How a Scots college is leading the way to get parents back into learning – with high chairs & bottle warmers
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A COLLEGE boss has called on education institutes to offer more flexible learning for parents so they can create a brighter future for their children.
Many mums and dads face barriers in their attempts to return to studies at college or university and end up missing out on qualifications that could open up a world of new opportunities.
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Glasgow Clyde College is trying to encourage more parents to join further studies.
Credit: Supplied
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David Marshall wants to make education accessible to all.
Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) has released a children's book and launches a series of baby-friendly measures to ensure families have everything they need to balance education and parenting, while also being able to bring young children into different parts of the three campuses so they can be together between classes and nursery.
Now David Marshall, Assistant Principal for Student Experience, has called on counterparts to follow suit.
He said: 'Some people see children as a barrier to education but it doesn't have to be. We have a lot of adult returners and people that have been in workplaces who stopped to have children and are looking at retraining or upskilling so they can move into a different career.
'We want to inspire people to come here. We have bottle warmers and high chairs and changing facilities, free children's clothing through the exchange hub and we're a breastfeeding-friendly campus.
'We know the challenges if we look at the employment market. There's untapped potential in parents and if we can do things to encourage students and parents to come back into education, that can help their future opportunities.
'You don't need to have to sacrifice one for the other. Shutting off your own opportunities isn't necessarily good for you or your children in the long term.'
The most recent stats from the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) show the number of Scottish mature applicants aged 21 and over reduced to over 15,000 in 2023, a 20 per cent drop from 2019.
This worrying trend is one of the reasons that GCC is leading the way in encouraging parents back into further education.
They give parents access to finance workshops so they can understand funding options for their chosen course alongside funded nursery education during teaching hours where available.
Health and Wellbeing students' welfare services are also on-hand to support parents as well as an online guide, which showcases local family-friendly activities, restaurants and groups.
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Children will also have plenty to read with a dedicated kids' section in the library, enabling parents to take out books for children of all ages – including the new illustrated storybook Little Life Changing Stuff, illustrated by alumni, Esmé Boyle.
David explained: 'Education is a fantastic gateway for anybody, including parents. We need to raise awareness then offer scaffolding support for people at every level.
'Many of us are parents and had different experiences and we all juggle that workload. The self-worth and confidence that people can gain is amazing, especially if they've been away from education for a bit.
'The belief in the talent you have is important and getting the right support and teaching that can bring it out.'
UNI CHILDCARE WAS VITAL FOR ME
STUDENT-parent Jamie-Lee, 19, has recently returned to education as a new mum, studying Access to Social Care at Glasgow Clyde College's Anniesland Campus.
And her daughter, Lily, two, attends the campus's Treasure Trove Nursery. Jamie-Lee said: 'When choosing a college, I had to consider childcare and learn how it worked but it was easy to locate information via the Glasgow Clyde website.'
She added: 'If I need to focus on my coursework, I tend to use the library at the campus, where I can focus.
'When I want to take a break, I visit the to socialise with people from my course.
Jamie-Lee believes maintaining a good routine in a supportive environment has also played a key factor in academic success and maintaining a strong bond with her daughter.
She added: 'I've created a routine which works around my daughter, so I can still spend some quality time with her but also fit in study after she goes to sleep.
'I am fortunate to have a support network, but the college is welcoming to parents if they need to bring their children to campus.'
He also believes online learning is key as it allows parents to study from home when necessary.
Now the hope is other institutes will take inspiration from what GCC is doing.
David added: 'We have a broad spread of students coming in from 14 and 15 right up to 70 and 80-year-olds. Through that middle group we have an awful lot of parents and they just need reassurance they can contribute and develop themselves.
'The access has been there previously but sometimes the increase of awareness can make a difference. It's the willingness in linking up and collaborating to cover as many barriers faced, so when they hit that bump, they can get support.
'Covid was a horrific thing in so many ways but colleagues had to up their game in terms of hybrid and online learning so that gives that additional access too.
'It's about making sure we minimise the barriers they find because of their personal circumstances.
'We share knowledge widely through the College Development Network in the Glasgow area and beyond. There are opportunities there and it's just about making sure people understand those.'
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