Bracknell

Bracknell Adult learners are looking forward to moving up a gear following the launch yesterday (June 20) of a state-of-the-art learning bus.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council teamed up with Berkshire Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to buy the innovative bus which will act as a mobile classroom, taking fresh learning opportunities out to the community.

This latest exciting addition to the Bracknell Council's fleet of vehicles has been custom-built so up to eight adult students can be taught on board by a tutor.

It's kitted out with the latest PCs equipped with wireless internet access and will be used to focus initially on adults looking to improve their basic skills and develop ICT skills.

The bus is fully accessible to people with disabilities and does not need to be linked up to external power sources. It will operate from school and community centre sites to begin with.

Tailored programmes in numeracy, literacy and ICT are being developed to help learners make the most of the facilities the bus has to offer.

Tony Eccleston, Director of Bracknell Education, Children's Services & Libraries, said: "The bus is a major boost to the work we are doing to take lifelong learning opportunities out to the community.

"It gives us the ability to adapt our teaching to specific requirements by running courses where and when people want them. For that reason I am sure it will quickly be a valuable resource for adults looking to improve their skills."

Bracknell Cllr Alan Ward, Executive Member for Education & Libraries, said: "I am delighted we are once again thinking of original ways to offer local people a wide range of learning opportunities.

"Learning is rewarding for everyone for all sorts of reasons, be they for personal development, to improve employment opportunities or simply for the fun of it.

"The bus is a great way for us to take learning to the learners and it's going to be an important feature of our plans for the future."

David Ansell, LSC Area Director for Thames Valley said: "We welcome this opportunity to work in partnership with Bracknell Forest Borough Council on this innovative initiative.

"Our goal is to help people change their lives through learning and I am sure the bus will encourage local people to take advantage of what is on offer and help identify and develop their skills and potential."

Recruitment for a permanent tutor who will also drive the bus is now under way.

The bus and its computers cost £95,000 was paid for almost entirely by external grant funding from the LSC and from the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

Cllr Clifton Thompson, Mayor of the Borough of Bracknell Forest, launched the bus yesterday at the Open Learning Centre, Brakenhale School site, Rectory Lane, Bracknell.

For more information about lifelong learning opportunities provided by Bracknell Forest Borough Councill, call 01344 354128, email: lifelong.learning@bracknell-forest.gov.uk or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/learning

Bracknell Forest Borough Council