The Skills for life planner brings together, in one place, a wealth of easy-to-access training information for the first time. Available online at www.tda.gov.uk/sflplanner, the planner is part of the government’s Skills for life strategy, which aims to raise literacy, language and numeracy skills among adults.

The planner is designed in a ‘dip in and out’ format, with printable checklists, template forms for skills analysis, suggested questions for training providers and advice on reward and recognition. It also addresses issues including raising awareness of Skills for life initiatives, business benefits, securing funding and evaluating success.

Bill Rammell, minister for higher education and lifelong learning, said:

“We know that learning has a positive effect on social and family life and often provides individuals with a springboard to other opportunities, both in and outside the workplace.  Skills development is a key priority for the government and I am pleased to say that Skills for life initiatives are now becoming embedded throughout the education and training system. That can only be a good thing for both pupils and the wider community.”

Jill Staley, director of the TDA's wider workforce programme, said:

 “There are now around half a million support staff working in England’s schools and they all contribute to their school’s success in raising standards. All support staff deserve the opportunity to brush up on or develop key skills so that they can help pupils even more effectively and, for many, the benefits of Skills for life training extend beyond work.

“The Skills for life planner concentrates on those areas where support is most often requested.  It will save school leaders time, money and effort by helping them to maximise the great range of training opportunities for support staff.”

Notes to editors

The Skills for life planner can be accessed at: www.tda.gov.uk/sflplanner.

The planner has been developed by a range of experts including teachers, school leaders and learners.

It is split into the following key sections:

• Get buy-in: support staff, school leaders and governors all need to know what’s in it for them.
• Identify learning needs: finding out the skills needs of the school as a whole, and of individual staff.
• Planning learning: deciding the programme that best suits learners’ and the school’s needs.
• Evaluate contents: checking progress and measuring effectiveness to help plan next steps.

Each section contains advice, guidance and support, with downloadable checklists, links to key organisations and case studies.

Over half a million support staff now work in a range of support roles in schools, including teaching assistants, administrators, catering and premises staff and midday supervisors.

More general information on the government’s Skills for life strategy can be found on the following websites:  www.dfes.gov.uk/readwriteplus and www.move-on.org.uk

The Training and Development Agency for Schools was established under the Education Act 2005 and was formerly known as the Teacher Training Agency.  Its principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that improves children’s life chances.

Skills for life media enquiries

Tel: 020 7025 7505
E-mail: skillsforlifeplanner@trimediahc.com

TDA media enquiries

TDA media relations team tel: 020 7023 8080
Out of hours: 07771 934629
E-mail: mediarelations@tda.gov.uk

General TDA enquiries

0870 4960 123