become more confident in using numbers in every day life.

This year National Numeracy will celebrate numbers by hosting a mainly virtual festival, packed full of practical advice from celebrities and experts, inspirational stories from real-life learners and a host of free online events and resources.  The festival will focus on three key themes; supporting children’s numeracy, managing your money and numeracy for work.  “The impact of the economic [Covid-19] crisis has been disproportionately felt by those with low numeracy skills”  (Counting on the Recovery, 2021). It is particularly important at the moment, as households continue to face financial challenges, that we highlight the importance of being number confident and knowing how and where to get help to improve maths skills.

If you sign up to be a National Numeracy Day Champion you will receive free, fun materials and resources to use and share, and join over 2,800 other Champions helping the nation to feel good about numbers.  All participants will have access to an online number skills checker called ‘The Challenge’ that will help signpost to resources to improve number skills.

To be a champion you could run an online event, you could circulate resources to learners/parents or you could just simply promote the campaign via social media to your partners and stakeholders.

Sign up to be a Champion by clicking the link below:

To find out more visit National Numeracy Day ​

The Numeracy Challenge is a fun interactive tool to find out how confident you are using numbers, and it flags up how easy it is to get support and learn if you want to. Take the Numeracy Challenge, and encourage your staff/colleagues and learners too.

Since 2018, Scotland has had record numbers of community organisations, adult learning providers, schools and businesses signing up to be numeracy champions:

  • 6,054 people took action on the National Numeracy Challenge from Scotland, which is around 11% of the total Challenge actions
  • The average Challenge score in Scotland was 12.5, slightly higher than the average UK score of 12
  • The average confidence score in Scotland was also higher than the UK average (7 compared to 6.7)
  • 13% of all official Champions organisations supporting NNDay were from Scotland

Adult Achievement Awards

Adult Achievement Awards

Adult Achievement awards give learners the opportunity to gain a qualification for the learning they have undertaken in a variety of places:

  • In the community
  • At work
  • In the home
  • In college
  • Through volunteering

The awards are currently available on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) at Levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. There are no entry requirements for the awards. There are a range of organisations delivering the awards including local authorities, colleges and third sector organisations. The Adult Achievement Awards have been developed during Covid-19 to be delivered and assessed online so learners can still complete qualifications in spite of restrictions.

Newbattle Abbey College is the national accreditation centre for the Adult Achievement awards. The college produces Learner Guides, Reflective Journals and Tutor Guides and organises training programmes for tutors. It also provides administrative support and quality assurance advice. We recently had Sandra Grieve from Newbattle present to our Adult learning webinar in March 2021 to highlight the relevance of Adult Achievement Awards through an online approach– see her slides here: https://share.wakelet.com/doc/vW1kFQZVX-8i_0MnzCOkQ

For more information on Newbattle Abbey College: Adult Achievement Awards | Newbattle Abbey College

Case Study

Recently we highlighted the work of The Adult Achievement Award Partnership in Dundee and Angus as they creatively adapted the learning to be delivered online. There have been a number of learners who have completed the qualification through distance learning supporting their Health and Wellbeing during lockdown as well as allowing them to complete a qualification. The partnership consists of a number of partner agencies who work together to support and develop the delivery of the award, including a tutor network. The organisations include Dundee Volunteer and Voluntary Action, Dundee Carers Centre, Dundee City Council CLD, Angus Council Planning and Communities, LEAD Scotland and Alexander Community Development.

See our national Improvement Hub for more information on how the delivery of Adult Achievement awards has been adapted through Covid-19 by Dundee Carers Centre and Brechin and Montrose Communities Team. Adult Achievement Awards – Covid-19 response, developed for online delivery | Practice exemplars | National Improvement Hub (education.gov.scot)

 

 

Big CLD Blether

John Galt, CLD Education Officer reflects on the Big CLD Blether

Note: This is a post from back in the summer which we have transferred from our old CLD blog.

I’ve been absolutely blown away by the amazing response of the community learning and development (CLD) sector to the Covid-19 crisis. While the lockdown obviously led to the abrupt suspension of most face to face CLD activities, from the start we’ve been hearing examples of how community workers, youth workers, adult educators and family learning workers in both the public and third sectors have continued to support learners and communities with dedication, creativity and kindness. Across Scotland, CLD practitioners have been supporting community initiatives to deliver food, medicine or provide vital social contact to vulnerable families and isolated people; engaging with young people through imaginative digital youth work; adapting learning activities to be accessible online, by phone or through resources to use at home; and helping to extend the reach of school and community hubs for children of key workers and vulnerable families. Many CLD providers are now playing a key role in helping to develop local and national recovery plans.

So I was delighted to help to facilitate The Big CLD Blether  – a virtual discussion with over 90 CLD practitioners and managers across Scotland which was jointly hosted by Education Scotland and The CLD Standards Council for Scotland on 28th May. The session was one of a series held throughout May to support practitioners from across the education system. (#ESBigBlether)

One of the challenges in our diverse sector is finding common digital platforms to use. We went for Google Meet for The Big CLD Blether which seemed to work well for most people.

The discussions were based around four themes and participants chose which ones to take part in. We were lucky to have 3 or 4 experienced practitioners in each themed discussion who shared their experiences and addressed questions from other participants. There were a lot of issues raised in each of the four discussions. Notes from the session will be available on iDevelop but here are some of the points raised:

Theme one: Operational challenges for CLD providers

Participants recognised the good work being done to support the changing needs of learners and communities. CLD organisations are also dealing with significant challenges though. Many 3rd sector organisations are facing extreme financial pressures and some staff had been furloughed. In some areas, local authority CLD staff had been redeployed. Many have been realigning what they do to engage learners and communities remotely while trying to address the clear digital inequalities that exist in our communities. The move to digital is a steep learning curve for many and so effective professional learning for staff is key. There is a strong recognition of the need to support the health and wellbeing of learners and staff.

Theme two: Engagement and learning – what’s working well?

Examples of what is working well were threaded through each of the discussion groups.  We heard about the wide range of digital platforms being used by CLD providers to engage young people, adult learners and community groups. We heard lots of examples of practitioners being flexible and endeavouring to start where learners are at online and we were reminded of the Digitally Agile CLD principles and the great resources out there, such as those on digital youth work from YouthLink. There were frustrations at the limitations that some organisations placed on using some platforms, although there was a recognition of the increased importance of digital safety. We heard that Youth Awards like Hi-5 and Saltire are being widely used to recognise young people’s volunteering during the crisis and that as lockdown eases, there is an increasing focus on supporting young people through street work.

 Theme 3: Supporting the health and wellbeing of CLD participants and staff

CLD practitioners can help participants to address the impacts of staying at home and feelings of grief, worry, stress or loneliness. We heard some of the feedback from the Lockdown Lowdown study which led to discussions on how can we best support the mental wellbeing of young people now and as lockdown continues to ease. Meanwhile feedback from the CLD Standards Council practitioner survey highlighted that many workers were dealing with stress themselves. Effective CPD and peer support are increasingly important priorities for practitioners.

Theme 4: Looking forward – the role of CLD in the recovery phase.

CLD practitioners have important roles to play – in education recovery plans and in wider community renewal. There are many opportunities for CLD to contribute including outdoor learning, blended learning with schools, supporting parents and families, youth awards etc. broad range of services, showcase ourselves. CLD workers will also have key roles to support community groups and organisations to rebuild and help to rebuild partnership working and collaboration to ensure that resources are deployed to best effect. Much of the focus for recovery planning will be at the local level and it is important that CLD partners are involved. There will also be an increasing need for CLD to support wider regional and national collaboration to support ‘building back better’ efforts. Participants were keen to maintain some of the new processes that have been put in place during lockdown.

Feedback about The Big CLD Blether was positive. Participants told us that they enjoyed re-connecting with CLD colleagues and discussing experiences and  pieces of work going well.

Both Education Scotland and the CLD Standards Council are keen to keep the discussions going with further CLD ‘blethers’ so please watch this space!

 

CLD Response to Covid-19: East Renfrewshire Council

Community Learning and Development (CLD) response during COVID -19 lockdown

 East Renfrewshire Adult Learning & Adult Literacies Services

Continuing our case studies from the West Region on the amazing response of CLD during COVID-19 lockdown, we now want to highlight work from East Renfrewshire Adult Learning & Adult Literacies Services.

During lockdown, East Renfrewshire Council transformed their service to meet the needs of adult learners during the COVID-19 lockdown crisis.  Staff created online learning provision for those who had digital access, whilst recognising that many of the adult learners only had phones, with and without internet access, and that had to be taken into account to ensure the support remained inclusive.  The work that was carried out is a great testament to the CLD staff who have been creative, resourceful and enthusiastic about maintaining links with the community.  East Renfrewshire CLD have positive partnerships and these have been important throughout. In particular, for people in receipt of benefits as some were worried that their money would be affected if they weren’t online and seeking work.  Learning has been a lifeline for almost all adult learners in relation to their wellbeing.  Some people didn’t want to continue with learning but wanted an opportunity to stay connected with the team and/or their group.  CLD staff have been able to provide this support through phone calls and online forums.

There has been a strong focus on wellbeing during this difficult time. Over the past year or so, CLD Adult Learning and Adult Literacies staff had been evaluating the wellbeing provision and had implemented changes including the creation of wellbeing hour and development days for staff. All of the resources and activities developed for staff could be tailored for adult learners throughout our provision.  Wellbeing is at the heart of everything that East Renfrewshire CLD offer whether it’s a wellbeing group or an IT group. From the initial meeting through to the guidance and exit processes a learner centred approach is taken. Staff have benefitted from CLPL opportunities through partnerships within the authority and through membership of the West CLD Alliance, including the NHSGG&C Healthy Minds partnership.

 SQA Wellbeing units

Working in partnership with West College Scotland, CLD staff began looking at the course content and descriptors of the SQA Wellbeing units and were very keen to deliver these.The courses would be beneficial for individuals in relation to their own wellbeing but also transferrable to work related goals. In August 2019, we advertised the first unit, Exploring Wellbeing; SCQF: level 4. Referrals for this course came from within the service, Family First, RAMH and other partners. The course was popular and successful with adult learners positively evaluating the course and successfully achieving accreditation.  The group progressed to the next unit, Improving Wellbeing SCQF: level 4 in January 2020. When we were informed of lockdown the group were genuinely disappointed and hoping for a quick return. This group had already created a WhatsApp group to stay connected out with the course times.  This allowed staff to connect with the group during lockdown to make sure they had all of the information and support they required.

Some people chose not to continue learning during lockdown for various reasons, however, staff kept in contact with them at their request, as they were feeling isolated. For the online learning we found a platform that would work for everyone and provided digital support to ensure everyone could participate.

Working towards achieving accreditation provided a valuable focus for learners during this time. The assessment had been introduced a few weeks into the course and this helped the learners to know what was expected and allowed them to continue with their project from home. They received support from the Adult Learning Services CLD worker and the West College Scotland lecturer; including phone calls, emails and text messages, as well as the online video meetings. In addition to achieving a qualification, the main benefit for the group has been keeping people connected. Three of the group members live by themselves and keeping in touch with others has been a huge help throughout this difficult time. Positive quotes posted on the group chat, comments from other peers and just being able to chat to others has been a huge motivator for the learners and staff.  Working in partnership with West College Scotland, we have submitted our proposal for the Group Award: Mental Health and Wellbeing at SCQF level 4, due to start in September 2020 based on evaluations and consultations with adult learners.

 Staff Feedback

It was such a privilege as a CLD Worker to be working with this group. They were so unique in many ways, not only because of the pandemic. They were such a caring group and so enthusiastic, right from the very start. They were also very appreciative of anything I helped them with. They genuinely cared for each other and formed a bond, with not a single person left out. They were such an inspiration to me.  It reminded me of the reason why I enjoy my job!

 Learner Quotes

  • It helped me gain confidence and be more relaxed to be myself.
  • It was very easy to contribute in class but also during lockdown through emails and the WhatsApp group.
  • It has made me think about the way I was living my life. It was too complicated and too fast. Now I stop and think before I do anything.
  • I get lots more exercise now. I didn’t used to do as much but now I feel better for getting out and walking.

 

CLD Response to Covid-19: North Lanarkshire Council

Community Learning and Development (CLD) response during COVID -19 lockdown

North Lanarkshire Council – Adult Learning Delivery

Continuing our series of case studies from the West Region on the amazing response of CLD during COVID-19 lockdown we now want to highlight work from North Lanarkshire Council CLD Adult Learning Team.

Across North Lanarkshire Council the CLD Adult Learning Team has continued delivering their CLD service throughout the COVID lockdown period. Initially the CLD staff kept the lines of communication open and established the best way to keep in touch with all learners considering the range of devices being used and the level of learners’ digital involvement. The CLD – Communities and Adult Learning Team looked to ensure that fundamental needs were covered such as information on what was going on, access to food and prescriptions and support for those in isolation.

The speed of response by CLD staff was most impressive and all learners had established contact very early on. The flexible approach took into consideration the position of each individual learner. e.g. WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, Zoom – all mediums were utilised depending on what learners were best able to engage with reflecting the social practice approach. There also had to be consideration of learners that did not access social media or were not online in anyway. Some learners were contacted by phone and door step drops of learning packs and resources if required. The focus was prioritised around learning and health and well-being.

Highlights:

  • Learning Packs – ALN & ESOL

(Measuring, puzzle books, writing activities, Summer Reading Program)

(ESOL- photo dictionaries, SQA materials, Worksheets)

  • Pivot Garden – Updates posted on progress of newly completed garden and seedlings. Learners were able to access the garden individually and do some upkeep and gardening. Seedlings ‘adopted’ by Community Worker and when established delivered to learners for individual planting.

  • Wednesday Walk – Digital Health Walk – regular timetabled walking activity with theme, promoted via text and social media. Encourages learners to be more physically active and raises awareness of their mental wellbeing. Participants take photos on a positive theme – recent topics have included trees and bees and encouraging mindfulness. Participants then share their photos on social media, increasing their sense of connection. Nature themed topics have been extended with links to materials and activities from Cumbernauld Living Landscapes to encourage further learning.
  • Facebook pages for groups – Motherwell has 3 private Facebook groups set up: Gaelic Culture, Northern Lights Discovery and COLTS Discovery Group.  The learners are able to be in contact with one another and share photographs of their current activities and trips from last term. The Gaelic Culture Group have now set up Facebook Room within their private group; every Tuesday from 1-3pm they meet up for a video chat, practise their language skills together and do a short quiz. One group member who had been housebound over the last term has enjoyed being able to re-join her group online.  The Discovery learners have all kept on track with their activities during lockdown and one learner has just achieved her Silver Award. Wishaw Family History Group have a private Facebook Groups which allows the learners to keep in touch and share photographs of their current family tress and any progress made on their work. The group ‘meet’ weekly for a Facebook video chat: this allows them to socialise with one another, check in with the Support Worker for welfare purposes and share any new findings. Not only has the Facebook group decreased social isolation it has also allowed for learners to learn new IT Skills and explore avenues on social media platforms that they didn’t know existed!
  • ESOL Online -Aimed at ESOL learners and resettlement refugees. Delivered by Community workers, Support workers and Social Work. Ongoing WhatsApp groups where work is posted and a group for information sharing on Covid developments in Arabic & English. Weekly video calls and lessons for each learner. Difficulties were /are mainly which platform to use and longer term the need for a VLE set up for learners to submit work and track progress. Staff need for training in the use of digital online learning platforms and managing of social media.