Improving adult literacy, language and numeracy skills is a government priority in all four nations and improving these skills in our sector is fundamental to SkillsActive's work.
There is different terminology used across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, but these skills can include:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking and listening
- Understanding and using mathematical information
- Calculating and manipulating mathematical information
- Basic ICT skills
Read more about why literacy, language and numeracy skills are so important >
SkillsActive has a range of resources to support literacy, language and numeracy in the active leisure, learning and well-being sector.
Discover more about the resources available >
Our Get Set Go toolkit, featuring a range of resources, is available to purchase from the SkillsActive website.
Buy the Get Set Go toolkit now >
There are five levels in the national standards for literacy and numeracy: entry level 1, 2 and 3 and levels 1 and 2, fit within the national qualifications framework and are equal to Level 1 and 2 key skills and NVQs.
England
Skills for Life is the terminology commonly used, and includes literacy and numeracy skills as documented in the national standards from entry 3 to level 2. Visit the Excellence Gateway website for further information.
Northern Ireland
Essential skills is the terminology commonly used, and covers literacy and numeracy skills as documented in national standards from entry 3 to level 2.
Visit the Department for Employment and Learning for further information.
Department for Employment and Learning website>
Scotland
Core Skills is the terminology commonly used, as well as literacies. Literacies cover the range of skills identified as needed for family life, employment and citizenship.
Visit the Scottish Government website for further information
Wales
Essential Skills is the terminology commonly used, and includes literacy and numeracy skills as documented in the national standards from entry 3 to level 1.
Visit the Welsh Government website for further information.
