To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills what steps he plans to take to ensure that adults with a learning disability have access to learning opportunities to acquire and maintain life skills including literacy and numeracy. (150917)

Adult learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LLDD) remain an important priority for the Government, as set out in the Learning and Skills Council's “Annual Statement of Priorities and in Progression through Partnership” the Government's strategy for improving outcomes for LLDD learners, which was published in June 2007.

In 2004/05, expenditure on LLDD provision rose by 15 per cent. from the previous year to £1.5 billion. Funding per learner is expected to continue to rise.

LLDD learners are one of the priority groups targeted by the Skills for Life strategy, which offers free literacy and numeracy provision to adults.

In response to the report, “Freedom to Learn”, the Skills for Life Strategy Unit in the Department produced a range of materials to support the teaching and learning infrastructure for adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. These include tailored curriculum frameworks, guidance for teachers, assessment materials, teaching and learning materials, and a framework for understanding dyslexia. We have also tested the entire Skills for Life learning infrastructure to ensure it properly supports LLDD learners, and commissioned a training programme for staff in the sector.

The Quality Improvement Agency is now working to further improve the quality of LLDD teaching and learning.