Reach & Discover is the promotion campaign for the Local Public Service Agreement on Basic Skills for Adults.

Research has shown consistent low levels of basic skills in the Sandwell area, this impacts on both employment and children's achievement in schools. A recent screening exercise of all part time Adult Learners on ICT programmes in the Adult Education Service has confirmed this.

Sandwell has agreed 3 stretched targets around:

•  Basic skills achievement against nationally accredited qualifications

•  Basic skills achievement against individual learning plans

•  General engagement in Adult Learning through Adult Education, Libraries and Click! Sandwell

The Reach & Discover campaign needs to be bright and lively with the ability to reach out to the widest possible audience. Part of the campaign is to set up a Reach & Discover website which will include an easily accessible database of providers and activities across the Borough. Accessibility to information will be via subject title, geographical location, and learner postcode.

A substantial increase in basic skills levels within Sandwell will benefit:

•  Individuals

•  Business

Pupil attainment (knock-on effect from more parental involvement/understanding in curriculum areas through their own raised basic skills and subsequent self confidence levels.)

Support from CHOKE would be in terms of designing and developing the website, questionaire brochure and also designing the database which sits behind it.

(Date: 7 th . January 2004)