European Social Fund in England

A sure start to learning

Parents in Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich are gaining life-changing skills, qualifications and confidence, knowing their children are having fun in a high quality crèche while they learn.

With help from ESF funding, Sure Start Thorpe Hamlet and Norfolk Adult Education Service have provided a community-based learning and advice service, Sure Start Extra, since January 2002.

Thorpe Hamlet was chosen for the first wave of the Government's Sure Start initiative because of the levels of need in the area. Liz Chapman, the local Sure Start Programme Manager, was quick to recognise that one of the things parents needed was better access to learning. Liz, who was keen that the whole community should benefit, says, "The ESF money has meant that we've been able to build on our existing Sure Start programme to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for everybody in the area."

Initially, the project ran in community venues but on moving to a new building Sure Start converted its old premises into a Learning Centre with two well-equipped training rooms, one with 11 PCs with internet access. The course programme is wide and includes a range of computer courses, Literacy, Numeracy and more.

Funded under ESF Objective 3, Sure Start Extra aims to reach the hard-to-reach and in community education, this includes men. A full-time Education Development Worker works with a Fathers' Worker to bring new learners into the project. So far, 367 people have benefited, with 156 gaining qualifications.

Partnership working has been central to the success of the project. Norfolk IAG has provided a computer with internet access, used for careers guidance, CV-writing and job search. Jobcentre Plus has provided a free phone link, and lone parents on benefits can see their Lone Parent Adviser at the Learning Centre.

The project builds confidence over time, supporting people to make real changes in their lives. Stacey, a lone parent in her third year with Sure Start Extra, is currently doing Get Arty and working towards a computer qualification. Her daughter really enjoys the crèche and Stacey feels that she benefits from it. "I now feel that I'm ready for work as I have gained GCSE grade C in both English and Maths" says Stacey. "I have got my confidence back and kept my sanity instead of staying at home."

For more information, please contact:

Christine Spooner

Education Development Worker

Sure Start Thorpe Hamlet

E-mail: christine.spooner@ntlworld.com

Tel: 01603 767236

Fax: 01603 619973