What is Family Learning

The National Family Learning Network has broad and inclusive definitions of both 'family' and 'Family Learning'.

We take 'Family' to mean the diverse forms of modern kinship relationships that exist as well as the broader caring and friendship networks that people rely on and learn from throughout life.

1. formal and informal learning within the family;
2. family members learning together;
3. learning about roles, relationships and responsibilities in relation to stages of family life, including parenting education;
4. learning how to understand, take responsibility and make decisions in relation to wider society, in which the family is a foundation for citizenship; and
5. learning how to deal with agencies that serve families. ¹

¹ This definition is based on NIACE's publication Riches Beyond Price 1996

Similarly, we continue to see these as taking place in the following ways:

• formal initiatives - for example, Family Literacy, Language and Numeracy programmes, Wider Family Learning provision and Parenting Education programmes;
• broader initiatives - for example, Bookstart and Sure Start, and
• informal Family Learning opportunities - for example, through television, the Internet and the media, at museums, libraries, sports and leisure facilities, or through faith, community, family and voluntary groups and centres.

Family Learning is important for parents because it:

• Helps parents feel involved in the development and support of their own child's learning
• Helps parents understand how children are taught in school
• Improves skills with word, number and IT.
• Raises self-esteem through success
• Increases confidence
• Improves home school links
• Extends opportunities for further study
• Helps support parenting skills
• Improves job prospects

Source : Family Learning in County Durham

Family Learning is important for children because it:

• Helps improve social skills and relationships with peers and adults
• Improves behaviour
• Increases self esteem through achieving success
• Increases skill with word, number and IT
• Increases confidence
• Positively enhances how the child is seen by others
• Helps foster a positive attitude toward school
• Improves communications with parents

Source : Family Learning in County Durham

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