Screening

Screening is used to find out whether or not someone might have a literacy, language or numeracy need. If a need is recognised, initial assessment can then provide a means of establishing a learner's level. The Skills for Life Strategy Unit advises that providers use whichever screening materials best suit their learners, provided the tools result in a reliable indication of a learner's general ability in basic skills.

Examples of screening tools:

- Basic Skills Agency Screening tools

- CTAD Basic Skills Screener

- West Nottinghamshire College Basic and Keyskillbuilder

- Screening tools from the Building Essential Skills in the Construction Industry Project

- Good Practice Guidelines for Assessments and ILPs (from Pathfinder activities in Liverpool, Blackburn and the Wirral)

- Read the NRDC review of adult literacy and numeracy assessment instruments

Order the “Good Practice Guidelines in Screening and Initial Assessment” from DfES Publications (0845 60 222 60 - ref. SFLGPG).
Alternatively, you can download a PDF version of the document here.

Update : Following the first phase of trialling and development, revised trial versions of the literacy and numeracy skills check (formerly known as 'screening') and initial assessment tools are now available to download from this site and to order as hard copies visit the Tools Library website.