Moving on with Basic Skills conference

At the ‘Moving on with Basic Skills’ conference that was held on 23 September in Llandrindod Wells, Participation Cymru consulted with attendees on how basic skills needs is a major issue faced by socially excluded citizens, the barriers that they face and how these can be overcome.

Information needs were seen as very important, as people with basic skills issues found it difficult to access information and there is often a lack of clear information available. It can be hard to get through to the appropriate people about the right issues, with this compounded by a lack of knowledge of what’s available in the community because of poor reading skills. Many attendees agreed that alternative ways of communicating are vital to overcome this, as is outreach work and face to face contact. The promotion of assistance needs to be clearer and more creative methods of engagement are vital. Frontline staff members should be made aware of the services that are available. Jargon and acronyms should never be used and any material that is produced should meet readability guidelines. People were also seen as unlikely to respond if the term ‘basic skills’ was used in promotion because of the stigma that exists. The media plays a part in this, which could be combated from within communities and raising awareness that it’s not their fault, especially through the use of real life stories and role models.

Lack of provision was discussed, especially in rural areas, including lack of appropriate facilities. Better public transport was highlighted as an appropriate solution, as well as the use of ‘drop-in’ facilities and taking the provision to the learner.

Other access issues included money and unemployment, where subsidised courses are needed, as well as support with transport costs. Some courses could be built around vocational courses or other existing skills. Childcare, carer cover, family issues or work are other possible barriers, which means that consultation is important. Crèche facilities and cover for carers are needed and classes should take place around shift work or when children are in school. There are also cultural and religious barriers, which require groups that are set up appropriately, support groups, buddy schemes, same sex courses and religiously sensitive courses.

Many people have low self-esteem, confidence and low expectations, sometimes due to bad experiences in school. Self-esteem should be raised by building relationships, making people feel valued and giving them goals that will mean something to them. It’s important to be flexible and meet the needs of the learner to lower anxiety. Appropriate venues should be used, as academic buildings are often imposing. One-to-one support is vital. Unfortunately this is not often favoured amongst funders, which means that a co-ordinated funding strategy is needed. A communication between funding bodies for sustainable funding was also desirable.

Some people suffer from apathy and have a lack of understanding of the benefits of basic skills. It is important to build expectations, which could be linked to better showcasing of success. Improved training for tutors and support workers would help, as would training for generic staff in basic skills that do not work directly in the field. Some people do not recognise that they have issues and are therefore difficult to engage, but it is important to anticipate this and provide advice and support.

There can sometimes be a lack of continuity in education, which means that better referrals are needed to give a clear client journey. A welcoming environment and innovative programmes are essential, including taster sessions and confidence building courses. Evaluating feedback is important.

There is occasionally a lack of joined up agency working, and sometimes over assessment leading to disillusionment and a lack of progression. A streamlining of services was suggested with more joint working, as well as a simple assessment ‘passport’ to show all organisations of the work that has been done with other agencies.

For further information on participative issues around basic skills, please contact us.