From September NYCC Ryedale Adult Learning Service are offering a wide range of courses that will help parents gain a better understanding of the needs of their children and aid in the development of better interaction between parent and child.  Obviously, these courses are also suitable for other relatives, carers and people who support children in work or play situations.

          Skills for Life courses help parents to gain the numeracy and literacy skills they need to support their children with homework, particularly in the primary sector. These classes will also help gain the written and verbal communication skills required to help you feel more confident.  Skills for Life courses are FREE, plus you get the opportunity to gain a National Qualification, supported and guided by a friendly teacher in an equally friendly environment.  Courses are offered in Pickering, Malton, Norton and Kirkbymoorside. There are a range of daytime and evening classes on offer and you can get further information by contacting our main centre on 0845 300 6681.

          Family Learning Courses offer families the opportunity to work together whilst improving their knowledge and having fun. The ‘Wider Family Learning’ selection of courses include French for Fun, Family Fitness, Family Cookery, Family Crafts and Family Computing. Any member of the family is welcome to attend as long as accompanied by a young person. The sessions are ideally aimed at children between the ages of six and twelve. Courses run all over Ryedale, most based in school venues, usually   starting at the end of the school day.

          For parents requiring more information on educational structures, a course entitled ‘keeping up with the children’ gives parents practical advice on helping children through key stages 1, 2 and 3. Please contact Leigh or Kath on 01609 533922 for further information. These sessions are FREE to all involved.

          Many parents have requested further learning opportunities in relation to Healthy Eating and Well-being. Starting in September and running throughout the year, there will be a wide range of courses in Health, Social Care and Well-being. These courses are also very suitable for people who work within a caring environment, such as nursing homes, youth centres and voluntary organisations. Some of the courses lead to nationally recognised certificates – These include :

Drugs Awareness Level 1 – 6 weeks of two hours per week.

Health and Nutrition Level 2 – 30 weeks of three hours per week

Sports First Aid – 6 weeks of 2 hours per week.

          In addition, there are some short courses in relaxation, aromatherapy, pilates and various other fitness and dietary awareness programmes. For those of you who like to try something a bit different to help improve fitness, why not sign up for belly dancing or salsa exercise?  Details of costs for these courses are available by contacting the office. Concessions may be available, please ask.

          Full details of our courses will be listed in the Ryedale Adult Learning 08/09 prospectus due out in July.  If you would like further information or wish to make an early reservation for a course – you can contact the office on 0845 300 6681 between 8.45am to 4.30pm any week day.  For those who would like further advice in relation to personal learning needs, we offer a FREE Information and Advice service, please ask for details.

Gill Garbutt OBE, Area Manager- Adult Learning Services.