Policy Papers
Feb 2011: Submission to the Department of Education and Skills
The submission focuses on the contribution of the further education sector, in particular community education, to meeting the Skills Strategy objectives and the role of further education and community education programmes within the overall further education and training sector. Read the submission to the Department of Education and Skills.
Feb 2011: Position Paper on a Funding Mechanism for Community Education
This paper was developed by AONTAS and the Community Education Network in recognition of the funding challenges experienced by community education groups. Community education groups in the CEN fund their education activities from a variety of sources. This position paper proposes a rationale for a new mechanism for funding community education which takes account of the complete costs, which is multiannual, and which recognises the need for both vocational and non vocational education as well as accredited and non accredited options.
Feb 2010: Adult Education: A Current Diagnosis & Measures for Recovery
Adult Education: A Current Diagnosis & Measures for Recovery, a short paper illustrating the current demand for adult education and three measures for recovery, was launched at The Adult Education Clinic as part of the Adult Learners' Festival 2010, Lobby for Learning Day. AONTAS contends that there are three key issues which must be addressed if the adult education sector is to meet its potential and play a full part in assisting our economic recovery.
1. Resources - Funding for providers, and financial supports for learners
2. Recruitment - The Public Sector Embargo
3. Structures - Planning nationally, delivering locally
Download the document: Adult Education: A Current Diagnosis & Measures for Recovery
Submission to the Higher Education Strategy
AONTAS welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the debate on Higher Education in Ireland. AONTAS made a submission to the National Strategy on Higher Educationin June 2009 in which we identified three significant changes that need to be made to higher education in Ireland including:
- The need for more flexible learning opportunities for adult learners taking into account their work and caring responsibilities.
- The need for a change in the culture and attitude of higher education institutions to ensure the distinct needs of adult learners are met
- The need for better financial supports for adult learners in higher education including revising the eligibility for maintenance grants for part time mature students.
To read AONTAS submission on the Higher Education Strategy, please click here
Student Support Bill 2008
AONTAS will be working hard over the coming months to influence the Student Support Bill which is now at Committee stage. Although the Bill is most relevant to students registering for the academic year 2009-2010, it is vital that AONTAS keeps up the momentum so that the needs of adult learners inform the Bill.
The main issue of contention for AONTAS is that the Bill defines 'appropriate courses' as full time courses. AONTAS believes that this contradicts a commitment to lifelong learning, by excluding both part-time learners and those accessing distance education initiatives, many of whom are adults returning to learn.
To read AONTAS submission on the Student Support Bill, click here.
Submission to the Interdepartmental Committee on the Implementation of the National Skills Strategy
In July 2008 AONTAS made a submission to the Interdepartmental Committee on the Implementation of the National Skills Strategy. In this submission AONTAS outlines its recommendations to the committee for addressing barriers to up skilling and participation in the workforce. In order to secure Ireland's competitiveness into the future, the National Skills Strategy must incorporate an implementation plan which attends to the needs of both employees in the workforce and those who are unemployed. In order to achieve the goals set out in 'Towards 2016'; the Government must, as a key priority, remove barriers to accessing education and training for adult learners. Read AONTAS' submission to the Interdepartmental Committee in full.
Part-time fees in Higher Education
In June 2007 AONTAS produced a Policy Position Paper on Part-time Fees in Higher Education outlining the organisation’s stance on fees charged for part-time courses in third level institutions. The paper was drawn up following extensive consultation with relevant stakeholders, including third level institutions, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the National Access Office. The paper identifies the need for the removal of fees for part-time students in order to ensure equal access for all learners in higher level education. However the paper highlights that fees for part-time students are “one piece of the jigsaw” and comprehensive supports, including financial assistance are also required for smooth progression through the system.
Lifelong Learning Needs of Older People
Also in June, AONTAS produced a Discussion Document on the Lifelong Learning Needs of Older People in Ireland, at the request of the Further Education Section, DES. The report was informed by broad consultation with relevant stakeholders including providers of services to older people and older people involved in lifelong learning. It will inform more in-depth research in the area in 2008 which is being supported by Age & Opportunity, the Irish National Agency working toward challenging negative attitudes to ageing and older people and promoting greater participation by older people in society. This research will examine the extent to which the learning needs of older people are understood and addressed within the adult and community education sector, and explore how adult educators might be supported to develop innovative approaches and processes which will engage older people in learning and strengthen their voice in relation to their right to learn. The research will be completed by end of May 2008.
Professional Development and Support Services for Adult and Community Education
In 2007 AONTAS submitted a discussion paper on professional development and support services in adult and community education to the Further Education Section and the Steering group for the Community Education Facilitator’s Training and Support Programme. There are now more resources , and as a consequence many more staff available to adult and community education than ever before, and this has led to more sophistication in the service. The development and implementation of the various quality assurance frameworks (NALA, Youthreach, FETAC, AONTAS Women’s Quality Assurance Framework) , and the process of strategic planning at local level, have required a range of new skills within the sector including leadership, change management, strategic thinking and planning and the development of partnerships. The paper identifies training needs within the sector and recommends the establishment of the Inter-Agency Working Group on professional development as recommended by the White paper on Adult education, Learning for Life.
