11.30 The development of 'Learning Communities' is a dynamic and creative way of harnessing local resources to increase participation in learning. It fosters local pride and ambition. But it is a long-term process and most initiatives are still at a formative stage. Following the publication of Donald Hirsch's OECD studies on Learning Cities, there has been a rapid expansion of communities in the UK which now call themselves learning cities. Some twenty other communities of varying sizes are also committed to bringing together resources for learning, including private and public sector partners, combining to strengthen strategies for learning.

11.31 Each has a different focus, and different aspirations. However, it is possible to identify important common elements. They include the development of networks collaborating to expand learning, the promotion of learning as the heart of economic development and links between different sectors of education to ensure that learning is for life. Learning towns and cities also value learning for pleasure as well as learning for work and marketing learning in ways that motivate people and encourage their participation.

11.32 In our view, Government should continue to encourage the development of learning towns, cities and communities and support the Learning Cities Network to foster the sharing of good practice in planning and co-ordinating investment in learning across whole communities.

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