Literacy, language and numeracy skills

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 our work.

There is different terminology 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 (in England only).

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 L1 and 2 key skills and NVQs.

We have a range of free resources available to download while we have also produced the Get Set Go toolkit which is available to SkillsActive members.

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 read write plus 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 www.delni.gov.uk, the website for the Department for Employment and Learning, for further information.

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.

Wales

• Basic skills is the terminology commonly used, and includes literacy and numeracy skills as documented in the national standards from entry 3 to level 1.