Independent Inquiry into Adult Literacy

Booktrust welcomes the Independent Inquiry into Adult Literacy published today by NIACE. The report draws attention to the fact that adults with low levels of literacy are not an homogenous group and therefore a 'one size fits all' approach cannot be taken.

Many adults are turned off formal learning because of previous negative experiences or problems, which lead to a lack of belief among individuals that they can improve their skills. Policymakers need to recognise the scale of the challenge required to engage or re-engage adults in the learning process. Informal opportunities to learn in local communities can help to build individual confidence and a 'can do' approach.

The NIACE report addresses the important role of family literacy and a recent European Commission Family Literacy report recognises the role of Bookstart in this process and recommends that 'policy makers and policy stakeholders should develop coherent national family literacy policies which include a range of complementary programme types meeting a range of targeted and universal needs.'

Wiltshire's Supporting Young Parents Project Worker recently said: 'In terms of working with young parents, Bookstart is a valuable tool in engaging them and their children in the world of literacy and reading. Typically, teenagers choosing to go ahead with pregnancies have low aspirations; improving their literacy skills and the journey towards enjoying reading, are important steps, both in their personal lives, and in being able to compete in the jobs market.'

Through the development of a range of targeted programmes over the next 18 months Booktrust will be working with children's centres, primary and secondary schools to offer support, training and resources to help engage families in their child's learning. We are not complacent but are keen to look at how we can play our role to help break the intergenerational cycle of illiteracy.

We look forward to working with NIACE to further develop approaches around adult and family literacy and congratulate them on the publication.