A message from the Executive Director of Development
Programmes at LSIS
"The Skills for Life Improvement Programme builds on previous
initiatives, making best use of people, systems and materials to
help deliver the Skills for Life Strategy in the future. It is an
innovative programme designed to support creative change in a wide
range of self-improving organisations.
Improving the quality of the learner’s experience, progression
and achievement is central to the programme. It draws on research
findings from the National Research and Development Centre to
excite interest in evidence based innovation. It makes real and
practical links into other major national reform and development
initiatives, like the National Teaching and Learning Change
Programme and Train to Gain. And it provides expert support for the
effective use of a wide range of existing materials and
resources.
The programme sets a high priority on developing the knowledge,
skills and confidence of the workforce. It provides opportunities
for unqualified and part-qualified staff in all learning settings
to gain qualified status quickly. It also stimulates new thinking
and enhances staff skills through continuing professional
development on a range of issues, for example motivating and
engaging learners.
There will of course be a strong focus on quality improvement
with expert consultancy support for the use of tried and tested
quality improvement tools and techniques, with essential links to
Quality Networks. Development Advisers will offer practical help
and guidance to refresh and strengthen teaching and learning
practice in literacy, language and numeracy from pre entry to Level
2, including provision for learners with learning difficulties
and/or disabilities.
We all know there are large numbers of learners with literacy,
language and numeracy needs. It is vital that these needs are met.
By working together we can drive up quality and achievement across
all our organisations to ensure the success of all our
learners."
Jenny Burnette
Director of Development Programmes, LSIS