Adult education - for everyone!
Government funding cuts are threatening the future of many local evening classes. These are currently enjoyed by people of all ages and cover a variety of work-related and recreational studies.

• Fewer classes and higher fees
• Over 60s miss out
• A national campaign
• How can I help?
• What you've said to us
• Latest news
• Have your say and sign the online petition

Fewer classes and higher fees
In Wandsworth the Government has cut funding for adult and community learning by £300,000 in the last two years.

This has led to fewer classes and higher fees. This year the council has done its best to limit the impact for local people - but further cuts could spell the end for many recreational classes.

Those most likely to be at risk would include arts-based courses and health and fitness classes.

Over 60s miss out
The Government wants colleges to focus on the 16-19 age group and those needing basic skills

This is a worthy aim, but channelling funding to this important priority should not be at the expense of older people's learning needs.

NIACE - the national body for adult learning - is campaigning with Age Concern to change government policy. They report that following the 2004 cuts the number of over 60s taking part in publicly funded further education dropped by a staggering 24 per cent.

Age Concern say ignoring the learning needs of older people is short sighted.

Gordon Lishman of Age Concern comments: "Learning is a great way to keep the mind active and meet new people. People at any age can benefit from learning and new skills. The Government needs to stop writing older people off."

A national campaign
You can find out more about Learning in Later Life at the Age Concern website
www.ageconcern.org.uk

The NIACE website also has more information on its campaign for Fairer funding for Adult Learning  www.niace.org.uk

How can I help?
If you are already attending a course, make your colleagues aware of how continuing cuts could affect you.

 Have your say. We will publish your comments here and report them to Bill Rammell, Minister for Lifelong Learning.

Wandsworth Council news

22/07/2008  Views sought on schools investment
21/07/2008  More support for active baby boomers
02/07/2008  Putney – 'a great school of art'
19/06/2008  Stop adult education cuts, council urges
22/02/2008  Council 'best at standing up for residents'
01/11/2007  Wandsworth bucking trend on adult classes