The Bloomer Family
The Innovation Unit's Communities for Learning project worked to develop innovative educational practice that would improve life chances, by creating a new dynamic between schools and their communities. The pilot schools went beyond the curriculum and engaged the wider community in co-designing the learning taking place in the schools. This benefited, not only the students in the schools, but also those engaged in co-designing the learning, including the childrens' families (as shown below).
2008 Family Learners of the Year Helen, Sam and Eve Bloomer left school without any qualifications and had 18 children and four grandchildren when still in their thirties. Yet, thanks to the Communities for Learning project they now all have numeracy, literacy and classroom assistant qualifications. They lead after school activities, encourage other parents to become involved with school and Sam has worked with other families as a Community Learning Partner. They have broken the cycle of underachievement too - their children and grandchildren have a new view of learning and the value of education.
For more information, please visit http://www.innovation-unit.co.uk/projects/communitiesforlearning.
Organisation
Innovation Unit
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Website
innovation-unit.co.uk
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Darni's story
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Darni suffers from both Hemiplegia (total paralysis of the arm, leg, and trunk on the same side of the body)and OCD. SHS helped Darni to gain self-belief and confidence and worked closely with his family to ensure that he settled in to his new school. Find out how here...
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More on Darni's story
Fahran's story
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Find out how SHS supported Fahran at school and at home, restoring his confidence and enjoyment of school and also helping his family get through an extremely challenging time.
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More on Fahran's story
Jack's Story
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Armathwaite First School’s approach builds on the idea that everyone has expertise
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More on Jack's Story
The Bloomer Family
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Helen, Sam and Eve Bloomer all left school without qualifications. They have 18 children between them, and already had four grandchildren when still in their thirties. The Innovation Unit's Communities for Learning project has helped to transform their lives.
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More on The Bloomer Family