Benefits of celebrating the Family Learning Festival

Why should you take part?

The Family Learning Festival promotes the positive effects of learning together as a family. The evidence consistently shows that enjoyment is a key driver of family learning success. This continues to be reflected in participant feedback.

Organisations and individuals deliver events for families which are typically place-based but may also be delivered online. Activities may be newly developed or part of existing provision, providing intergenerational activities so families can try something new, be inspired and feel positive about learning.

Organisations have provided ideas and showcased learning opportunities that families have continued to benefit from after the Festival. Thousands of family members take part each year, with many events serving under-resourced communities.

Equally, participation in the Festival raises the profile of family learning outside and within your organisation. Why not invite colleagues to your activities and share the learning?

Participating organisations report a wide range of benefits from taking part in the Festival. Our last large scale survey showed:

• 79% of Family Learning Festival organisers reached new audiences

• 74% of organisers developed new learning opportunities through involvement in the Festival

• 55% of organisations developed new partnerships

• 73% of organisers ran events that were attended by under-resourced families or families at risk of social exclusion

• 84% of organisations highlighted further learning opportunities as part of their activities

• 96% of organisations indicated they would get involved in the Family Learning Festival again.

In 2025, the Festival received the Momentum in Montessori Award for family engagement and community action.