2000/2003
 

Scale and range of provision to meet this need
a) volume
There are a number of returns that give data on adult basic skills participation. These are collected in different ways and in different formats. It has been possible to cross reference these returns to provide relatively reliable figures for the numbers of individuals currently in programmes and receiving support to enhance their basic skills.
Up to now few records have been kept, on any consistent basis, of the achievement rate in relation to curriculum levels. Delivery organisations are just beginning to set their own targets for participation, retention and achievement. Nationally the rate of achievement of functional basic skills is estimated at 1/3 of those in provision each year. This needs to be at least doubled. An ambitious target, meanwhile, is that (by 2003) 50% of participants will be achieving at level 1 or above. To produce >10,000 achievers/year, by 2003, there will need to be >15,000 participants.

The 3 year objectives in this plan demonstrate the way that organisational developments can be related to city and national target aspirations by increasing the rates of achievement and doubling the numbers participating across a broader range of higher quality activities.

b) quality
At the moment the varied sets of provision are working to different quality standards.

Of the range of organisations that currently deliver high-volume basic skills programmes, many are working towards the new Basic Skills Quality Mark framework as a way of demonstrating their commitment to quality basic skills processes for teaching and learning. The 3 year objectives of this plan outline the expectations and support that organisations will be able to draw on in raising the quality of their own programmes.

c) diversity
It is clear that the aspirational targets are not going to be met by the current expansion of provision. Major new forms of delivery need to be introduced. These include:

  • basic skills programmes via Learndirect activity
  • the expansion of workplace basic skills led by employers and key intermediaries in the workforce
  • building the capacity of the voluntary sector to be able to deliver basic skills as part of their services to the groups that are regarded as socially excluded
  • expanding the use of paraprofessionals
  • the skilling of intermediaries within probation, health, justice services, housing, community groups etc.

The 3 year objectives of this plan outline how a wider diversity of provision will be attained.