Basic Skills Cymru Special - July 2007

Readers of the Western Mail and Daily Post will have seen a special Basic Skills Cymru magazine (issued free with both newspapers on 23 July 2007).

If you would like a printed copy of the supplement please send your name and address details to valeriem@basic-skills.co.uk

Basic Skills Family Programmes are a success in Newport LEA

Newport’s LAP and Family Programmes team organise a wide range of family learning opportunities, focused on the schools where basic skills needs have been identified. Find out more about the St Andrews Infants’ School’s Reading Recovery scheme and Pillgwenlly Primary School’s Food for Thought initiative – both successful examples of good practice in Newport.

Language and Play in Cardiff

The Language and Play programme is designed to give information to parents and carers of 0-3 year olds and focuses on communication, language, literacy and play.

Find out more about:

• Language and Play (LAP) in Cardiff
• Language and Play and Number and Play (NAP) programmes in Bridgend LEA

Wales awash with word millionaires

Over 1,200 primary schools across Wales have signed up to take part in Read a Million Words in Wales. To find out more, access fun activities for the summer holidays or to check out our great new computer games visit the Read a Million Words in Wales website.

Catch Up in Rhondda Cynon Taf

Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) has developed a rigorous approach to delivering Catch Up in Years 2 and 3, to ensure that all children at risk of falling behind are helped to keep pace with, or even overtake, their year group. Find out more about delivery of Catch Up in RCT.

Cardiff School Action Intervention in Literacy (SAIL) project

SAIL is a structured programme of learning designed to support children in Key Stage 1 – helping them to improve their literacy, concentration, behaviour and self-esteem. Find out more about the SAIL programme.

Blitz on reading raises levels of achievement

The Blitz literacy intervention programme provides an easy-to-use and low-cost way to support pupils at Key Stage 1 and Year One with their reading. Find out more about how Blitz is helping children in Wrexham.

Taster courses allow people to get their hands on new skills

Encouraging adults with basic skills needs to get back into learning is a challenge. Deeside College is tackling the issue by delivering taster sessions on a variety of topics. Find out more about how Deeside is encouraging adults of all ages to recognise their ability to learn.

Welsh employers show the rest of the UK how it’s done

The Employer Pledge aims to get employers on board to help their employees to improve their reading, writing and mathematics skills. Find out more about two Employer Pledge success stories at Wiltan in Pontypool and at First Milk in Wrexham.

Financial Literacy Project adds up to success

The Financial Literacy Project coordinated by Basic Skills Cymru is in its early stages but is already delivering results in all sorts of settings – including prisons. Find out more about the Financial Literacy Project’s work at HMP Parc.

Literacy and numeracy resources

Our new Wales publications catalogue will be available soon. For further information on publications check our Resource Centre or email walesenquiries@basic-skills.co.uk

Basic Skills Book Awards

The Basic Skills Books Awards, jointly run with the Welsh Books Council, recognise excellence in books and other materials.

A brochure listing all the winners will be available soon. For a full list of winners see the Book Awards press release.