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<p>The department recognises the importance of good literacy skills, both in work
and everyday life. That is why the department has taken steps to support adults to
have the essential skills they need for life, work and further study, including literacy.
Through our legal entitlement, the department provides the opportunity of fully funded
study for adults who do not have essential literacy skills up to the equivalent of
a GCSE grade 4/C or higher. In the 2021/22 academic year, around 239,000 learners
participated in an English course funded through the entitlement. Further details
can be found online at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/further-education-and-skills-november-2022"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/further-education-and-skills-november-2022</a>.</p><p>The
department also supports all adults for whom English is not their first language to
secure the English language skills they need. Adults are fully funded or co-funded
to study English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) courses and qualifications
up to and including GCSE 4/C equivalent. The number of learners participating in ESOL
courses and qualifications continues to grow, with around 123,000 learners in the
2021/22 academic year and the department has already seen around 139,000 learners
participate in the first three quarters of this academic year. Further information
is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/further-education-and-skills-november-2022"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/further-education-and-skills-november-2022</a>.</p><p>The
department also recognises that community learning within the adult education budget
(AEB) can play a valuable role in helping individuals improve their English, particularly
for learners where a qualification is not the most appropriate first step.</p><p>Currently
60% of the AEB has been devolved to nine Mayoral Combined Authorities and delegated
to the Mayor of London (working where appropriate through the Greater London Authority).
These authorities are responsible for the provision of adult education and allocation
of the AEB in their local areas, including funding of English and maths statutory
entitlements. The Education and Skills Funding Agency is responsible for the remaining
AEB in non-devolved areas where colleges and other training providers have the freedom
and flexibility to determine how they use their AEB to best meet the needs of their
communities.</p>
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