Introduction to Embedded Basic Skills

Introduction

Basic Skills – AKA Language, Literacy and Numeracy, but becoming known as “Skills for Life”.

Skills for life are defined as “the ability to read, write and speak English (or Welsh) and to use numbers at a level necessary to function and to progress at work and in society in general".

The changes in name have come as government strategy has developed, and Skills For Life comes from the strategy document, of the same name, published in 2001.

“Skills for life” can be found on www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus . It says “Seven million people have poor literacy and numeracy skills, including around half a million or more who struggle with English because it is not their first language. This has disastrous consequences for the individuals concerned, weakens the country’s ability to compete in the global economy and places an enormous burden on society. People with poor literacy, numeracy and language skills tend to be on lower incomes or unemployed, and they are more prone to ill health and social exclusion.”

In the forward to “Skills for Life”, David Blunkett MP, then Secretary of State for Education and Employment, says: “Our mission is to give all adults in England the opportunity to acquire the skills for active participation in twenty-first century society and to engage their energy and commitment. Working together, we can succeed"

Since the publication of “Skills for Life”, a lot of work has been done to develop and carry through the strategy. Information can be found on: www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus.

In 2003, a follow-up document “Focus on delivery to 2007” was published. Find this on www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus . It renews the strategy and shows how it will be carried on through.

“Don’t Get By, Get On – Delivering Skills for Life” is a resource pack supporting delivery of skills for life. It has 4 sections, “Key Documents”, “Adult Literacy and Numeracy Curricula”, “Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities” and “English for Speakers of Other Languages Curriculum”. It is published by the DfES, and can be got from: DfES Publications, PO Box 5060, Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham, NG15 ODJ. Telephone: 0845 60 222 60. Fax: 0845 60 333 60. Email: dfes@prologue.uk.com.

One of the key documents in the pack for Adult and Community service deliverers is “Raising Standards, A Contextual Guide to Support Success in Literacy, Numeracy and ESOL Provision, Adult and Community Learning”. This is an essential supporting text for developing services and is available as above.

The Move on Project is funded by the Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit. It can offer support and resources to organisations that are involved, or want to get involved, in delivering the Skills for Life strategy. Find them at www.move-on.org.uk.

The Regional Achievement Programme (RAP) is a NIACE programme, funded by ABSSU and the DfES. It is a regional programme, and offers support to local LSCs by engaging with providers and other stakeholders at regional level. RAP has just produced a guide, to provide information and advice for community and voluntary organisations involved, or wanting to get involved, in delivering the Skills for Life strategy.
> RAP guide