The report explains why lifelong learning is one of the goals of the New Deal for Communities (NDC) Programme and sets out the barriers to participation in learning opportunities that exist in the area covered by Newcastle NDC. It introduces seven projects in Newcastle NDC that relate to the provision of lifelong learning and then outlines the problems that they are trying to address. It explores the delivery of the project, identifying elements that can be considered as good practice. Drawing on interviews with those involved in the projects, the report considers how the projects have benefited local people and identifies barriers that still have to be overcome.

This research forms part of the national evaluation of the NDC, a neighbourhood renewal programme funded by central government. Lifelong learning is one of the educational goals of the NDC initiative.

The report is based on interviews with people who organised, ran or benefited from the projects developed by Newcastle New Deal for Communities that had lifelong learning as an underlying theme.

Newcastle NDC have had some success in engaging residents in lifelong learning opportunities. Success was linked to the provision of education or training opportunities in ‘non-threatening’ local venues in order to reach those residents who had poor experiences at school, and the use of local tutors wherever possible. Characteristics identified as good practice were the provision of good quality crèche facilities and being sensitive to the needs of ethnic minority residents. The residents benefited from partnership working between Newcastle NDC and other providers such as the European Social Fund (for funding) and local colleges.

Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR), Sheffield Hallam University
Prof. Paul Lawless (Director, National NDC evaluation), tel. +44 114 225 3529

01/11/2005

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Alison Kirton and Marie Lall

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Training

Lifelong learning