Family Learning Tutor Rachel Twort shows how Family Learning works in Beckfoot School, Bradford
Colour and Light – out of sight!
The 2015 Bradford Family Learning Festival has the theme of Colour and Light.
The festival is taking place across the autumn half term break, and promises loads of activities for families across the Bradford District The Festival is run with our partners at the National Media Museum, the National Trust and Forster’s Bistro along with the Impressions Gallery and Bradford Council’s library service.
During the 23rd of October to the 31st October, Bradford libraries along with Bradford’s museums, will be hosting various colourful events readings and craft activities. East Riddlesden Hall will be encouraging visitors to make coloured lanterns in time for Halloween and at Cliffe Castle, create your very own stained glass to take home! Get your picture taken in a variety of colourful costumes at the Impressions Gallery in Centenary Square. Come to the science events at Forsters Bistro and check out the Media Museum where creative events will be running, throughout the week! There is something for everybody!
Contact your local Bradford library in the first instance, or click the picture above for more information.
See you there!
Happy Birthday Horton Community Farm!
Horton Community Farm, supported by Family Learning, is celebrating its 3rd birthday on Saturday November 14th 2015, by running a drop in volunteer session for families. Come along and join the fun!
There will be activities including playing games, getting creative with natural materials and helping with farm jobs.
Everyone is welcome and no booking is necessary. Activities are aimed at children between the ages of 3 and 11. Horton Community Farm can be found in Great Horton at Cecil Avenue, BD7 3BW.
See you there!
Little Britain – Join a Library!
Education secretary Nicky Morgan is teaming up with Little Britain 
actor and writer David Walliams to promote library membership. The Department for Education will also support the Reading Agency to work with schools to get more Year 3 pupils (aged 7-8) enrolled at their local library.
Nicky Morgan says: “No matter where they live or what their background, every single child in this country deserves the opportunity to read, to read widely, and to read well – it’s a simple matter of social justice…That’s why I am pleased to team up with David on this national mission to make our young people the most literate in Europe.”
David Walliams adds:”In a world of the constant distractions of television and computer games, it is more important than ever to encourage youngsters to read.”
Poorer toddlers missing out – OFSTED
Half of under two year olds who are entitled to free nursery places are not taking up the offer, according to Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector of OFSTED. Those from disadvantaged backgrounds can make huge strides to match the attainment of their wealthier peers, if they were able to attend he states. However, the department for Education disagrees.
Read a transcript of Sir Michael Wilshaw’s speech here
Schools Out!
With the summer break looming, here is a list of events happening throughout the Bradford district for children!
Click on the picture to find out more!
Poor Pupils Not Benefiting from Premium
Poor pupils are not reaping the benefits of the Pupil Premium in schools, according to the National Audit Office.
Some two million children between five and 16 qualify for funding, out of seven million pupils. £2.5bn was given to schools in 2014-15 as pupil-premium funding – money allocated for children from poorer backgrounds. The aim is to “close the gap” between richer and poorer children, by improving academic performance.
Amyas Morse head of the NAO states: “Early signs are that the Pupil Premium has potential, but it will take time for its full impact to become clear. As it takes the policy forward, the Department will need to review whether spending more in this way would allow it to close the attainment gap more quickly. The high degree of local discretion has benefits and costs. Some schools don’t appropriately focus funding on disadvantaged pupils, and some spend funds on activities which are not demonstrably effective.
Read the NAO summary report here
Read BBC News report here
NSPCC Figures Make Disturbing Reading for 2015
“Only by monitoring the extent of child abuse and neglect in the UK can we judge whether efforts to prevent maltreatment and to protect children are working.” This is according to Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, after the organisation published worrying UK wide statistics for 2015.
In its key findings, the organisation’s ‘How Safe Are Our Children 2015’ report found that:
- All 4 countries in the UK have seen the number of recorded sexual offences against children increase over the last year.
- There’s been an increase in contacts to theNSPCC helpline and ChildLine about sexual abuse.
- Neglect remains the most common form of child abuse in the UK.
- However, the number of children dying as a result of homicide or assault remains in long term decline
The full report can be found here
Children May Not Be A Good Sport With Technology
The Youth Sports Trust claims that children might be losing out to sport and physical activity, because of their reliance on hand held devices. The Leicestershire based charity states that action is needed now to reform how PE and sport is working in schools and has forecast how this could all look by the year 2035.
A report by the charity demonstrates how technology can be used to change PE and school sport, empower young people to take responsibility for their own activity levels and that PE can play an important role in educating young people about healthy balance, in their lives.
Ali Oliver, Chief Executive of the Youth Sports Trust, said: “The digital revolution presents opportunities and challenges with young people potential hostages to their handheld devices.
The chief executive continues: “This report clearly signals that action is needed now to modernise the approach to PE and school sport and in doing so, guarantee the best possible future for generations to come.”
Please look at Report – Sport in Schools in 2035
Families Grow Together This Summer
Family Learning are running a summer camp for parents and their children between the 27th and the 29th of July 2015. The event at Horton Community Farm in Bradford, invites you to experience the ‘Beauty of the Wild On Your Doorstep’. 
Learners will be be cooking on a campfire and working on a farm, amongst other activities!
For more details contact Rachel at Family Learning on 01274 385521 or 07582 103459. Alternatively, e mail her at Rachel.twort@bradford.gov.uk