The Minister for Education, Culture and Welsh Language Carwyn Jones today [Wednesday 4 July 2007] welcomed the Wales division of the Basic Skills Agency to the Welsh Assembly Government.

Previously based in London, the Basic Skills Agency (BSA) was responsible for delivering the basic skills strategy in Wales on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government. Its aim was to help and teach people of all ages who struggle with words and numbers in their everyday lives.

The 18 Wales-based staff of the BSA merged with the Assembly Government’s Department for Education, Culture and Welsh Language to form the new Basic Skills Cymru. The England part of the BSA operation has simultaneously transferred to NIACE (the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education).

Carwyn Jones said: “Basic skills are vital to our economy and our culture. The work of the Basic Skills Agency, through the Wales contract, has had a major impact on lifting basic skills in Wales and developing and disseminating good practice in literacy, language and numeracy.

“The BSA is being wound up, so it is fitting that the Wales team is brought within the Welsh government. It means that we can make the very best of the synergies in the wider education department and beyond.

”I would like extend a warm welcome to all staff at the new Basic Skills Cymru as we continue to deliver this essential bread and butter agenda.”

The Wales based staff continue, for the time being, to be supported by the London NIACE office, to deliver basic skills in Wales. It is envisaged that, by April 2008, Basic Skills Cymru will be fully supported within the Welsh Assembly Government.

For more information, please contact Joanna Warlow on 02920 898556.