---

Dept for Education and Skills

Answer

Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to maintain adult skills provision at (a) basic, (b) level 2 and (c) level 3 in the Worthing area. [175449] Mr. Ivan Lewis: The Government outlined their commitment to improving adult skills in "21st Century Skills" published in July 2003 and has set challenging PSA targets for skills improvement in basic skills and at level 2. Sussex Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for planning and funding adult skills provision in Worthing through the main further education college, Northbrook College, and other learning providers including Worthing College and West Sussex Adult Education Service. Northbrook College, in its three-year development plan, outlined plans to maintain learner numbers at entry level, level 1 and level 3, with an increase in learners at level 2. Sussex LSC is working closely with local providers and partners, in order to ensure that the strategic area review delivers an improvement in the provision and that the needs of individuals and employers are being met effectively. Sussex LSC is also involved in the national pilot for level 2 entitlement to deliver free provision and financial support to adults without level 2 qualifications. In addition, Sussex LSC has established a Skills for Life Development Centre, in partnership with the South East England Development Agency to increase demand for, and improve, basic skills provision.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

175449; 421 c1824-5W

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Adult education Fees and charges Learning and skills councils Sussex Basic skills Worthing

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk