The Social Practice Model, sees literacies as a key dimension of community regeneration and a part of the wider lifelong learning agenda. Such an approach recognises that:

• literacy and numeracy are complex capabilities rather than a simple set of basic skills
• adult learners are more likely to develop and retain knowledge, skills and understanding if they see them as relevant to their own problems and challenges.

Therefore, the words 'adult literacies' are preferred to 'adult literacy and numeracy', as literacies is felt to be more inclusive of the range of capabilities being covered. Tutors are encouraged to negotiate an individual learning plan, selecting the knowledge and skills that are most relevant to the individual learner's goals.