A report by the Director for Children, Families and Education, presented by the Head of Service for Integrated Learning, Skills and Employment set out the service’s developments, summary of delivery and learning achievements in the 2020/21 academic year.

Members were advised how Wirral Council’s Lifelong Learning Service had actively engaged and supported local residents (Aged 19 +). Members heard how this grant funded council service continued to support the most disadvantaged, and had worked upon difficult issues using innovative approaches for example, supporting community cohesion, troubled families, Children’s Centres, family learning, refugees and improving mental health through learning.

The report advised how the 2020/21 academic year had proved to be challenging for the service with mixed models of course delivery being required including online when face to face was not practical due to lock down restrictions. The report informed Members how the service had expanded in 2020/21 and had subcontracted key provision to a range of providers, mostly in the third sector. Members heard how projects focused on four main themes: pre employability skills, volunteering and qualifications; mental health and wellbeing; environmental, horticulture and working outdoors and; family and parents.

In response to a question by a Member, the committee was advised how data was carried of attendees gaining employment and a number of case studies had been gathered and shared.

In response to a further question, Members were advised that the combined authority ‘Test and Learn’ pilot had proved to be successful as a means to improve methods of addressing skills needs more effectively in the Liverpool City Region.

With regards to family learning, it was explained how the uptake for this service is low and engagement is predominantly through primary schools. It was explained how despite the low intake, there has been an increase in integrating the family learning approach.

Resolved – That

(1) the report be noted.

(2) the Lifelong Learning Services’ planned improvements be supported and the contribution to improving the lives of adults in Wirral’s more deprived communities during 2020/21 be recognised.