What are Skills for Life Champions?

Skills for Life Champions are early years and childcare practitioners and managers who are very enthusiastic and committed to supporting the Literacy, Language and Numeracy needs of parents and families through the Step in to Learning approach. They understand the benefits of identifying these literacy, language and numeracy needs and are usually the identifiable 'lead' in their setting with whom managers, colleagues and parents/carers liaise in relation to Skills for Life.

Why do you need Champions?

Through their job, Champions have regular contact with adults and are best placed to offer support and encouragement to parents/carers, colleagues, volunteers and other professionals to take up learning opportunities to improve their skills and to be able to better support the learning of children and young people. Champions have often had similar challenges and experiences and, as a consequence, make good role models for others in gaining qualifications and moving on in their careers and jobs.

They are in a unique position to motivate and support others' needs and have the local knowledge of providers and other partners who can offer suitable courses and training that lead to meaningful, life-changing qualifications and job opportunities. They are aware of the benefits of helping parents/carers to improve their literacy, language and/or numeracy skills and aware of the difference that Skills for Life will make to families, the setting, and the local community.

They will have attended the Step in to Learning training and development programme or similar Skills for Life awareness raising training. They have experience of working with other professionals and are highly motivated to carry out their role and are prepared to take part in training to continue to enhance their own skills.

Finding out more

Further information about the impact and experiences of Skills for Life Champions can be found in the Case Studies section.

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