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Community Learning and Development
The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) is an important tool for those working in community learning and development (CLD) as it provides a common language for talking about learning and training.
Community learning and development in Scotland is defined as both an approach and a sector. CLD is an approach used by a range of organisations: "A common defining feature is that programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants [CLD's] main aim is to help individuals and communities tackle real issues in their lives through community action and community-based learning." Working and Learning Together (2004)
CLD is also a sector of learning alongside schooling, further and higher education. CLD promotes achievement:
- for adults - such as community-based adult learning, including adult literacy and numeracy (ALN) and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL);
- for young people - youth work, including working in partnership with formal education; and
- through building community capacity - including community development.
Learning Connections as a division of the Scottish Government was involved in the development of the SCQF, in raising awareness of the framework and in supporting SCQF initiatives within the CLD sector. Some of these were compiled in the Worth Doing report in 2008 (for this and other projects see Resources, Community Learning and Development).
From April 2010 Learning Connections staff became part of Learning and Teaching Scotland (LTS) and the Communities Team was established. The Communities Team is taking forward practice development and policy implementation for the CLD sector working in partnership with local and national organisations.
CLD staff in the public and voluntary sector account for 45% of the lifelong learning workforce according to recent research from LLUK. Growing Excellence: a Programme to Support the Upskilling of the Community Learning and Development Workforce is currently underway. One of the priority areas identified in this programme is to "Facilitate learner journeys through use of the SCQF and outcome-focused recognition of learning."
The Communities Team has an active role in supporting this work.
The CLD Standards Council also transferred to LTS. The CLD Standards Council is responsible for the registration of CLD practitioners, the approval of training courses, and the continuing professional development of the sector workforce. Check their website for more information on the distinct set of competences expected of staff in CLD.
The Communities Team continues to supports the SCQF through the Community Learning and Development Forum which it chairs. This group reflects key stakeholders within the CLD sector. It aims to promote and support understanding and appropriate application of SCQF within CLD. CLD interests are also represented on the SCQF Forum and on working groups.
For further information contact enquiries@LTscotland.org.uk marking your query for the attention of the Communities Team.
Last Updated July 2010