Laurence Berthelot and her daughter Jessica joined a Centre
for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE) family literacy
course during the summer term of 2005. The course was delivered
from Jessica's primary school in the London Borough of Southwark.
This course supports the acquisition of skills and knowledge
in reading, writing, speaking and listening for adults and
children, and includes the following aims:
- to enable parents/carers to develop confidence and
skills to support their child's literacy learning
- to enable parents/carers to develop confidence and
skills in their own literacy learning and gain a qualification
- to enable the children to develop confidence and skills
in their own literacy learning and to raise their achievement
in literacy
- to provide access to other accredited courses for
parents/carers
Laurence achieved Entry level 2 qualifications in the literacy
core curriculum for adults, and furthered her learning by
enrolling on a Level 2 childcare course at college. Jessica
made great gains in her language development - French is
her first language - and settled into her new school quickly,
directly supported by her mother working in school alongside
her on the course and following up ideas and reading activities
in the home.
The family had recently arrived from France to live in
the UK on a long-term basis, and Laurence recognised the
value of attending a family learning course as a springboard
to achieve her goal of a new career for herself in Britain.
At the same time, she was aware that this would be of benefit
for her daughter too, particularly as the family spoke only
French at home. Laurence was astute in recognising the importance
of parents and school working in partnership from the onset
to support reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Laurence initially lacked confidence in her own English.
However, she was determined to access the course and to
participate as fully as possible. Laurence recognised that
for her daughter, aged 4, the daunting process of a settling
into a new school with a new language could be made easier
with her support.
During the CLPE family literacy course, Laurence took advice
and tried out all the activities, including strategies to
support and extend Jessica's enjoyment and pleasure in sharing
books in English. Jessica soon came to enjoy the sessions,
and having her mother regularly on-site eased the transition
into a new school.
As her confidence grew, Jessica's English and overall literacy
skills improved rapidly. She too actively participated in
the group and worked well with her mother and her peers.
It was a delight to hear that she is now very happy - and
thinks of herself as English! Laurence is now in a position
to aid her younger daughter, too.
During 2006, Laurence and Jessica were nominated by their
CLPE tutor, Annette Andrew, to receive a Southwark Adult
Learning Services Family Learning Award for their imagination
and energy in contributing to family learning in Southwark.
It was with great delight that Laurence and her younger
daughter collected their award at a special ceremony attended
by Southwark Council officials, community organisations,
friends and family.
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