Introductions

South London Lifelong Learning Network:

An Overview

Denise Cooper

What are LLNs

‘The aim of the LLNs is to guarantee progression for learners on vocational programmes: to establish the same clarity, coherence and opportunity for those learners as is enjoyed by their counterparts following academic routes’.

HEFCE – ‘Lifelong Learning Networks: progress report and next steps, Spring 2005

Lifelong Learning Networks

29 networks across the country – most are regional – some are national like the National Arts Network and Vetnet

5 funded LLNs in London: Linking London, Thames Gateway, South East London, West London and South London

Widening participation – supporting the learner journey

HEFCE Strategic Plan

Awareness raising, information and guidance

Better preparation

Ensuring open and fair access

Enabling effective transition

Flexible progression

Supporting retention & success

Croydon College

Merton College

West Thames College

Kingston College of FE

RACC

Carshalton College

South Thames College

RUTC

KU

AbbreviationsRACC: Richmond Adult & Community CollegeRUTC: Richmond Upon Thames College

South London Lifelong Learning Network

Goldsmiths College

Bromley College

St George’s University of London

London South Bank University

Roehampton UniversityRoyal Holloway

St Mary’s Univ. College

Hillcroft College

John Ruskin College

Coulsdon College

University of Greenwich

Orpington College

South London LLN: Aim

The South London Lifelong Learning Network (SL LLN) will focus on the needs of the vocational learner and will widen participation. It will increase learner progression, attainment and success and open up access to targeted vocational courses by providing information and advice, appropriate pathways, support for learners’ employers and institutions, backed by the necessary supporting infrastructure. The LLN will engage employers and meet their higher level skills requirements.

SL LLN: Objectives

To increase the numbers of learners from vocational routes and non-traditional backgrounds studying at higher levels

To increase the retention and success rate of learners from vocational routes and non traditional backgrounds

To increase the progression within higher education of those completing Foundation degrees and equivalent qualifications to honours degrees and post graduate study

SL LLN: Objectives

To meet the specific higher level skills requirements of employers in three target sectors

To further improve collaboration and sharing of best practice between higher education institutions, further education colleges, work based learning providers and other bodies and partnerships

To improve the regional skills base and quality if the workforce, and contribute to regional skills strategy priorities.

Focus of the SL LLN

Three sectors Health, Social Care and biomedical

science Construction/engineering Sport and Leisure

Young people and adults in learning Work based learners Adults engaging in CPD

Some Current Activities

Development of Progression Agreements The common modules Staff development Engaging with employers Evaluating the pilot projects and seeking

ways to role out across the region Identifying and disseminating good practice Disseminating ASNs across the region Using LLN funds to do all of the above

Some Current Activities

Establishing baseline data – to determine impact

Course mapping Congress TV Sector Groups – making links to

SSCs & Employers HEFCE funding to be Diploma

Pathfinder – working between Diploma Gateways and HEIs – IT

Examples of initiatives

Examples that exemplify characteristics: RuTC/Roehampton & St Mary’s – Sport transition

module Kingston College & LSBU – Engineering bridging

course including maths, science and research skills University of Greenwich – Health transition to

honours course West Thames College & Roehampton University &

Kingston University – ESOL transition module Kingston University & St George’s – Enhancing

Progression: Furthering Career Opportunities Greenwich University – Credit transfer short courses

SL LLN & the SLLP

SL LLN funding for a 0.5FTE Project Manager post based at KU through to March 2008

Align and increase joint working

Working on defined projects:

SL LLN & the SLLP

Communication of the LLNPromotional material with case studies, activities for training providers in private, public and VCS that raise awareness

Integration of IAG ServicesInclude HE reps on IAG Task GroupAwareness raising event with HEIs on the role of the SLLP

SL LLN & the SLLP

Evaluation Evaluate impact of IAG activities in current LLN pilot projects

Development of LLN Resources Staff Development and Training

CPD activities for those delivering IAG to employers and vocational learners. Network of HE admissions staff. Appoint and prepare IAG champions

Contacts

Denise CooperDirectord.cooper@kingston.ac.uk 020 8547 8792

Sarah AdibiSector Manager – Health, Social Care & Biomedical Sciencess.adibi@kingston.ac.uk 020 8547 7783

Kerry BakerSector Manager – Construction & Engineeringk.baker@kingston.ac.uk 020 8547 7803

Hazel ManleySector Manager – Sport, Leisure & Tourismh.manley@kingston.ac.uk 020 8547 7760

Contacts

www.southlondonlpe.co.uk