Learning Disabilities and Health

This factsheet on learning disability has been compiled by the Department of Health South East. It highlights the health inequalities experienced by those with learning disabilities and summarises the main health-related issues. It details key publications such as 'Valuing People Now', which was launched in Jan-09, and provides information about strategies, resources and national drivers including Local Area Agreements. It can serve as a useful tool for PCTs, commissioners, those involved in service development, and those with a public health remit in order to improve practice and health outcomes among those with learning disability at both local and regional levels. For further information contact: Jonathan Campion (jonathan.campion@dh.gsi.gov.uk) or Jo Nurse (jo.nurse@dh.gsi.gov.uk)

Apprenticeship Council Report on New Apprenticeship Programme Proposals

In May 2013, the then Minister for Education and Skills announced a wide ranging review of apprenticeship in Ireland. The review was undertaken by an independent Review Group under the chairmanship of Kevin Duffy. The objective of the review was to “examine the future of apprenticeship training in Ireland with a greater focus on a work based learning and a closer alignment of the current needs if the Irish labour market”. The Apprenticeship Review took place in the context of a wider reform programme in education and training, including major structural change in further education and training, the establishment of SOLAS and the development of new national strategies in both further and higher education. Apprenticeship was defined by the Apprenticeship Review Group as a programme of structured education and training, which formally combines and alternates learning in the work place with learning in an education or training centre, (a dual system i.e. a blended combination of on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job training) whose completion - Prepares the participant for a specific occupation - Leads to an award, recognised under the National Framework of Qualifications from Level 5 to Level 1

Literacy and Numeracy Learning for Life

Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life is the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy standards among children and young people in the education system. This strategy seeks to address significant concerns about how well our young people are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that they will need to participate fully in the education system, to live satisfying and rewarding lives, and to participate as active and informed citizens in our society.

Literacy and Numeracy Learning for Life - Summary

In July 2011 the Minister for education launched Literacy and Numeracy for Learning and Life – the national strategy to improve literacy and numeracy among children and young people. The strategy was developed following an extensive consultation process and contributions from individuals, schools, groups and organisations. This leaflet gives a flavour of the key parts of the Strategy with access to the full document on the Department’s website.

Review of ALCES funded Adult Literacy Provision

Following the publication of the International Adult Literacy Survey (IALS), the White Paper on Adult Education set targets for the participation of adults with low levels of literacy and numeracy in VEC provision. These participation targets have been attained. It is not known if the skill levels of the Irish population have changed since 1995 but the publication of the results of the OECD’s Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) in October 2013 will provide this information. The Skills Strategy and other Government policy statements relating to activation measures propose that an additional 500,000 individuals within the workforce need to progress by at least one level on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) by 2020. While no new overall strategy for the development of Adult Literacy in Ireland has been devised since the publication of the White Paper in 2000, there have been a number of specific initiatives taken by Government which complement the initial provision framework (Intensive Literacy (ITABE), DEIS Family Literacy, projects focused on the workplace). Blended and distance learning initiatives have also been supported. These issues should inform the development of any new Adult Literacy strategy by SOLAS.

White Paper on Adult Education Learning for Life

This is Ireland’s first White Paper on Adult Education and marks the adoption of lifelong learning as the governing principle of educational policy. The Paper reflects on the role of adult education in society, builds on the consultation process following publication of the Green Paper, and sets out the Government’s policies and priorities for the future development of the sector. It does not aim to provide a policy blueprint for the training sector given that this work is being advanced through the National Employment Action Plans and previous publications, and the work of the Task Force on Lifelong Learning recently established by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Rather, it seeks to ensure that there is a fit and complementarity between education and training provision, so as to ensure that learners can move progressively and incrementally within an over-arching co-ordinated and learner-centred framework.

Regional Guidelines for the Search of Patients, their Belongings and the Environment of Care within Adult Mental Health and Learning Disability Inpatient Settings

The overarching purpose of these guidelines is to ensure the safety and promote the protection of patients, staff and visitors by ensuring that dangerous items or hazardous substances are not brought into the in-patient setting, including illicit substances, prescribed / over the counter medications, dangerous items and alcohol or any other hazardous or potentially hazardous item or substance.

What your baby says about learning to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of babies aged up to one year old who need help learning to talk.

What your tot says about learning to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of babies aged between one and two years old who need help learning to talk.

What your toddler says about learning to talk

This leaflet was developed for parents and carers of babies aged between two and three years old who need help learning to talk.

Type 2 Diabetes for people with a Learning Disability

�� Pictorial information about type 2 diabetes for people with a learning disability.