Raising literacy and numeracy standards for young adults Friday, January 13, 2012 - 15:01

A NIACE policy seminar to examine how literacy and numeracy standards of young adults can be raised is being held today, and will address Professor Alison Wolf's review of vocational education for the Government.

Sue Southwood, NIACE Programme Manager, said:

"There are far too many people with very poor basic skills in this country and the current system is not working for them. Last year's Government review of vocational education, led by Professor Alison Wolf, recognised the value of strong English and maths skills. But will these proposals meet the needs of young adults and employers, and what else needs to be done? This is the focus of NIACE's policy seminar this month, where Professor Wolf will detail her views and take part in a discussion with a range of professionals working to support young adults into learning or work."

Professor Alison Wolf, said:

"Politicians across the spectrum seem finally to recognise that maths and English matter - and not before time! I am delighted that the Coalition is implementing my recommendations for 16-18 year olds. It will go some way towards closing the gap between England and the world in this area. But new policies create a real challenge for educators. We have had years of shelling out qualifications to stay solvent. What, in the current system, is good and should be built on? What are the priorities for development? And what else should change?"