Learning Programme

Under the Learning theme, one of the Local Community Planning Partnership (CPP) boards' key priorities is the promotion of literacy and numeracy. The key objectives relating to this priority are:

• To increase the number of adults accessing literacy & numeracy using innovative measures including family and youth literacies; and
• Better coordination of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) provision and enhanced learner information, access and placement.

June 2010 saw the launch of the Local CPP’s learning programme, which is being led and co-ordinated by Anniesland College along with the Young Women Christian Association, Central College, Glasgow West Regeneration Agency and Glasgow Life (formerly Culture & Sport Glasgow). The programme is adding value and capacity to established literacy, numeracy and ESOL services, which will ensure that more local people have the confidence and skills to help them access further education, training and employment.

Literacy and numeracy classes are being delivered in various community based venues within the following priority neighbourhoods: Townhead; Anderston; Cowcaddens; Saltmarket; Whiteinch/Partick; North Woodside; Dumbarton Road Corridor (principally Yoker/Scotstoun); Drumchapel; Netherton and Knightswood. Extra childcare provision is incorporated within the programme, which is helping to breakdown a significant barrier to learning and making it easier for local residents to access services.

The learning programme also incorporates an ESOL co-ordinating service. Known as the EASE (ESOL Advice, Support and Entry) model, it seeks to improve the overall coordination of ESOL services in the west of the city by enhancing learner information, access and placement. The approach that has been developed in the west is based on a model of best practice which began in the south east of the city.

As part of the EASE service, ESOL learners can attend test centres, through which they are assessed and bench marked using SQA standards. This process enables learners to be placed in a suitable ESOL class within the west of the city, which is appropriate to the level of their abilities. The test centres are delivered 1 day per week in Anniesland College and 1 day per week in Central College. The EASE service also enables learners to access childcare, maintenance and travel support.

Due to the diverse nature of the partnership involved in supporting the learning programme, funding is provided from a variety of sources including the Integrated Grants Fund (former Fairer Scotland Fund), Scottish Funding Council and Glasgow Life.

Further information on the West Learning Programme is available from Jim Anderson of Anniesland College on 0141 357 6102.