The government has published the content for Functional Skills maths and English.

The publication of the subject content follows last Autumn’s national consultation.  333 responses to the consultation were received from Further and Higher Education institutions, apprenticeships providers, employers, subject experts, practitioners, providers and Awarding Organisations.

The main issues in the consultation which attracted comment included: the use of aids to support spelling, grammar and calculations; the distinction between subject content levels, particularly between Entry Level 3 and Level 1; the number of guided learning hours; and the inclusion of spelling lists based on a phonics teaching approach at Entry Level.

The development of new Functional Skills qualifications will continue in the run up to first teaching in September 2019 with a further consultation expected from Ofqual later this month.

The DfE has also published research on improving engagement and attainment in maths and English in FE colleges and also for adult learners in education, the workplace and the community.