Useful Links

The following websites contain information that will be of interest to Skills for Life professionals. You will find links relating to teaching and learning resources in the Resources section.

	Embedded Learning Portal This site contains the online versions of the DIUS (formerly DfES) Skills for Life Materials for Embedded Learning.
	http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk The Skills Funding Agency has been set up by the government to fund and regulate adult skills training in England.
	http://www.ypla.gov.uk The YPLA supports local authorities to commission suitable education and training opportunities for all 16-19 year olds in England.
	www.becta.org.uk A UK agency which supports all four UK education departments in their strategic ICT developments.
	www.biglotteryfund.org.uk Organisation that distributes project funding from the National Lottery. Created from a merger of the New Opportunities Fund and the Community Fund.
	www.bis.gov.uk The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
	www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus The official web site for the DfES Skills for Life Strategy Unit (SfLSU).
	www.esf.gov.uk Information and guidance on applying for funding from the European Social Fund.
	www.excellencegateway.org.uk/sflcurriculum Online, revised Skills for Life core curriculum. Offers improved accessibility and links to other supporting material.
	www.excellencegateway.org.uk/sflsp Skills for Life Support Programme website
	www.fssupport.org The Functional Skills Support Programme website contains information on the range of professional development training and support available to help you prepare for functional skills delivery.
	www.ictsfl.org.uk ICT Skill for Life Pathfinder Project website. The project aims to develop and pilot approaches to delivering the ICT Skills for Life curriculum in a variety of settings.
	www.ifl.ac.uk The Institute for Learning is a new body concentrating on promoting and supporting the professional standing and development of teachers and lecturers across the post - 16 sector
	www.lc.communitiesscotland.gov.uk Scottish Executive agency initiative that aims to improve levels of adult literacies (literacy, language and numeracy skills) in Scotland.
	www.lifelonglearninguk.org Lifelong Learning UK is the Sector Skills Council established to lead the professional development of all those who work in the field of lifelong learning.
	www.literacy.ie Website of the National Adult Literacy Agency, Ireland
	www.literacytools.ie Learners' website from the National Adult Literacy Agency, Ireland. Features interactive games, quizzes and a virtual guide called Nala!
	www.literacytrust.org.uk Official website of the Literacy Trust. Contains a comprehensive section on dyslexia and learning difficulties.
	www.lsis.org.uk The Learning and Skills Improvement Service is the new sector‑owned body, formed from CEL and QIA, to develop excellent and sustainable FE provision across the sector.
	www.moneymatterstome.co.uk NIACE financial literacy website with useful information, activities and resources.
	www.move-on.org.uk Website to support the national Move On Up Programme, which aims to help adults brush up their basic skills and take the national tests. Offers a range of resources.
	www.myguide.gov.uk The DCSF funded myguide is free, ready-made and can help you and your learners by providing a simple introduction to computer and internet skills.
	www.ncetm.org.uk National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics
	www.niace.org.uk National Institute for Adult Continuing Education: a non-governmental organisation that aims to promote adult learning. NIACE undertake research and provide a range of Skills for Life professional deevelopment programmes.
	www.nrdc.org.uk NRDC is the national centre dedicated to research and development in adult literacy, numeracy and language.
	www.nzliteracyportal.org.nz The New Zealand Literacy Portal provides a knowledge base of adult literacy information contributed by both New Zealand and international organisations.
	www.ofsted.gov.uk Office for Standards in Education website. Ofsted is the inspectorate for children and learners of all ages in England.
	www.onlinebasics.co.uk Online basics is a free course that aims to help thousands of offline adults take their first steps with computers and the internet.
	www.pdnet.org.uk Skills for Life Professional and Development Network for Yorkshire and the Humber
	www.qcda.gov.uk Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency website. Contains sample national test materials and information on Skills for Life accreditation.
	www.readingagency.org.uk The Reading Agency is an independent charity working to inspire more people to read more. It is funded by the Arts Council and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
	www.refugeecouncil.org.uk Refugee Council website. Useful information for Refugees and Asylum Seekers and for those supporting them.
	www.sflip.org.uk Skills for Life Improvement Programme website.
	www.sflqi.org.uk Quality Improvement Agency 'Skills for Life Quality Initiative' legacy website.
	www.skillsforwork.co.uk Workplace Skills for Life consultancy. The website has a range of workplace Skills for Life downloads, including needs analysis resources.
	www.subjectlearningcoach.net QIA National Teaching and Learning Change Programme developed in response to the Government’s strategy to improve Teaching and Learning, as outlined in Success for All.
	www.thenetwork.co.uk Based at Lancaster University, the Network builds professional capacity in workplace Skills for Life through dissemination of good practice and continuing professional development.
	www.ToolsLibrary.co.uk Website to support the trialling of the Skills for Life Assessment Tools developed by the DfES Skills for Life Strategy Unit.
	www.traintogain.gov.uk A new service designed to help businesses get the training they need to succeed. Train to Gain is being rolled-out nationally by the Learning and Skills Council across England and has been developed from the highly successful Employer Training Pilots.
	www.unionlearn.org.uk Trade Union Council Learning website. Contains a Skills for Life section and hub.
	www.wollnet.org Workplace Literacy, Language and Numeracy Evaluation Toolkit project website.