NEW NATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE FOR BASIC SKILLS

12 December 2001

The establishment of a new National Research and Development Centre for adult basic skills was announced in December by Minister for Adult Skills, John Healey. Its work will enable the Government to continuously evaluate and build upon the strategy to improve the literacy, language and numeracy skills needs of 750,000 adults by 2004. John Healey also announced that the Government has met its target to reduce the number of adults who are not in learning by seven per cent one year ahead of schedule.

Speaking at a conference for over 600 basic skills teachers in London today, Mr Healey said:

“There are still gaps in our knowledge about what will motivate adults with literacy and numeracy weaknesses to take part in learning. We also need to be clear about the best ways of helping them make rapid and significant progress in their literacy and numeracy skills. We cannot leave the methods we use to chance.

“Our research and development centre will seek out best practice from around the world and test out new ideas and approaches to learning so that we enable all adults to reach their full potential. The centre’s work will be led by the Institute of Education in London and will be supported by the universities of Lancaster, Nottingham and Sheffield and other partners. The consortia members have proven national and international reputations, and they will conduct investigations into what works in helping adult learners to achieve.

“The National Adult Learning Survey published today shows that our adult learning policies are delivering real results. We have achieved the National Target for Participation in Learning – a seven per cent reduction in non–learners – one year early. That’s the equivalent of 500,000 new learners. The survey also shows that learners are being offered a choice of how they learn and this too is encouraging take-up – for example, computer-related learning has increased.

“There is more to do, and the research centre will help us identify where we should concentrate our efforts in future to ensure that all adults who want to return to learning and improve their skills get the help they need.”

Editors Notes
This press notice relates to England

1. Skills for Life: The national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills was launched by the Prime Minister and David Blunkett on 1 March 2001 at 11 Downing Street. It aims to improve the literacy and numeracy of 750,000 adults with low skills by 2004.

2. Information regarding adult literacy and numeracy courses and a free information pack can be obtained by calling the Get On free phone number 08000 150 650. A second burst of TV advertising featuring the Get On brand and campaign gremlins will be broadcast in the New Year.

3. The Adult Basic Skills Strategy Unit in DfES is responsible for co-ordinating a wide range of projects aimed at improving the quality of, and access to, literacy and numeracy training, and encouraging adults to address their skills needs. It works closely with local project teams, the Department for Work and Pensions, the Employment Service, the Prison Service and the Prisoners Learning and Skills Unit within the DfES.

4. The National Adult Learning Survey (NALS) 2001 is a study of learning (widely defined) and attitudes to learning among the population aged 16-69 who have left full-time continuous education, regardless of economic status. NALS 2001 updates our understanding of which groups of adults take part in learning, the types of learning they are involved with and their motivations. It also explores which groups of adults are not participating and improves our understanding of why this might be. NALS 2001 was conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, who carried out nearly 6,500 computer-assisted interviews in randomly-chosen households between January and May 2001.

5. The Department commissioned the first National Adult Learning Survey (NALS 1997). . The headline participation rate (74%) was used as the baseline when the National Target for Participation - to reduce the proportion of non-learners by 7% by 2002- was set in 1998. The Department has always made it clear that it will use NALS to monitor achievement of the Target.

6. Copies of the full NALS report (RR321) and the summary (RR321/S) are available free of charge by writing to DfES publications, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annesley Nottingham NG15 ODJ.

Contact Details
Public Enquiries 0870 000 2288, info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk