§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action she is taking in conjunction with the Learning and Skills Council to promote and resource English for speakers of other languages, with particular reference to vocational needs. [47878]
§ John HealeyLarge numbers of people need access to good quality English language provision if they are to have equal chances of success at work, at home and in society in general. The Government are fully committed to providing tuition for adults who do not speak English as their first language as part of 'Skills for Life', our national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills. A core curriculum for English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) was published in December 2001 and 2,500 tutors have received training in its use. We are also developing ESOL diagnostic tools and learning materials. We are running a national promotional campaign to boost demand for literacy, language and numeracy learning which has so far resulted in over 70,000 calls to the promotional hotline.
Improving adult basic skills, including language skills, is also one of the Learning and Skills Council's most important objectives. Its priority was emphasised by the chief executive in his recent letter to all post-16 providers to encourage the expansion of provision to meet our target of improving the basic skills levels of 750,000 adults by 2004. To ensure the resourcing and promotion of basic skills matches local needs and reflects national policy, local LSCs have produced delivery plans, setting out how they intend to increase and improve literacy, language and numeracy provision. These plans also set local targets for participation and achievement in literacy, language and numeracy provision.