The Shireland City Learning Centre brings together a broad range of partners and projects to offer real lifelong learning. It is this diversity of provision which makes the Shireland CLC unique and brings together learners of all ages.

Neighbourhood Nursery– First Steps Nursery

The First Steps Nursery is a brand new state-of-the-art 28 place nursery, offering provision from 0 - 4 years. Childcare is one of the largest barriers to new skill development within Smethwick and this facility provides members of the community with an essential service and opportunity.

This brand new state-of-the art nursery which opened in March 2004 provides 28 full-time childcare places, offering high quality day care to children from birth to four years.

For more information email Kelly Bench or call 0121 565 8927

UK Online Centre

The City Learning Centre also houses a New Opportunities funded UK Online Centre. It provides free training courses and Internet access for the local community.

The Learning Bank Content Creation Team

A key aspect of the work of the CLC is to develop online content. Our content creators work as members of the Shireland Learning Bank Content Creation Team.

Languages Resource and Development Base

The Languages Resource and Development Base has a focus on assisting teachers with developing e-learning, research and online content for Modern Foreign Languages. In addition it supports the delivery of a number of national pilots of the DfES Languages Strategy.

ICT Test Bed

The Sandwell LEA Support Officer for the ICT Test Bed and her Support Officer are also based within the CLC. The DfES ICT Test Bed project is designed to give three clusters of schools and colleges nationally access to very high levels of ICT hardware and software and also provide the support that is required to maximise the use of this hardware and software through programmes such as continuous professional development and change management support. The intention is that these schools and colleges, working in clusters, will produce clear evidence demonstrating how ICT can be used to help schools and colleges achieve wider objectives in standards and institutional improvement, collaboration, leadership, teacher workload and providing wider learning opportunities for pupils and their families at home.