HC Deb 10 July 1997 vol 297 c551W
Mr. Barry Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has to help school leavers with difficulties in(a) reading and (b) writing; and if he will make a statement. [6675]

Mr. Hain

Help is available for these young people to improve their literacy skills either through Further Education or through TEC-supported training.

Target 2000 will encourage a multi-agency approach to developing innovative means of helping young people with learning difficulties. Particular emphasis will be placed on ensuring that all young people are equipped with basic skills, including those of communication.

The Further Education Funding Council for Wales have encouraged FE institutions to provide basic education courses for students with literacy and numeracy problems. The Council are inviting OHMCI to undertake a focused assessment of basic skills provision by the FE sector, to inform future funding decisions. The FEFCW will also take into account the findings of the Kennedy report on Widening Participation in Further Education.