In the partnership’s development paper ‘The next push forward: Literacy, language and numeracy developments to 2010’ ten strategic objectives were expanded to show the work still needed to be done.

Good progress has been made against the action plan to 2004. A set of developments have now been outlined for 2005-2008. These include:

• a need to get better alignment of ‘under 5’ communication developments
• a need to have an increased focus on language development across all ages
• a need to improve achievement rates for specific groups, in specific locations, on specific learning programmes
• a need for wider dissemination on what effective teaching and learning looks like for adults
• an increased focus on area-based adult basic skills plans
• a push on Skills for Life and housing organisations, health organisations etc
• a more specific menu of ‘what will work’ for schools in particular contexts
• a focus on improving delivery of learning, not simply meeting targets
• increased focus on numeracy and vocational ESOL post 16
• more support for the creative agenda
• continuing the shift away from ‘projects’ towards ‘mainstream change’
• more use of cross-sector ‘think tank’ activity to unlock puzzles.

Work is underway to take all of these forward by 2008.