Basic skills is defined by the Basic Skills Agency as :
“the ability to read, write and speak in English / Welsh and use mathematics at a level necessary to function and progress at work and in society in general”.
(Basic Skills Agency, 2004).
In 2001 the Government launched Skills for Life:the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills, in order to address the needs of the estimated seven million people with literacy, numeracy and language problems needs in the UK. Many now use the more positive term ‘skills for life’ instead of the term ‘basic skills’.
Museums, archives and libraries provide many opportunities for skills development:
they offer inspiring and accessible places to learn
they have diverse collections which engage and motivate learners
they provide learners with a relaxed and safe atmosphere
some offer individual support and tuition
public libraries offer free online learning opportunities.
MLA North West works in partnership with museums, libraries and archives to provide Skills for Life training and support for staff.
For more information, see MLA North West’s Need to Read project .
