Birkbeck's Faculty of Lifelong Learning is collaborating with two Sure Start children's nurseries in east London to make part-time higher education available locally for people from diverse and under-represented communities.
"We are delighted that the project has been recognised," said Elaine Hawkins, Birkbeck, academic co-ordinator of the project. "This initiative has provided learning opportunities for 30 mothers of young children who would otherwise not have been able to access formal learning."
In September 2007, 15 Muslim women started studying at St Stephen's Children's Centre in Upton Park. The majority of these students were born outside the UK but now have British citizenship and are seeking to build on lower level qualifications gained in their countries of origin. In the Rebecca Cheetham Child Care Centre, Stratford, another 15 women from diverse backgrounds also began their studies.
"Attendance at classes has been exceptional despite students' sometimes demanding family responsibilities," continued Elaine. "During the past year, two babies have been born but, in each case, the mother returned to successful study after only two weeks' break!"
Although some higher education providers have worked with parents in Sure Start nurseries, this project is distinctive in the amount of face to face learning provision for parents within the nursery environment, whilst their children are being cared for. In addition, the weekly topics taught in class took into account the specific learning needs and interests of the different student groups.
By the end of their first year of study 75% of the women who started last September had completed 60 credits towards their level 4 Certificate of Higher Education Introductory Studies. These students are keen to continue their studies towards degrees in Early Childhood Studies at the University of East London or on the Birkbeck BSc in Social Sciences, both available in Stratford. The project has attracted the interest of other Sure Start centres in east London and there are plans to extend the availability of courses to new areas in the 2008/9 academic year.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony, held on Thursday 23 October 2008.
For more information about these courses visit:
www.bbk.ac.uk/ce/prephe or contact Elaine Hawkins on tel number 0207 631 6603, or email e.hawkins@bbk.ac.uk.
