Family learning changes lives. Evidence shows that when learning opportunities for adults are linked to the education of children in the family, it builds motivation, confidence and a commitment to learning.

It is particularly effective as an approach to reaching and engaging adults who have benefited least from their initial education, have fewer qualifications and little experience of paid work. As an engagement tool
family learning develops skills and pathways to further learning and employment.

Family learning has a rich tradition in Wales. There is renewed interest among policymakers, schools and the adult education sector in developing and extending provision in response to the opportunities and challenges we face today.

Developing a framework for Family Learning

Welsh Government recognises the potential of family learning to help tackle educational disadvantage and persistent inequalities in employment and wider life experiences and outcomes. It is committed to supporting the more widespread adoption of this distinctive and transformational educational approach.

The framework provides a flexible model for adult education providers and schools which are not currently involved in the delivery of family learning and would like to embed it into their practice. It aims to strengthen the role of family learning as a route into lifelong learning, skills development, employability, and employment opportunities for adults and children.

Family Learning Framework

The Family Learning Framework is a flexible model designed to help adult education providers and schools incorporate family learning into their programmes. It aims to boost family learning as a pathway to lifelong learning, skills development employability, and job opportunities for both adults and children.

Download the framework


25 September 2026

Why lifelong learning is good for people and workplaces

Learning is something that continues throughout our lives. Whether it is developing skills for work, improving digital confidence, learning from colleagues or exploring a new interest, every learning experience can contribute to our personal and professional development.

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21 September 2026

Adult Learners’ Week: Putting learner voice at the centre of lifelong learning

Adult Learners’ Week is a national moment to celebrate the power of lifelong learning — but celebration is not enough. If we want more adults to start, stay and progress in learning, we must listen to what adult learners are telling us and use those insights to shape policy, funding and delivery.

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21 September 2026

Stronger Together: The Adult Learning Partnership Wales

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, collaboration has never been more important. The Adult Learning Partnership Wales (ALPW) network brings together Adult Community Learning providers, Learning and Work Institute, Medr, Estyn, Welsh Government and other key stakeholders to strengthen adult learning through partnership, shared expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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21 September 2026

Time to celebrate adult learning as a positive force for change across Wales

Adult Learners’ Week – September 21-27 – offers a timely chance to celebrate individuals across Wales who have changed their lives through learning and encourages more of us to do the same.

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17 September 2026

Understanding employer investment in skills

The Government’s plans to get the economy growing risk falling short unless it takes action to reverse sharp falls in the training employees get at work, new analysis warns.

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22 June 2026

Adult learning in Wales: Adult Participation in Learning Survey

For nearly 30 years, Learning and Work Institute (L&W) has published its annual Adult Participation in Learning Survey. As the longest-running survey of its kind, it stands as the definitive report on who is learning across the UK, how they are learning, and what motivates them. It adopts a broad definition of learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning, rather than just publicly offered educational opportunities for adults. In 2025, we specifically boosted our survey sample in Wales to 800 adults. This expanded dataset allows us to take a closer look at the unique successes and distinct challenges facing Welsh learners, offering an invaluable point of comparison with the rest of the UK.

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22 June 2026

More adults in Wales are learning but are we reaching those who need it the most?

Learning and Work Institute’s latest Adult Participation in Learning Survey for Wales tells a positive story of increasing engagement in learning but it also shows that those who may benefit most are missing out. Nearly half of adults in Wales (47%) have taken part in learning over the past three years, a higher rate than the UK average (42%) but stark inequalities emerge when we look at age, demographics and employment status. The definition of learning in this survey is intentionally broad and extends beyond government or employer funded opportunities to include informal and self-directed learning.

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