3.9 We would draw particular attention to the unnecessary barriers to learning caused by the jungle of qualifications, by too narrow an understanding of the diverse forms and pathways to learning, and by inadequate or insufficiently available impartial guidance and counselling for would-be learners. There is, moreover, a general lack of strategy, coherence and effective co-ordination of effort.

3.10 Barriers include the confusing multiplicity of acronyms and jargon and the existence of a whole vocabulary which is itself off-putting and damaging to fragile and tentative motivation, even where the professionals involved are well-meaning and trying to do their honest best to support learners. Seen from the point of view of those potential learners whom we seek to motivate, the situation can easily appear as confusing, intimidating and clear confirmation that 'education is for other people' who appear to be able to find their way through the maze.

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