Created following consultation with tutors and learners from around Scotland, the framework is illustrated by case studies of good practice and advocates a “social practices” approach of putting the learner at the centre and working to a curriculum negotiated around his or her uses and needs.

Mr Chisholm said: “Attracting new learners from priority groups who may be particularly disadvantaged is one way of working to close the opportunity gap, a key Scottish Executive priority. Improving their ability to read, write and use numbers helps them get jobs and confidence, and improves their lives.”

Lillias Noble, head of Learning Connections at Communities Scotland, which produced the framework, stated: “Strong partnership working in the field of adult literacy and numeracy is already increasing its impact on learners and reaching the people that need it most.”