Introduction to Young Mothers Learning OCN programme

Young Mothers Learning is an accredited learning programme for young women who are caring for children. The programme is both relevant and accessible; it addresses young mothers’ personal support needs, whilst also delivering credibility through accreditation

Young mothers Learning aims to develop:

• Learner confidence,
• Understanding of the roles which mothers play and the expectations society has of them,
• Strategies, skills and understanding of young motherhood in particular,
• Communication skills, specifically oral, written and reading skills,
• ICT confidence and basic skills,
• Awareness of the issues around fatherhood/male partnership,
• Awareness of cultural differences,
• Awareness of progression possibilities

The Young Mothers Learning programme comprises three core OCN Units at Entry, Levels 1&2 and a Word Processing Unit at level 3. They are:

• Unit 1 Understanding young motherhood – women’s studies <Unit 1 learning outcomes>
• Unit 2 Managing families, parenting and stereotypes <Unit 2 learning outcomes>
• Unit 3 Getting a voice – groupwork skills < Unit 3 learning outcomes>
• Word Processing Unit – learning outcomes will normally be achieved through work on the three core Units, so this does not require extra hours < Word Processing Unit learning outcomes>

Young Mothers Learning is designed to be delivered as a groupwork programme consisting of 40 hours of tutored sessions to run over two or three terms. There are three core Units, each Unit comprising a minimum of 12 hours guided learning. There is an optional, integrated Word Processing unit. The remaining four hours are usually used in 'pre-group' sessions to introduce individuals to group learning and in activities to help bond the group in preparation for the course.

The programme is run in six-weekly blocks, each lasting a minimum of two hours of class-based study per week. Young women are also encouraged to do their own self-directed study and to record any extra hours on times sheets.

Young Mothers Learning is usually delivered in community locations, convenient for childcare and near to where learners live, though one of the units can be delivered as a residential option.

Young Mothers Learning is designed to receive accreditation through the Open College Network (OCN) and the <Steps to the Future CD> refers to the <OCN learning requirements>, tutor and moderation arrangements necessary to meet these standards. The guidance addresses all aspects of the programme, including the partnership roles of community education and youth workers.