Estyn have produced this report in response to the rapid rise in learners in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). It examines the impact of this increase on the learning experiences of all ESOL learners, how well providers have responded to the changes and how well they are supporting learners in achievement and progression.

Mark Connolly, Gareth Rees and Cerys Furlong

NIACE Dysgu Cymru worked with Cardiff University to research the experiences of learners in Wales and the wider impact and benefits of that learning. The report consists of a review of the currentresearch on the wider benefits of adult learning, highlighting the need for Welsh research. Findings are presented from interviews with 32 learners, which have been analysedthematically.

 
The Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) is a European funding programme which supports education and training across Europe. The LLP provides funding for all stages of lifelong learning; for activities at school, at college, at university....

The Welsh Assembly Government has released the latest statistics on learners in Post 16 education and training for the period August 2006 to July 2007. The information provided relates to Welsh-domiciled learners enrolled during 2006/07 at further education institutions, other training providers, Local Education Authority community learning providers and schools.

The Modern Apprenticeship Awards - Wales 2008 is looking to reward apprentices, learning providers, colleges and employers who have excelled in contributing to the development of the Modern Apprenticeship programme in Wales.

With the continuous development and growing uptake of communications technology, media literacy is increasingly recognised as a new skill. NDC recognises the significance of the relationship between the learning divide and the digital divide, and works with Ofcom, providers and learners......

In the last two years, Quick Reads have firmly established themselves as the perfect books for people who have lost the reading habit or who struggle to read long and complicated books and for avid readers simply wanting a short, fast read. Above all, they have proved that reading can be fun....

The Welsh Assembly Government launched Skills That Work for Wales: A Skills and Employment strategy and Action Plan on 15th July 2008. This final document follows consultation with the sector. You can download the strategy here, and read NIACE Dysgu Cymru's response to the original consultation.

First Minister Rhodri Morgan has announced the appointment of a Commissioner for Older People in Wales. Ruth Marks has previously been head of RNIB Cymru and Chwarae Teg. Richard Spear Director of NIACE Dysgu Cymru has welcomed the appointment of a Commissioner for Older People in Wales....

The Bevan Foundation’s latest research on migrant workers in Wales, was launched on 4th December 2007....

Over the past decade, public policy and practice have emphasised the importance of partnerships and collaboration to create more effective services, fill gaps and reach marginalised individuals and communities.....