Leeds City College

In early 2025, a Family Learning class in Leeds began gaining attention for its remarkable impact on adult learners, particularly parents returning to education – many for the first time since school.

Family Learning is part of a growing movement to empower adults and parents with skills that benefit the whole household. Delivered through Leeds City College’s Adult & Community provision, Family Learning programmes are designed to build confidence, develop practical skills, and improve relationships at home.

These short, accessible classes take place in local community venues and are open to parents, carers and grandparents – with no previous qualifications needed. They offer a welcoming, pressure-free way to return to learning, helping participants to support their children’s education while working on their own personal and professional growth.

Aleks House, Deputy Head for Digital & Innovation in the ACE: Adult, Community & ESOL department at Leeds City College, visited the Family Learning class and was struck by the calm, connection, and confidence within the learning environment. When she returned, what stood out even more was the progress – not just in skills, but in mindset and self-belief.

Initially, many learners had little or no prior experience with sewing, and some lacked basic literacy skills. One learner shared:

“I couldn’t even write when I started. I didn’t have any confidence. I never thought I’d be able to write in paragraphs or talk about myself like this. Now, I’ve written my reflections in the course portfolio and finished a whole bunting piece – and I’ve already signed up on two more courses.”

Another, who had never used a sewing machine before, now proudly repairs her children’s clothes, “I mend things at home instead of chucking them away.”

The progression went beyond technical skills. Learners began creating personalised items like bunting, embroidered keepsakes, and character-led designs – pieces they once believed were beyond their ability. Several participants had already signed up for further education courses in English, Maths, and Teaching Assistant training, set to begin in September.

The benefits of the programme extended into learners’ personal lives. For many, the class provided more than just a creative outlet – it offered time for self-expression and mental reprieve.

“This is the only time in the week I’m not just ‘mum’. Here, I’m me.”

“We don’t get breaks. This class is our only time to just breathe – to do something for us.”

“I didn’t think I had any patience. But now I’ve learnt patience through sewing – and I’ve passed that on to my little boy.”

The shift in atmosphere was tangible. Where there had once been hesitation, there was now purpose. Learners left class feeling calmer, more confident, and more capable – qualities that rippled into their parenting and family lives.

Central to this transformation was class tutor, Analisa Thomas, whose impact was repeatedly highlighted by learners:

“She’s been there for us – not just in the classroom, but through everything. Appointments, welfare, confidence… She believed in us before we believed in ourselves.”

“She doesn’t just teach – she notices when we’re struggling and gives us space to breathe. She’s the reason I kept coming back.”

Such environments don’t arise by chance. They are carefully cultivated through trust, empathy, and consistent care – qualities that are often in short supply in adult education spaces, especially for parents navigating complex life circumstances.

The significance of Family Learning is well documented. Research has consistently linked programmes like this to:

Improved adult literacy, numeracy, and digital skills
Enhanced school outcomes for children – with development gains of up to 15%
Pathways to employment and volunteering
Better mental health, increased confidence, and stronger parenting

Despite this, the future of Family Learning in Leeds is under threat. The city is reviewing all 56 of its children’s centres due to funding pressures. These centres are integral to delivering Family Learning programmes. Their closure would mean more than the loss of a class – it would dismantle the support systems that have enabled learners to grow as individuals, parents, and members of their communities.

As one learner stated:

“If this centre closed, I wouldn’t just lose a class – I’d lose the one thing that’s helped me grow, for me and my kids.”

This highlights the transformative potential of Family Learning – not only in equipping adults with practical skills but in fostering resilience, confidence, and community. These stories are not isolated. They are happening every week, often unnoticed. With the future of such programmes in jeopardy, there is an urgent need to advocate for their protection and expansion.

To support the continuation of Family Learning in Leeds, consider signing the petition to stop the closure of local children’s centres. Click here to sign