Deputy PM supports positive impacts of adult learning Thursday, November 4, 2010 - 11:03

In his letter to NIACE's Chief Executive, Alan Tuckett, Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, wrote:

"Thank you for setting out a powerful case for investment in further and adult education. We agree that adult education has profoundly positive impacts on individuals, families and society. The Government recognises that engaging parents in learning brings significant benefits for adults and their children, which is why BIS and DfE continue to work closely to support and develop family learning programmes."

"You raise the need to value vocational education in the same way as academic courses. This is something we strongly support...It is crucial that we have a skills system that prepares people for work and enables them to progress within their career or to further training. Skills for Sustainable Growth sets out our determination to put informed and empowered learners and employers at the heart of a responsive and flexible skills system."

"I note your comments on the ageing society and longevity and I hope I can reassure you that we do recognise the many benefits that adult learning brings to older people's quality of life, health and wellbeing. It is important that people can access the help and support they need to make the right choices as they get older, whether they remain in the workforce or move into an active and fulfilling retirement."

"I absolutely understand your concerns regarding potential cuts to further education and adult learning budgets, however...some reductions in Government funding are inevitable...You will have seen the recent headline Spending Review announcement which has protected the basic skills and Adult Safeguarded Learning budgets. We will announce the overall funding envelope for FE and Skills this autumn after we have carefully considered the outcomes of the Spending Review alongside responses to the two consultations Skills for Sustainable Growth and Simplified Further Education and Skills Funding System and Methodology."

The Deputy Prime Minister was responding to conversations, briefings and correspondence from NIACE, on the public benefits of lifelong learning.