§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what measures he is taking to improve basic skill levels among the adult population, with particular reference to the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton. [102145]
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§ Mr. WicksThe Government announced the first steps of a national crusade to improve adult basic skills on 5 November in the light of the Moser Report, "A Fresh Start". Key measures include a national basic skills curriculum based on new standards, national testing, intensive training for basic skills teachers, an expansion of basic skills learning in the community and in the workplace, and improved screening and support for unemployed people. Further details of the Government's action to date are set out in the "Better Basic Skills" pamphlet available on the lifelong learning website—www.lifelonglearning.dfee.gov.uk. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Employment plans to announce the Government's full strategy to help adults with poor basic skills next year.
Government support to improve adult basic skills in Sefton currently includes funding through the DfEE's Standards Fund for Family Literacy and Numeracy, and support for community-based basic skills projects through the Adult and Community Learning Fund. Further details about adult basic skills initiatives in Sefton and the pamphlet referred to are being sent to my hon. Friend.