Basic Skills: Baby, I've got to do some learning

Help is at hand for new parents and others who have a reason to improve their skills, says Rosie Freeman

The skills gap is a well-publicised and continuing problem in the UK: many adults lack technical expertise and basic skills in literacy and numeracy. Over the past few years, government and non-governmental organisations have done much to highlight the problem. Now there is a wide range of options for those wanting to sharpen their skills and brush up their CV.

Basic skills can be defined as the ability to read, write and speak in English and use mathematics at a level necessary to function at work and in society, according to the Basic Skills Agency. Typically, this means achieving a GCSE in English and maths at grades A to G. But, according to The Leitch Review, over a third of adults of working age in the UK do not have a basic school-leaving qualification; five million adults have no qualifications at all; one in six adults lack the literacy skills expected of an 11-year-old and half do not have the necessary levels of functional numeracy.

In response to growing concern about the skills gap, the Government asked Lord Leitch to look at the UK skills base. His interim report, published earlier this year, found that "UK productivity continues to trail many international comparators and poor skills continue to have a direct effect on social inequality."

The Basic Skills Agency tries to improve the nation's basic skills. "We're about ideas and innovation, disseminating different ideas and best practice," says Valerie McBurney, head of PR. One of the Agency's priorities is to engage the disengaged: encouraging those who have become remote from learning to resume education and increase their employability. "It's about getting that hook, providing a learning opportunity not accessed before," says Brenda Ainsley, the senior assistant director. "Young parents, for example, who have not engaged with learning at school, find new reason to do so - they have a baby to care for and job applications to write."

Computer Gym is another organisation working to improve basic skills. The company uses computers to give skills for life (literacy, numeracy, ICT, and ESOL - English for speakers of other languages ) and provides vocational qualifications to workforces, the community, offenders and young people.

This is achieved with the help of mobile learning centres, that are designed to put learners at ease. Company director, Darren Coppin says, "Obviously a lot of our clients didn't like the school environment so it's important people are comfortable.

"The essence of our work is in basic skills but these skills also need to be put in context. Companies may not be interested in English courses for their employees but they will be interested in communication courses."

Computer Gym has worked with various organisations, including the NHS, Northumbria Water and LG Philips. Coppin cites his work with the London Probation Services as particularly rewarding. "Offenders are usually reluctant at first but once you've got them engaged and they know their tutors are not patronising, they really enjoy it. They need to be able to apply for jobs, write letters and show qualifications. The 20 per cent of offenders who get a job will not re-offend so, with new legislation increasing the number of people on probation, there are thousands of pounds to be saved for the taxpayer."

But there are also consultancies, such as Ros Wilson's 2020 Vision that specialise in supporting schools. Wilson has worked extensively in education and has developed a new approach to the teaching of literacy in primary schools. She calls it "Big Writing" and it encourages children to develop their "writing voice" through speech.

There are many initiatives to help child and adult learners to improve their basic skills. As Lord Leitch's report concludes, "Skills present a formidable challenge and a brilliant opportunity. They matter fundamentally for the economic and social health of the UK."