Adult Basic Skills
August 2003
  • Basic Skills now means up to level 2, which is the equivalent of GCSE (A*-C)

  • Adult basic skills are defined in relation to 3 standards: Entry Level (one step at a time, simple skills); Level 1 (operational skills to get by in setting); Level 2 (transferable skills, able to be used in range of settings).

  • At Level 1, 85% of adults in the area are able to perform everyday tasks in literacy - but only 63% are able to perform everyday tasks in numeracy.
  • Although there is a large numeracy skills gap, there is relatively little numeracy provision.

  • The greatest recruitment has been in English for Speakers of Other Languages groups - but these are often at the lower skills levels only, limiting the opportunities for progression.

  • The confusing variety of adult accreditations have been replaced by a smaller number linked to portfolio and/or external tests linked to the three levels.