DIUS: Informal adult learning

The government is seeking to reverse views it does not value informal adult education.

It has placed an emphasis on vocational adult education in the past, universities and skills secretary John Denham has admitted, but is now committed to encouraging a "new vision" for informal learning for the 21st century.

Mr Denham believes the way informal learning takes place is rapidly diversifying and says the most "radical" possibilities are "only just beginning to be understood".

"It will be important to understand all the changes that are currently taking place, all the ways that government and other organisations support adult learners and, most importantly, what learners from all parts of our society actually want," he said.

The consultation closes on May 15th 2008.

To read the consultation paper click here.