Background- Drive for the innovation Our centre nearly closed down in May 2006: We only have Learndirect funding, but not many learners are ready to receive Learndirect provision due to limited language skills Mismatch of funding & learners levels Failed to meet the 1st test pass target set by the funder loss of funding Why innovation – to find a way out, to survive…

SWOT behind the innovation Strength - Learners are keen to learn -Learners loyal to centre -Centre has bilingual staff -Staff have empathy for learners Weakness - Ufi - only funding stream - Learndirect courses too difficult to learners - Learners have low self esteem & confidence - They only want Eng not Maths Opportunities - Learners have spiky profile: strong number skills but weak language skills Threat - Funding cut if fail to meet 1 st test pass target

Pilot To use Numeracy as learning resources to improve learners language skills (e.g. English through Maths) To adapt materials from the Maths4Life Thinking through Mathematics pack, by adding customised cards using Chinese To experiment to see if ESOL learners can pass their 1 st test in Numeracy if bilingual support is provided to their learning Result: Possible

Innovation: Implementation … Creating an ESOL Numeracy learning route 1.Engagement and recruitment 2.Sensitive screening - making full use of the bilingual skills of the tutors. 3.Identify learners skills for life needs (literacy, language and numeracy) 4.Identify learning support needs (e.g. dyslexia needs, learning preferences, adaptive equipment)