Camden Learning is now supporting more than 100 supplementary schools and community education settings providing access to learning outside of the school day across the borough, helping to strengthen governance, safeguarding and long-term sustainability for this provision.
When we talk about education, many people just think about schools. But across Camden there is a rich network of supplementary schools and out-of-school settings that are providing learning opportunities, cultural enrichment and vital support for children, young people and their families.
These organisations are often deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Some offer homework support or additional tuition, and work with home-educated learners. Some might help young people to develop their language skills; celebrate their cultural heritage; or provide religious education. And others provide extra-curricular clubs including in dance, music, drama and sports. In many cases, they are also trusted community hubs and an important contact for families.
Most of these supplementary schools have grown organically in response to local need and are driven by goodwill, passion and a genuine desire to make a difference. The commitment of the people who run them is genuinely inspiring.
As Camden Learning’s Supplementary Learning Adviser, I have the privilege of working alongside these organisations every day, helping them build strong foundations for the future while recognising the enormous contribution they make to the borough.
Working in partnership with the Young Camden Foundation, Voluntary Action Camden and the Young People’s Foundation Trust, we help these organisations to strengthen their work and build sustainable foundations for the future.
We organise termly meetings, training and networking opportunities, as well as advice and support around governance, safeguarding and organisational development.
We also facilitate events where providers can come together and share good practice, celebrate achievements and strengthen partnerships across the voluntary and public sectors in Camden.
Later this year, we will be visiting the House of Commons to showcase the work we do, because Camden is very much leading the way in the development of this work.
To date, our network has reached more than 114 settings across Camden.
This work is about partnership rather than inspection. Camden Learning’s aim is to support organisations by helping them access resources, funding opportunities and professional expertise so they can continue delivering high-quality provision for children and families.
By working together, we can make sure that these important community organisations continue to flourish as they bring life-changing opportunities for future generations of Camden’s children and young people.
You can find out more about our work alongside partners on supplementary learning, and sign up to our newsletter, here.
