The non-accredited courses consisted of introductions to a variety of art, craft or media forms. The aim of each course was to embed new creative skills within the communities of Burngreave and to allow new learners a first step back into education. There was a particular focus on engaging learners from disadvantaged groups, such as the long-term unemployed, single parents and ethnic minorities.
Courses provided a supportive and friendly learning environment with aims of building group and individual confidence and self-esteem. Each course consisted of ten weekly sessions of two-hour duration with between eight and twelve participants per course.
The courses were scheduled at times that suited the learners, with this information gathered at the learning events as people registered their interest in the courses. A minimum limit of eight and maximum of twelve participants per course was set. If courses were full, people were offered another choice of course or signposted to other similar courses.
Courses were held at various locations and strategically placed geographically to ensure different areas of Burngreave were covered. A crèche service was offered for each course, as well as at each learning event, to ensure people with babies and children under school age were able to attend.
Posters and leaflets were distributed around the Burngreave area and adverts were placed in the Burngreave Messenger and the Burngreave Learner. The local Job Centre, Job Net, Burngreave Adult Learning Project and other key local workers and organisations were provided with information about each event and course.