Main points in respect of Skills for Life from two recently published reports from the Learning and Skills Council
‘Delivering Learning and Skills-Progress Report 2006’ states that good progress against PSA targets for Skills for Life has been made, with an estimated 1.7 million+ learners having achieved qualifications contributing to the targets in 2006. However, only 55% of Skills for Life enrolments lead to approved qualifications, compared with the expected 80 per cent.
The Statement of Annual priorities outlines how, in response to this issue, from 2007/2008, only approved literacy, language and numeracy qualifications at Levels 1 and 2 will be eligible for funding as basic skills provision. At pre-entry and entry level, courses that do not lead to approved qualifications will continue to be funded at the enhanced weighting provided they are based on the Skills for Life standards and curriculum framework.
ESOL
From 2007/2008, free tuition will only be available to priority groups – mainly people who are unemployed or receiving income-based benefits. Further details are to follow.
QCA is accrediting a range of new ESOL international qualifications that will be particularly attractive to migrant workers. The new qualifications should be available from August 2007, and will be eligible for funding as per other language qualifications, i.e. with a programme weighting of 1.0 and no automatic disadvantage uplift.
Jobcentre Plus Customers
A new £23 million basic skills and employability programme is being developed for roll out from August 2007. ESOL provision will be a key part of this programme.
Asylum seekers
Ministers propose that asylum seekers aged 19+ should no longer be automatically eligible for publicly funded FE provision from 2007/2008. Only those who are granted refugee status, humanitarian protection or discretionary leave by the Government will be eligible. Asylum seekers aged 16-18 will remain eligible for funding.
To read more, visit the LSC website.
