Phoenix launches new Family Learning Centre

---

Help for parents to support their children's education and to become involved in the school life

Phoenix High School, in Shepherds Bush, has launched a new Family Learning Centre to help parents support their children’s education and become more involved in school life.

The centre is housed in refurbished offices next to the school library and has a large meeting and relaxation area as well as a computer room. It will run a programme of after-school courses and activities for parents and families of pupils.

These will include:
· Themed sessions based on subjects that their children are studying, such as science or maths evenings. School staff will discuss the curriculum pupils are studying so parents can better support them at home.
· Learning opportunities for parents, carers and families – e.g. computer, internet or maths and English courses.
· Social activities based around healthy living, sports & fitness and other activities run by school staff or people from outside organisations and the community.

The Family Learning Centre was launched last Tuesday (12 October) during national Family Learning Week, organised by Campaign for Learning to raise awareness of the importance and scope of family learning.

The new Family Learning Centre has been funded by the Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (PNRP) - which is using government regeneration money to fund more than 20 projects, including arts and sports activities, at the school.

The centre will be managed by Phoenix High’s transition co-ordinator for key stage two to three, Joan Telford, whose post is funded by the PNRP. She will liaise with parents and families to develop a programme of activities.

Headteacher William Atkinson said: “This exciting development will enable Phoenix High School to extend and deepen our already very good working relationship with parents and families. It is one more way that we can connect with parents and encourage them to be active partners in the education of their children and the life of the school.”

Parent Alice Owusu, who lives near the school and has a son and nephew there, said: “It will be good for the mothers and families to be able to come here. I am busy but I always try to make sure I come to meetings at the school when I am invited.”

Viv Bird, Phoenix High’s chair of governors, said: “This is a quality centre with good resources, which is what parents and families of pupils at the school deserve. It will enable them to learn more about what their children are studying and find out more about areas such as healthy eating, computers and the internet, which will help them improve their own skills and ability to support their children’s learning.”

Cllr Andrew Slaughter, leader of the council, said: “The support of parents and families is vital if our schools are to succeed in raising standards so I very much welcome this latest development at Phoenix High School. The Family Learning Centre builds on the work of the Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, which is funding a wide range of arts, sports, learning and family support initiatives to raise achievement and improve the quality of life for children and their families at Phoenix High, neighbouring primary schools and the community they serve.”

 

October 17, 2004