Insight blog

  • Supporting Functional Skills Maths at Gateshead Council Learning and Skills

    Hello and welcome to Pearson’s Functional Skills Blog for August 2024. This month we have a case study looking at maths delivery at Gateshead Council, Learning and Skills. This is another example of a case study that demonstrates the incredible support for teaching and learning that goes on in Functional Skills. I spoke with Sarah Richardson, the Essential Skills Manager at Gateshead Council, about the support they have put in place for Functional Skills maths and how it has helped give their learners incredible success.  

  • Entry Level 3 Functional Skills in Apprenticeships

    Hello and welcome to Pearson’s Functional Skills Blog for June 2024. This month we will be taking a look at the decision to extend the apprenticeship English and maths flexibilities pilot. Under new rules, apprentices can work towards and pass a lower level of Functional Skills English and maths at Entry Level 3 without an EHCP as long as there is an identified need. Many of these learners might not have an EHCP in place and this chance provides more opportunities for these learners to access apprenticeships and to develop the necessary skills for their job roles.