An innovative process of learning for the whole family is taking place at Greatwood Primary School in Skipton.

In an impressive variety of classes and training courses, everyone from pre-school children to grandparents has been accomodated in the ambitious scheme.

In six major projects, head teacher John Collings has collaborated with other education providers in a bid to break down any barriers to knowledge for everyone, regardless of age or ability.

At the core of the "Childcare Development Plan" is the Family Literacy Project, which aims to help parents of pupils as the children learn themselves.

Craven College has joined forces with Greatwood to provide parents with an adult tutor on school premises, with a view to equiping them with a qualification. As they learn there will be an early years teacher on hand to help the younger contingent. Other facilities for learning in place include a pre-reception class from early next year for four-year-olds, in which it is hoped childcare courses will be run for their parents.

Mr Collings joked about the wide variety of opportunities in scheme, saying: "All we need is a maternity unit and a retirement home and we've just about covered all age groups.

"All of this will obviously help the children, but it will help those people who want to get back into learning. Craven College is working very hard to give us the very best support."

Nowhere is this kind of teamwork more prevelant than in the Family Literacy Project. A group of parents, teachers and tutors from Craven College have formed a group to work on improving literacy skills across the board.

They have been provided with a classroom which they are now preparing to fit out as a drop-in centre, school literacy centre and a base for special needs. But to make it a more comfortable environment a kitchen area, furniture, display boards and soft furnishings are urgently needed.

Parents are organising a Fun Day at Greatwood Community Centre on July 4 to raise funds for the facility. Local businesses have been approached for help and those involved would like to thank the Red Lion pub, Skipton Ford, Merritt and Fryers and TN Cook for contributions. Any other companies or individuals interesting in helping the life-long learning efforts at Greatwood should contact Mrs A Porter at Greatwood School on (01756) 793609.

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