Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report on Halton’s Creative Curriculum for Adult Learning in 2024/25. Work was done to design programmes that would allow a holistic development of literacy, teamwork, communication/presentation skills, self-reflection and confidence. Halton Adult Learning was fully externally funded by LCR’s Adult Skills Fund. There were previously issues with staff members going off on long-term sick leave. Officers provided brochures to the Board detailing the work undertaken in 2024/25 including crafts, murals, educational trips to free to access places and writing stories which were published. Most of the 450 adult learners in Halton enrolled on the creative courses and the feedback received was very positive.

          It was confirmed that Halton Adult Learning will need to pay £20,000 back to LCR as the allocation target was not met. However, they had recently received £25,000 from the UKSPF to provide literacy lessons.

          Regarding the books that the adult learners had got published, Officers agreed to provide them put into local schools as it promoted local successes.

          Historically, there had been issues with getting non-accredited courses funded but a lot of adults did not want to take accredited courses because there could be negative connotations for exams. Classes were 12 adults at maximum in order to help individual learning.

          The Board praised the work done by Halton Adult Learning and suggested that the artwork of the learners go in Bridley Theatre.

          It was confirmed that the learning courses were for adults aged 19 and above.

          RESOLVED: That the report be noted.