The Learning Revolution White Paper

1
The Learning Revolution White Paper

• April 2009

2
Introduction

• Emerges from Informal Adult Learning
  consultation.
• Volume of responses noted
• Personal project of John Denham
• Used to draw in other government departments to
  endorse

3
Definition summarised

• Informal learning is learning for its intrinsic
  value
• a kaleidoscope of part-time, non-vocational
  learning where the primary purpose isnt to gain
  a qualification
• contributes to the health and well-being of
  communities by building the confidence and
  resilience of the individuals involved

4
Overarching principles

• Learning to know becoming inspired, discovering
  and exploring, developing a passion for learning,
  acquiring knowledge and understanding of
  ourselves, our immediate world and beyond
• Learning to do gaining skills, confidence,
  competence and practical abilities
• Learning to live together learning tolerance,
  mutual understanding and interdependence, sharing
  the experience of learning with family and
  friends
• Learning to be developing ourselves, our mental
  and physical capacity, wellbeing and autonomy,
  and our ability to take control of our lives and
  influence the world around us.

5
Four initiatives

• Learning Pledge WEA is a founding member
• Festival of Learning starting this autumn
• Open Space Movement helping informal adult
  learning to be organised and use public venues
• Transformational fund investing in partnerships
  to innovate and address barriers to learning

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Other chapters

• Increasing access to IAL accessibility,
  contribution to well-being in later life, within
  workplace
• Transforming way people learn through technology
  digital mentors (EM success), website for
  information on courses/venues, broadcasting,
• Making it happen National Advisory Group chaired
  by Secretary of State, local partnerships led and
  coordinated by local authorities

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Funding commitment

• maintaining the vocational priorities but
  reviewing extent that basic ICT needs are being
  met
• 210 million safeguard
• protected funding for SDIs including WEA at 40m
  for 08-09
• plus investment of other govt depts.

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Other points

• New forum for third sector organisations with
  interest in informal adult learning
• Fit for purpose accountability including new
  inspection approach to Informal Adult Learning
  with focus on partnership, innovation, widening
  participation and positive outcomes.

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Positives?

• Clear departure from the certainties of Leitch
  (employers lead, people follow) provides a new
  language and principles
• Important Govt document at the end of the LSC
  and maximum of 14 months from the next election.
• Permissive framework hard to disagree with
  principles
• Seeks to move on from safeguard to a broader
  endorsement of the importance of adult learning
  including taught courses - in many parts of
  public agenda.

10
But

• How does 3rd Sector Forum relate to the Single
  Voice, self-regulation, LSIS, etc?
• How will the local element work?
• Can the learning and skills technocracy allow the
  permissive framework to succeed?
• What will happen without Denhams lead?