By 2010 the Government requires all teaching staff in the Lifelong Learning Sector to gain the QTLS (Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills) teaching qualification. In addition to the new qualification, all those training to teach in the post compulsory/FE sector must also have reached an acceptable skill level in literacy, numeracy and ICT before they qualify, this is referred to as 'the minimum core' and states that literacy skills must be equivalent to a level 3 qualification (A Level standard) and numeracy skills must be equivalent to level 2 (GSCE).

This aims to be the first core textbook in the market to support those undertaking initial teacher training in the post-compulsory/learning and skills sector (formerly FE). The text is structured in line with the requirements and specifications of the minimum core and therefore guides students to achieve the minimum core and pass the new national tests in order to achieve their QTLS qualification. This is achieved by developing the student's personal knowledge, skills, and strategies in order to ensure that they support their own students when they start teaching/training themselves. In addition a self-audit of numeracy skills is available online in order to identify areas of personal strengths and weakness.