| Synopsis: |
The strategy to improve basic literacy and numeracy skills has helped over 5.7 million adults achieve a qualification or other specified learning aim at a cost of GBP 5 billion. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (the Department) and the Learning and Skills Council exceeded targets for the number of adults reaching basic literacy and numeracy standards (750,000 by 2004 and 1.5 million by 2007). The Department is also on course to meet the 2010 target of improving the basic skills of 2.25 million adults.Less progress has been made in strengthening numeracy skills compared with literacy skills. Numeracy courses are less popular than literacy courses with fewer people participating in them and achieving qualifications. Many people with literacy and numeracy needs come into contact with different parts of government, such as Jobcentre Plus, and the Department could make better use of these contacts to engage people on Skills for Life courses.Participation and achievement levels for people with a literacy or numeracy need vary across the country.Based on the 2003 survey of need, the North East and North West have the best rates of achievement for both literacy and numeracy. In contrast, the East of England and East Midlands have the lowest rates of achievement for literacy with the East of England and London having the lowest rates of achievement for numeracy.Between 2001 and 2004, spending on English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses tripled to almost GBP 300 million a year. However demand for these courses has exceeded supply, particularly in London. Although significant progress is being made against targets, until the Department updates its assessment of literacy and numeracy needs, the scale of the challenge regarding adult skill levels will remain unclear. |