Essential Skills Essential Skills Essential Skills are nationally accredited qualifications. They include • Entry Level Literacy • Entry Level Numeracy • Level 1 & 2 Communication • Level 1 & 2 Application of Number • Level 1 & 2 ICT Teaching and Learning All learners participate in an Essential Skills programme. Essential Skills are delivered by qualified staff who use the context of the range of occupational choices to teach the Essential Skills. Assessment The Initial Assessment Process Undertaken within the first 6 weeks of training the initial assessment process helps to determine the most appropriate level of Essential Skills qualification for the learner to achieve. It also informs the preparation and development of a learner personal training plan. Formative Assessment During the teaching and learning programme formative assessment plays an important part. Feedback is provided in both oral and written form for the learner. Marking for improvement and informal classroom assessment with constructive feedback to the learner will raise levels of attainment as it informs the learner how to make progress. Summative Assessment The Essential Skills summative assessment process includes the completion of: (i) An Entry Level Desktop Task ; or (ii) An Action-based Activity and Desktop Task at Levels 1 and 2. The summative assessment is only undertaken when the learner is ready to do so. Progression Once a learner has successfully achieved their targeted level they have the opportunity to progress to the next level of attainment. Additional support Our provision is underpinned by strong emphases on preparation for the workplace, life skills and work skills, quality training, and high levels of individual support & pastoral care. The attainment of Essential skills is encouraged through all aspects of the participant’s training.