FE Week E79

2013·17.6 MB·English

FE
FE Week
Week
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Colleges under fire
Monday, October 21, 2013
www.feweek.co.uk
Unhappy
in social mobility
skills minister
commission report
singles out councils
Chris Henwood tional qualifications look positive, though
@Chris_Henwood there remains inadequate information on
courses and apprenticeships, and too little
A hard-hitting report by the government’s support for non-academic routes. There is
social mobility commission has attacked also excessive complexity in local funding.” Birmingham City Council
college performance and recommended fund- Meanwhile, the commission, chaired Borough of Poole Council
ing for employment outcomes rather than by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Derby City Council
recruitment. Milburn, used Ofsted inspections to further
Derbyshire County Council
The Social Mobility and Child Poverty criticise the sector.
Gloucestershire County Council
Commission’s 348-page document concluded: “Ofsted inspection data lays bare the chal-
Herefordshire Council
“Current policies are likely to be insufficient lenges for the sector, including the fact that at
to address entrenched and unacceptably high the end of August 2012, 1.5 million learners Lincolnshire County Council
levels of youth unemployment and inactiv- in the post-16 learning and skills sector were Shropshire Council
ity.” in provision that was rated less than good,” South Gloucestershire Council
It had used damning Ofsted statistics to said the report, published on Thursday.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
paint a bleak picture of colleges while calling It added: “There is a need to have a far
Tower Hamlets Council
for a wide range of changes. greater focus on improving the quality of fur-
Waltham Forest Council
Among its ten recommendations was that ther education provision, which is the largest
“colleges in the future be paid by the results provider of education to those who do not do
they achieve for their students in the labour well at school.”
market and not the numbers they recruit”. Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the
It received short shrift from Malcolm 157 Group, hit back at the report’s findings.
Trobe, deputy general secretary of the As- She said: “Relying heavily on a snapshot
sociation of School and College Leaders. of Ofsted data from more than a year ago
He said: “There are number of factors that does not provide sound enough basis for
influence how well students fare in the labour critiquing the social inclusion that
market, the obvious ones being the local colleges undertake.
economy and the career they aspire to. “The report is missing
“While colleges do all they can to prepare the point of the critical
students for the world of work, they cannot work done by colleges that needs to be looked
be held responsible for finding jobs for them at more closely and comprehensively. Local authorities have had their knuckles rapped over the tracking of
and it is unreasonable to suggest that this be “The rich offering of FE to social mobility 16 to 18-year-olds’ education status. See in depth report on page 5
used to hold them to account.” has been under-acknowledged in this impor-
It further suggested a “participation pay- tant report.”
ment” for young people doing traineeships. She added: “We support the report’s em- Our Mann follows
It said: “The government should consider phasis on quality as we strive for world class
introducing a youth credit (or participation standards while remaining focused on the
Hancock to West
payment), conditional on their participation needs of the learner.
in high quality work-related support and edu- “We have long argued for a more intelli-
cational programmes, perhaps along the lines gent accountability framework that includes Nottinghamshire
of current traineeships (with funding drawn destinations, value added and distance
out of the Bursary Fund and Child Benefit for travelled as well as employer and learner
See page 8
16 and 17-years-olds and out of Jobseeker’s feedback.”
Allowance for the over-18s).” The Association of Colleges declined to
And on funding, it said: “Reforms to voca- comment.
Shane Mann, FE Week director of operations, adds to the wall Skills Minister Matthew Hancock started
Our comprehensive “mix and match” traineeship
package can be tailored to suit your needs and the
NCFE
needs of your learners. With over 130 qualifications
brings you
to choose from, including a suite of Maths and
English qualifications, why go anywhere else?
Traineeships
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Web: www.ncfe.org.uk
2 FE Week Monday, October 21, 2013 www.feweek.co.uk
Minister in Elite tag ‘hint’ Yorkshire provider
Edition 79
loses £500k funding
after Premier Colleges launch
FE Week is the only newspaper dedicated to
news, analysis, jobs and fun in the FE sector. over audit ‘concerns’
Paul Offord
And tweet us your thoughts @feweek or dedicated to maintaining the highest possible
with the hashtag #feweek @PaulOfford standards.
“But I’m very cautious about using the
Editor: Nick Linford A “new breed of elite colleges” appears to word elite — with all its connotations about
Deputy editor: Chris Henwood have been hinted at in the same week as a exclusiveness — in a sector that is fundamen-
Sub editor: Paul Offord group of providers have branded themselves tally based on social mobility, social inclusion
Reporter: Rebecca Cooney Premier Colleges. and creating opportunities for all.”
Trainee reporter: Anisa Fatima (see p13) Skills Minister Matthew Hancock men- The minister’s comments came as Skills
Head designer: Nicky Phillips tioned the word “elite” four times in a recent Show sponsors grouped together to brand Bradford Telegraph & Argus
Operations: Shane Mann speech about the future of colleges. themselves Premier Colleges.
Sales executive: Hannah Smith And it is understood Mr Hancock is con- A Skills Show spokesperson told FE Week: A West Yorkshire training provider is to have
Administration: Victoria Boyle sidering official use of the term ‘elite college’ “A select group of 20 of the UK’s leading and its £500,000 Skills Funding Agency contract
Financials: Helen Neilly for the best performing, which could require highly responsive colleges and a university, terminated after an audit raised concern
Contributors: Rod Clark a particular specialism or a high level of with vocational education and training at the about learner records and financial dealings.
employer engagement. heart of their businesses, have joined forces The agency confirmed to FE Week that its
However, a spokesperson at the Department to form a new working association called agreement with iCOCO Training, based in
for Business, Innovation and Skills declined Premier Colleges”. Cleckheaton, would end in early December.
For an annual subscription to FE Week for to comment on whether there were plans for All but three of the sponsors are from the However, an agency spokesperson said it
just £75 visit www.feweek.co.uk and click such a new college brand. Midlands (see list on FE Week website). was “not conducting any investigation into
on ‘subscribe’ at the top of the page. But Mr Hancock’s comments have sparked The spokesperson added: “The colleges any matters relating to iCOCO Training”.
concerns about FE appearing to become an involved in the Premier Colleges group have She said: “The decision was made follow-
elitist sector, with 157 Group executive direc- not been selected — they have voluntarily ing concerns about the quality of learners’
tor Lynne Sedgmore saying she was “very invested in the [Skills] show as a public dem- records and financial claims submitted to the
cautious” about the term. onstration of what they contribute to FE and agency by iCOCO that came to light during a
If you are interested in placing a product
Nevertheless, Mr Hancock’s reference their commitment to the promotion of the recent audit.
or job advert in a future edition please click
to “elite colleges” came during a speech to sector,” she said. “The provider was formally notified on
on the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page
the Edge Foundation on Tuesday, where he She added: “All colleges in the group September 10 and accordingly the contract
on www.feweek.co.uk or contact:
explained his vision for the future of FE. collectively cover a wide geographical area will terminate on December 9.”
In his speech, Mr Hancock said: “I want — beyond the Midlands — and all have sup- The provider offers training courses for
E: [email protected]
to see the emergence of a new breed of elite porting The Skills Show as a key motivation, hairdressing, customer services, business ad-
T: 020 81234 778
colleges, which lead the nation — indeed lead among others that are largely specific to their ministration, child care and beauty therapy.
the world — in their area. I want to talk to individual colleges.” The agency said either party could termi-
Top Careers Colleges tweets:
you today about what reform looks like. The national Skills Show is being held at nate the contract with three months’ notice,
“About what we’ve done so far and what the NEC Birmingham on November 14 to 16. without the need to give a reason.
@Annette1Hardy we’re changing. And in particular, the role “All learners have now been transferred to
‘Career colleges’ won’t happen colleges can play — including as elite institu- either Kirklees College or Calderdale College
unless Mr Gove decides that tions, leaders in their communities.” in order to complete their learning,” said its
children can drop academic Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the spokesperson.
subjects at 14. 157 Group, said: “FE colleges are absolutely Allisonne Reilly, managing director of
iCOCO, declined to comment.
@tomstannard
Career colleges story....ok....but Niace demands Pupil Premium cash for family learning
heavy 14-19 focus again. All ages
matters, as #piaac reminded us.
Paul Offord
The government launched the Pupil Pre-
@JulianGravatt @PaulOfford mium scheme in April 2011 to help reduce
Legally Career Colleges will be inequalities between children eligible for free
subsidiaries of FE Colleges and The National Institute of Adult Continuing school meals and their peers.
practically they’re an extension Education (Niace) wants Pupil Premium cash Lady Howarth (pictured) chaired the Niace
of the 14-16 direct recruitment from the government to fund a huge expan- inquiry that produced the report. She said:
initiative sion in family learning across the country. “Evidence shows family learning could in-
It unveiled a report on Friday, called Family crease the overall level of children’s develop-
@CareersDefender Learning Works, outlining how family educa- ment by as much as 15 per cent for those from
Career Colleges? Weren’t they tion programmes improved child and adult disadvantaged groups.
called technical colleges in the numeracy, literacy and other key skills. “It could, in one generation, change the
60/70s? Are we back to a 2 tier Family programmes aim to encourage lives of a whole generation. We would be fool-
model? family members to learn together, provid- ish to miss such an opportunity.”
ing learning to both adults and children and The report called for family learning to
@DavidHeadViews provide progression for the adult to other become a key element of future government
Can’t see Lord Baker’s “career learning. would amount to £45m in England. planning for improving post-16 education and
colleges” attracting many pro- They are usually delivered by teachers from Mr Hughes said: “Across the country, there adult employment prospects.
spective Etonians. But they’ll FE colleges, local authorities, or charities at are examples of family learning programmes It stated: “We want family learning to be
certainly keep working class kids primary schools. which have transformed the prospects for seen as an effective use of school funding, to
in their place. And David Hughes, Niace chief executive, adults and children. But these programmes ensure the parents and carers of children,
has called on the government to encourage need to be the norm in every school and com- particularly those from disadvantaged back-
schools to spend their Pupil Premiums on munity. grounds, are offered high-quality learning
family learning. “There is funding available to pay for this opportunities.
LLeeaarrnniinngg && SSkkiillllss EEvveennttss,,
The national Pupil Premium budget was through the Pupil Premium. Family learning “In addition, we want to see family learning
CCoonnssuullttaannccyy aanndd TTrraaiinniinngg LLttdd
£1.875bn in 2013-14, with schools — who have must be part of a national strategy, formed of integrated into strategies to engage those
116611--116655 GGrreeeennwwiicchh HHiigghh RRooaadd
LLoonnddoonn SSEE1100 88JJAA freedom to spend the funding how they want local partnerships, to give adults and children furthest from the labour market and improve
TT:: 002200 88112233 44777788 — attracting £900 per disadvantaged child. from all walks of life the opportunities to employability where, evidence shows, learn-
EE:: nneewwss@@ffeewweeeekk..ccoo..uukk Niace would like at least 2.3 per cent of this become learners and reap the wide benefits of ing can be hugely effective — perhaps more so
money diverted to family learning, which learning.” than any other single intervention.”
@FEWeek Monday, October 21, 2013 FE Week 3
Nine in court over alleged A4e fraud Apprenticeships fall
The number of new 16 to 18 apprentices
Chris Henwood attended A4e or to clients whom A4e had not Road, Slough, was charged with five counts fell nearly 15,000 last year, from 126,300 in
successfully placed in employment. The con- of forgery and one count of conspiracy to 2011/12.
@Chris_Henwood
tract was to deliver motivation and training defraud. The 12 per cent drop, comparing pro-
and to assist people to find employment.” Charles McDonald, recruiter, 43, of Derwent visional statistical first release (SFR) fig-
Nine former employees of welfare to work The nine defendants appeared at Slough Road, Egham, was charged with seven counts ures, came at the same time as the number
provider A4e have appeared in court charged Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 14, of forgery, one count of possessing an article of all-age apprenticeship starts also fell by
with fraud. where they spoke only to confirm their de- for use in fraud and two counts of making more than 7,000.
The six women and three men face more tails. No pleas were entered. articles for use in fraud. In 2011/12, provisionally there were
than 50 counts between them, including for- District Judge Tan Ikram granted them Nikki Foster, recruiter, 30, of High Tree 502,500 apprentice starts across the board,
gery, possessing an article for use in fraud and each unconditional bail to appear at Reading Drive, Reading, was charged with 10 counts of but that was down to 495,100 last year.
conspiracy to defraud. Crown Court on Monday, October 28. forgery. A government spokesperson said:
Among the accused is a former contract An A4e spokesperson said: “The investiga- Julie Grimes, recruiter, 50, of Monks “Participation for under-19s has declined
manager, a former administrator and seven tion by Thames Valley Police relates to alleged Way, Staines, was charged with 10 counts of overall as a result of the renewed focus
former recruiters who were employed across incidents which date back to 2009 and were forgery. on higher quality. For the first time, all
three A4e offices in South East England. uncovered by A4e’s own internal controls. Aditi Singh, recruiter, 30, of Elmshott Lane, apprenticeships now involve a job and
It is alleged that they forged documenta- “We referred the matter to the DWP, which Slough, was charged with three counts of for- as such some low quality provision was
tion to support fraudulent claims to the then referred the allegations to the police. gery and one count of possession of an article ended.
Department for Work and Pensions for “The alleged incidents all relate to old for use in fraud. “This particularly affected the 16 to 18
reward payments, under the Aspire to Inspire paper-based contracts which used systems Bindiya Dholiwar, recruiter, 27, of Redding- apprenticeships, as programme-led ap-
programme, which ended in July 2011. The al- that have since been replaced. ton Drive, Slough, was charged with seven prenticeships were concentrated in that
legations date from February 2009 and follow “We are fully co-operating with the police counts of forgery. age range.”
an investigation by the Thames Valley Police to ensure the investigation can be concluded Dean Lloyd, recruiter, 36, of Rochfords, Cof- In February, FE Week reported the first
Economic Crime Unit. quickly and are therefore unable to comment fee Hall, Milton Keynes, was charged with 13 full year fall in under-19 apprenticeship
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson further on an ongoing enquiry.” counts of forgery. starts in three years. Final, rather than
said: “Under the terms of the contract, pay- Ines Cano-Uribe, contract manager, aged Yasmin Ahmad, recruiter, 38, of Colchester provisional, figures showed 1,800 fewer
ments were made when the scheme success- 37, of Madrid, Spain, was charged with one Road, Southend-on-Sea, was charged with two 16 to 18 apprenticeships last year than in
fully placed individuals in employment. count of forgery and one count of conspiracy counts of forgery. 2010/11 — a 1.4 per cent fall.
“It is alleged that many of the reward to defraud [Proceeding]
payments related either to people who never Zabar Khalil, administrator, 34, of Dolphin
Commons grilling for Elmfield, Syddall and SFA
Their success,
is your success,
Chris Henwood is our success.
@Chris_Henwood
Former Elmfield director Ged Syddall (pic-
tured) and Skills Funding Agency finance
director Paul McGuire look set for a “no-holds-
barred” grilling by MPs over allegations of
apprenticeship malpractice. appeared before Mr Bailey’s committee. He
It is understood they will be called before gave evidence in April last year, when he said
the House of Commons Business, Innovation Elmfield’s entire income of £30m in 2011/12
and Skills Select Committee by the end of next came from public funds. He also defended his
month in light of an investigation into Elmfield own £3m company dividend.
by BBC’s Newsnight. Meanwhile, Ofsted — whose inadequate
A senior current member of Elmfield staff is grading of Elmfield in July prompted an
NCFE Traineeships

also expected to be summoned with Mr Syddall agency notice of serious breach and a ban on
having quit as the firm’s director amid the BBC new learners, along with Mr Syddall’s resigna-
We’ve got it covered
probe — although it is understood he remains tion as chief executive — carried out a two-day
majority shareholder. monitoring visit last month. It was carried
The Newsnight report, supported with infor- out at least three months early, at the request
mation uncovered by FE Week, aired on Friday, of Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, and the NCFE offers a comprehensive range Maths and English -
October 4, and focussed on Elmfield’s dealings resulting report, published this month, told of of qualifications which you can coming soon!
with workers at supermarket giant Morrisons. “reasonable” and also “significant” progress in mix and match to help create the
It was alleged Elmfield received agency key areas. perfect package of learning that NCFE is developing a suite of over 100 different
money for apprenticeships that employees had An Elmfield spokesperson said: “We are suits both you and your learners. qualifications at Levels 1 and 2. This includes
single unit awards which provide the short,
declined. Elmfield told Newsnight that investi- pleased to see that we have been able to demon- We also offer a range of learning resources
gations had been carried out, uncovering “no strate progress in all areas of our work exam- helping to support you in delivering bite-sized chunks of learning, designed to
excellence. Find out more by visiting help the learner “fill the gaps” in their skills,
evidence of malpractice,” although a further ined by Ofsted in a very short space of time.”
www.ncfe.org.uk/resources knowledge and understanding.
investigation had since been launched. The monitoring report, which unlike full
Committee chair Adrian Bailey told FE inspection reports gives no overall grade, saw
Week: “I am putting it to the committee that the agency lift its blanket ban on new Elmfield Our qualifications help learners make the leap from education
we invite Mr Sydall, Mr McGuire and a senior apprentices. But the notice of serious breach into the workplace and include:
member of Elmfield staff to discuss allega- remains in place.
Employability Skills Job Search and Employability Skills
tions made and the contractual arrangements A spokesperson for the agency, which is
Personal and Social Development Enterprise Skills
between Elmfield, Morrisons and the agency. still investigating apprenticeship malpractice
“I want to find out the extent of Mr Sydall’s claims against Elmfield, said: “We will assess Job Search and Interview Skills Occupational Studies
current involvement, including details of the any request from Elmfield to start new appren-
And much more...
proportion of shares he owns in the company. ticeships on a case by case basis.”
Want
“Our questioning would be wide-ranging, Morrisons stopped contracting with Elmfield to know
no-holds-barred and include how much money in August, when NCG (formerly Newcastle more? Call: 0191 239 8000 Visit: www.ncfe.org.uk
he’s made from the business and its public College Group) took over the apprenticeship
funds.” training contract. Neither Morrisons nor NCG
It would be the second time Mr Syddall has are accused of any wrongdoing.
4 FE Week Monday, October 21, 2013 www.feweek.co.uk
Colleges hoping for VAT ‘anomaly’
The apprenticeship
end after MPs’ letter and PM pledge
champion line-up
Chris Henwood
according to research from the Sixth Form
@Chris_Henwood Colleges’ Association (SFCA), has resulted in
colleges being forced to drop courses such as
Sixth form colleges could be about to see the modern foreign languages and further maths,
end of a “longstanding inequality” on VAT as their funding reduces.
after more than 70 MPs wrote to Education James Kewin, deputy chief executive of the
Secretary Michael Gove calling for a change in SFCA, said: “We are delighted that so many
the law. MPs from across the political divide have
England’s 93 sixth form colleges currently united to campaign for an end to this longstand-
have to pay VAT on goods and services, while ing inequality.
schools and academies are reimbursed. “Sixth form colleges are the most effective
But a cross-party group of 74 MPs, led by and efficient providers of sixth form education
Education Select Committee chair Graham in England. However, changes to the way that
Stuart, urged Mr Gove to support the introduc- 16 to 19 education is funded will see them lose
tion of a VAT refund scheme. a greater proportion of their income than any
“MPs across the House feel strongly that it is other type of sixth form provider — a VAT re-
wrong that sixth form colleges still have to pay bate would help sixth form colleges to maintain
VAT, when school and academies can reclaim their high standards.
Chloe Gailes Karen Lowry-Hall Nichola Mitchell
those costs,” said Mr Stuart. “We are not asking for anything that
Their letter follows a pledge school and academy sixth forms Chris Henwood The award, now in its second year, is spon-
from David Cameron, during do not already receive — the sored by City & Guilds. Last year’s winner,
@Chris_Henwood
Prime Minister’s questions on current VAT treatment of sixth Jenny Westworth, completed an advanced
October 9, to “look carefully form colleges amounts to a apprenticeship in aerospace engineering
at the issue”. tax on learning that redirects One of these three women will be crowned and now works at BAE Systems.
And now a Department funding away from the front apprentice champion of the year. Karen Woodward, interim national
for Education spokesperson line education of students.” Chloe Gailes, aged 28, Karen Lowry-Hall, director of apprenticeships at the National
has told FE Week: “In 2011/12 The SFCA report Unlocking 31, and Nichola Mitchell, 22, have battled it Apprenticeship Service, said: “We’re very
we ended the unfair funding the potential of Sixth Form Col- out for the honour, but must wait until next excited to be running the apprenticeship
between schools and colleges for leges was published on Tuesday, month to find out who’s won. champion of the year competition again this
post-16 students by putting both on October 15. It highlighted how the The former apprentices were whittled year, and our three finalists are fantastic ex-
the same funding rate. We have put in place additional investment from a VAT rebate would down from a shortlist of 10 before going to a amples of the vital contribution apprentices
protection until 2015, to make sure they can be used by the sector and the benefits it would public vote, which ended on Friday. make to businesses around the country.”
plan ahead. bring. Chloe, from Knutsford, represents Greater Skills Minister Matthew Hancock said:
“Colleges are treated differently to schools It said: “At present, sixth form colleges are Manchester, Cheshire and Staffordshire, and “We want to make it the new norm for young
when it comes to VAT because of their legal required to pay VAT on their purchases, but works for Barclays. She studied with Mid people to either go to university or take
status. We are looking into whether funding unlike schools and academies they are not Cheshire College. an apprenticeship. Competitions like this,
arrangements should be reviewed to take this reimbursed for these costs. This is a historic Karen Lowry-Hall, from Kidderminster, is which showcase the best of apprenticeships,
into account.” anomaly that the Department for Education an employee at Worcestershire’s Communi- will make that a reality. It is important we
The MPs behind the letter all represent estimates would cost £20 million per year to ty Housing Group, and represents the West continue to raise awareness and inspire
constituencies that either contain or are served rectify. Midlands. She studied with Kidderminster young people to take apprenticeships. Chloe,
by a sixth form college. “As this report highlights, the return on the College. Karen and Nichola are an inspiration and
Among them are former Labour Education government’s investment would be significant. Nichola Mitchell, from Wigan, is an example to other young people in achieving
Secretaries David Blunkett and Alan Johnson, “In addition, it would help to rescue strategi- employee at BAE Systems and represents this.”
Liberal Democrats president Tim Farron and cally important, but less popular courses, Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Mersey- The winner will be announced at the Na-
Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. such as modern foreign languages and further side. She studied with Winstanley College, tional Apprenticeship Awards at The Skills
The VAT issue is believed to cost sixth form maths, which colleges are being forced to drop in Wigan. Show, in Birmingham, on November 14.
colleges an estimated £30m per year and, as their funding reduces.”
Agency restructure sees two directors remain but four out
Paul Offord by 50 per cent and its directors by approximate- years. I think a lot of them are still pretty shell
ly 35 per cent in the 2013-14 financial year. Once shocked after this latest announcement.
@PaulOfford
this phase has been completed, it is the agency’s “I know the local rep was pleased with the
intention to reduce the headcount of the rest of turnout at the Coventry meeting and there was
Three directors and a chief information officer the organisation.” a lively discussion about the job cuts. It is too
have been identified as among the first to go More than 1,000 agency workers, below senior early to say at the moment whether there will
in a programme of Skills Funding Agency job management level, were warned on September be any form of industrial action, as we don’t
cuts that has left more than 1,000 staff facing an 23 their jobs could be under threat as part of a know the full scale of job losses yet and the
uncertain future. second phase of the job cuts in response to the period of time they will be imposed over.“The
Julie Robson, executive director for growth “Civil Service Reform Agenda”. priority for the moment is to speak to as many
(Midlands and North), Sally Stewart, executive executive director of funding and programmes, The agency confirmed the final number of members as possible about their fears over job
director for people, Richard Field, chief infor- will continue with his brief and chief execu- job losses had still not been determined. Tony security and how they want to proceed.”
mation officer, and Marinos Paphitis, executive tive Kim Thorneywork will remain in post. An Conway, industrial officer at the Public and The agency has shed 600 of its 1,900 staff in
director provider management (South), will EMT vacancy to lead the standards and services Commercial Services Union, told FE Week staff the last four years through cost-cutting schemes
leave next year. division is due to be advertised over the next meetings about the job losses would be held at launched in October 2010 and December 2011.
The agency told FE Week they would not be month. each of the agency’s 13 offices around England In April this year, Business Secretary Vince
replaced, so the total number of staff on its The agency is also preparing to cut the by the end of next month. Cable wrote to the agency warning that its
executive management team (EMT) would be number of its senior managers from 36 to 23 by The first meeting took place in Coventry on administration budget, which includes salaries,
halved to four. April. Thursday, September 12, and was attended by was expected to drop £8m, to just under £85m
Chief operating officer Paul McGuire (pic- An agency spokesperson said: “The agency around 30 staff. for 2014-15. The agency delivers £4.1bn of skills
tured left) will stay on in the EMT to lead the has just announced a restructure which will see He said: “The staff had already had a lot of training through contracts with more than 1,000
operating division. Keith Smith (pictured right), its executive management team being reduced change imposed on them over the last couple providers.
@FEWeek Monday, October 21, 2013 FE Week 5
FE Week in depth report by Rebecca Cooney
Councils ‘not tracking’ 16 to 18s
Skills Minister Matthew Hancock (pictured) a worrying variation in how well councils which was closed by the government in 2012.
has criticised a dozen councils for failing track participation in education and training A few, including Stoke-on-Trent, ques-
to track 16 to 18-year-olds’ employment status. among 16 and 17-year-olds. tioned the statistics, saying they did not
Mr Hancock wrote to each of the councils “I have written to authorities we have match their own data.
following the publication of Department for particular concerns about to remind them of A DfE spokesperson said the figures took
Education (DfE) statistics showing the num- their duty to collect this crucial information.” the academic age of the young people, count-
ber of 16 to 17-year-olds in each area in work, Councils’ responses included blaming ing those who were 16, 17 and 18 on September
training or education, along with those who issues with computer systems, or social and 1, meaning some 19-year-olds would also be
were and were not unaccounted for. geographical challenges specific to their area, included, which was a different method to
The government has not released data for while a few acknowledged the problem and that used by Stoke-on-Trent Council.
18-year-olds, but FE Week understands it is said they were working on it.
the combined data for 16, 17 and 18-year-olds Several councils said there had been prob-
which caused concern over these councils. lems in transferring the responsibility for col- The responses of the 12 local authorities
Mr Hancock said: “These new figures show lecting the data from the Connexions service, are below.
1. Birmingham City Council figures due to be published in the next few with local providers of education, employ- those young people who are classified as Neet
A spokesperson said: “We are currently in weeks will be a true reflection of what our ment and training to improve procedures have the support to engage with education
the process of responding to the minister young people are doing in Derbyshire.” and processes. or training. It is increasingly challenging to
regarding his letter.” “The process of gathering data is now ro- track the 18 and 19-year-olds, which do con-
5. Gloucestershire County Council bustly performance-managed and we aim to stitute a high proportion of the not known
2. Borough of Poole Council Stewart King, lead commissioner for educa- be among the top local authority performers figures overall, as they are a more transient
Vicky Wales, head of children, young people tion and skills, said: “We are confused by by this time next year.” group.”
and learning, said: “The transfer from one the letter from the Minister for Skills. The
provider of service to another [Connexions Department has published statistics on 7. Lincolnshire County Council 9. South Gloucestershire Council
Services to the council’s Children’s Services] participation of 16 and 17-year-olds Councillor Patricia Bradwell, executive A council spokesperson said: “For many
has led to a situation where robust data on in education and training. They councillor for children’s services, said it years South Gloucestershire has had high
individual young people was not consistently show an improving picture had been required to track just ‘vulner- rates of participation in education, employ-
available. for Gloucestershire with able’ 16 to 18–year-olds following the ment and training (EET) by young people.
“This has presented considerable chal- participation rising demise of the Connexions advice service “The duty to follow up these young people
lenges in the first year of operation includ- sharply over the past — but more recently the government to ascertain their EET status and to provide
ing a high level of young people where year and the propor- said local authorities had to “engage support transferred from an external pro-
information on the young person’s educa- tion of young people with all young people not engaged vider back to South Gloucestershire Council
tion, employment and training situation was whose position is ‘not in learning or employment”. in April 2013.
not known. We are aware that other local known’ falling to 3.5 “So for a period of one year “We have experienced a number of issues as
authorities have experienced similar chal- per cent, well below the contact was lost with some a result of the transition of both staff and
lenges during such a transition.” national average of 4 16 to 18-year-olds who did data and the setting up of new management
Councillor Janet Walton, cabinet portfolio per cent. not fall into the category of information systems. These have now been
holder for children and families, said: “This “We have been work- ‘vulnerable’. Like other resolved and we expect future reports to be
situation is one which has been of concern ing closely with schools, 7 authorities we are trying a more accurate indication of how young
to the council and we have a comprehensive colleges and providers to catch up on this lost people are doing in South Gloucestershire.
plan to enable us in future years to track the to track young people data, but trends clearly This issue remains a high priority for the
10
progress of individual young people.” and have made great 4 show we are making council.”
progress in the past 3 great strides,”
3. Derby City Council six months to im- she said. 10. Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Councillor Martin Rawson, cabinet member prove data sharing “What’s Dave Perrett, assistant director of Learn-
for children and young people, said: “We and record what 1 confus- ing Services, said: “Unfortunately, there are
recognise the current figures in relation to young people are 8 ing errors in the letter which attribute the wrong
young people not in education, employment doing. Data for 18 about figures for Stoke-on-Trent to 16 to 18-year-
or training are not what we would hope. year olds has yet to 6 the olds. We are performing well when it comes
12
“The council transferred its database which be published.” letter we to properly tracking this age group, beating
captures these figures earlier this year, and 5 9 11 received both the national and West Midlands aver-
this has resulted in a gap between actual is that the ages with an encouraging figure of only 3.2
performance and the data which can be authorities listed per cent unaccounted for.”
submitted. seem to be
“We place high importance on 2 those who 11. Tower Hamlets Council
tracking the outcomes for young have seen an A council spokesperson said: “The min-
people and we continue to increase in un- ister’s measures do not take into account
work hard to ensure our 6. knowns among this the unique challenges faced by inner-city
data reflects this.” Hereford- age group over the last year which would of boroughs when comparing local authorities
shire Council course cause concern. Yet in Lincolnshire, nationally.
4. Derbyshire County Council Jo Davidson, director of children’s well- we are definitely turning the corner and Tower Hamlets has one of the most dy-
Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, deputy being, said: “We are concerned about significantly reducing the unknowns.” namic communities in the country with high
cabinet member for children and young peo- the number of young people who are not levels of private rented accommodation and
ple, said: “There were some initial teething participating in education, employment and 8. Shropshire Council resident churn. These present unique chal-
problems with the upgrades to the system training post-16 in Herefordshire. We are also Councillor Ann Hartley, cabinet member for lenges for tracking young people not shared
which meant we were not able to track what concerned about the number of those who children’s services — transformation and by other boroughs across the country.”
was happening with complete accuracy we don’t know about. safeguarding, said: “In June, the percentage
for a short period of time. However we are “The council has taken action to address of 16 and 17-year-olds who would be classed
confident now that the system failures have these concerns. Following advice and sup- as ‘unknown’ in participation terms stood 12. Waltham Forest Council
been rectified.” port from other local authorities, a task at 5.1 per cent in Shropshire. This is where Unavailable for comment
He added: “We are confident the latest group set up earlier this year has worked we have focused our resources in order that
6 FE Week Monday, October 21, 2013 www.feweek.co.uk
Editor’s comment
Young deserve better
The social mobility commission’s report
should serve as a wake-up call to
government, not a bat with which to beat
colleges.
The commission is right to point out
that, “current policies are likely to be
insufficient to address entrenched
and unacceptably high levels of youth
unemployment and inactivity”.
For example, it is mind-blowing
that there is no funding incentive for a
traineeship provider to actually progress
trainees into work.
It is also shocking that while 16 to 18
apprenticeship funding goes unspent,
colleges, as previously reported by FE
Week, are turning away potential 16 to 18
trainees in favour of 19 to 23-year-olds
because there’s no money left for the
younger age group.
And the Skills Funding Agency’s
‘job outcome payment’ for adults is a
farce because it can only be paid out to
providers when learners either fail their Baker’s Career Colleges ‘risk confusion’
qualifications or walk away early —
providing they’ve won employment.
But if your learner passes their Rebecca Cooney when recent reports have been critical of guid- can access them, but the reality is that they
qualification and gets a job there’s no ance processes within the system as it is.” are expensive to open and will benefit a small
@RebeccaKCooney
such payment. Lord Baker laid out his plans for 40 Careers number of young people.”
So there are some simple solutions that Colleges over the next four years at the annual Sixth Form Colleges’ Association deputy
the Skills Minister can act on immediately.
Further education leaders have expressed Edge Foundation lecture, The first colleges chief executive James Kewin said: “At a time
Firstly, the ringfence on 16 to 18
concern at Lord Baker’s plans to establish are being set up in Oldham, Oxford, Bromley, when sixth form colleges are grappling with
apprenticeship funding needs to be
“yet another” brand of vocational training Purfleet and Vauxhall Colleges. unprecedented cuts to their funding, we would
loosened to enable colleges to access
colleges. The peer denied UTCs and Career Colleges question the wisdom of introducing yet an-
funding specifically for traineeships.
The Tory peer has announced new proposals could cause confusion, or had the potential to other type of new and unproven provider.”
Secondly, a new single funding system
for all 16 to 23-year-old traineeships to create Careers Colleges, focussing on train- compete with each other. Lord Baker said: “What Careers Colleges
that incorporates payment by results in ing from 14 years old in areas including hos- “There’s a demarcation line. UTCs are for will create is a truly integrated student path-
2014/15. pitality, tourism, finance, health and care and STEM subjects and careers colleges are non- way. I have a high regard for FE colleges, but
Thirdly, the agency should consult construction. These would be based at existing STEM subjects,” he said. they’ve not ever attempted to do in the past
immediately on scrapping its pathetic colleges, follow 14 to 16 direct recruitment Nevertheless, Martin Doel, chief executive what’s called a rounded education, they sell
attempt at a job outcome payment. The funding rules, but require a subsidiary board of the Association of Colleges, said: “Career courses.”
sector needs a funding system that fully
made up of at least 40 per cent employers. colleges are another option for this age group, He denied that the planned Career College at
incentivises positive adult progression.
But sector leaders are worried these would alongside UTCs, studio schools and direct Oldham College, which would provide digital
None of this is particularly difficult
be similar to existing University Technical enrolment in further education colleges. An content creation training, would compete with
and, frankly, it’s too important for all our
Colleges (UTCs), a programme which Lord advantage of a career college might be that Salford’s MEDIACITYUK UTC, which is set to
futures to ignore.
Baker also leads. These independent institu- they would be a subsidiary of an FE college specialise in creative and digital industries for
Nick Linford, editor
tions offer 14 to 19-year-olds vocational train- which means they could share resources, staff the nearby BBC studios. Both colleges are due
Correction ing in science, technology, engineering and and facilities. to open next year.
maths-based (STEM) subjects, alongside the “But we are not recommending one option Alun Francis, principal of Oldham College,
teaching of core academic subjects. over another — it is the choice of each indi- told FE Week Careers Colleges would be run
Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the vidual college whether they choose to become by a central charitable organisation. He added
If there’s credit to be given then we at 157 Group, said: “We are keen to ensure that involved in any of these initiatives.” the legal format, how much colleges would pay
FE Week are keen to see it handed out, so creating another type of institution catering Brian Lightman, Association of School and to have their provision recognised as a Careers
we’re happy to correct a story in which a for 14-year-olds does not further confuse the College Leaders general secretary, said: “These College and exactly what support they would
learner had been left out. picture for parents and young people at a time new colleges will be good for the students who be given in return had yet to be agreed.
In a page 16 campus round-up tale
featuring Hartlepool College, there was Your comments on our big stories
only mention of four of the five female
engineering students who, between them,
Minister attacks FE for allowing learners to ‘give up’
won eight out of 11 awards.
The unnamed student was Antonia Of course FE as a sector has a role to explains why Britain and the US stand
Fawcett. She won the Gus Robinson play and it does. together as bottom of the performance Have you got something to say
about FE or one of our stories?
Aerospace Cadetship. However the Minister [for School, tables among developed countries.

The downside of this is that Emily David Laws] would be well-advised It’s an interesting twist on the special Email us with Comments in the
French actually won two awards — to focus attention on the pre-16 stage. relationship. subject line at [email protected] or
including overall engineering student of Why are so many young people leaving Mike Hopkins leave a comment on our website www.
the year — not three. school without proficiency in English feweek.co.uk
and or maths? It’s a real pity that the Department
Or, you can write to us at FE Week,
Have you spotted something wrong
And in the very week that the OECD has sought to deal with a tough and 161-165 Greenwich High Road,
with this edition of FE Week?
Report demonstrates the appalling tale complex issue in such a ‘tabloid’ way. London SE10 8JA.
of poor performance in basic skills in Throwing blame around won’t help.
If so, feel free to tell us about it, Full contact details should
the UK, ministers also need to consider The starting point should be an
including the page number and story be provided and can be
the impact of poverty on young analysis of the various groups of
withheld by FE Week
headline, and explain what the problem
people’s lives. post 16 students sorted by GCSE upon request.
is. Email us at [email protected] with
The report demonstrates that it attainment.
Corrections in the subject line.
is poverty and inequality that most Mick Fletcher
@FEWeek Monday, October 21, 2013 FE Week 7
FE Week profile
Rushanara Ali ~ her story
Rebecca Cooney
away from her.
@RebeccaKCooney “All the hours would be taken up in some
form of education — in the weekday evenings,
The new Shadow Junior Education it was school and then it was more classes.”
Grinning broadly, and clearly not resenting
Minister talks to FE Week.
the time dedicated to her education, she adds:
As Rushanara Ali’s staff show me into her “I think the only playtime we had was on a
parliamentary office, they seem understand- Saturday and Sunday afternoon, it was pretty
ably disorientated by her sudden change intense.
of focus from international development to “So I credit my education and pathway to
education and young people. both my parents, but particularly my mother
But shadow minister Ali is unfazed by the because she was determined that all her
results of Labour’s most recent reshuffle. children but particularly her daughters, got a
She seems to be in her element with her good education.
new shadow ministerial brief and once she “But she probably didn’t know what she
begins talking on the subject, it’s difficult to was getting herself into when I stood for
interrupt. parliament.”
She is, she tells me, “completely obsessed” Ali went on to study at Tower Hamlets Col-
with education’s power to influence social lege where she returned to become a governor
mobility. before she was nominated to stand for election
The 38-year-old MP for Bethnal Green and in 2010, and this, she says has made her “a
Bow credits her own education in London’s passionate advocate of the FE system”.
East End with her position today. “When I got to Tower Hamlets College, I
“I went to some great schools, I was really was meeting a lot of people who’d gone back
lucky actually,” she says, looking particularly to college as mature students,” she says.
to her secondary school, Whitechapel’s Mul- “So that was a really powerful influence for
berry School for Girls. me because if you’re in a school sixth form,
“The teachers were very, very ambitious for you’re with the similar age group, but at col-
their kids, it was just brilliant. lege you get a real insight into the different
“They had a very strong sense that it didn’t points people are starting at and where they
matter what your background was, you could end up.” then-MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, Oona firsts on her CV, questions about being a ‘role
go anywhere if you put the work in and if you King, who was also on the international devel- model’ are difficult to avoid.
were ambitious and determined.” opment select committee. “I think in terms of when I decided to go to
“At college you
The first Bangladesh-born person to enter Now, 15 years on, she has come to occupy university, it was about what I wanted to do, it
UK parliament, Ali came to England when she get a real insight that constituency seat herself, something she wasn’t really about what then it symbolises,”
was six. says she’s “incredibly proud of”. explains Ali.
“I remember it being grey and cold,” she into the different “It’s hugely exciting, but a big responsibil- “But you are very aware, just like women
says. ity, I think if it’s your home seat, if it’s the in parliament, the first intake of women in
“I had a lot of family out there [in Bangla- points people are place you grew up in you have a special con- parliament would have been very aware of the
desh] — grandparents, aunts and uncles, a nection, you know a lot of people in the area,” fact that there are others who would look to
starting at and
large extended family so arriving here was explains Ali. them — that happens.” And, she admits, role
very different.” “The insights you get from a long span of models have their place in “demystifying”
where they end up”
When Ali’s family moved to England in the your lifetime really help you to get across aspirational places like university or parlia-
early 1980s, the London Bangladeshi commu- where the blockages are, where the problems ment. “Certainly when I went to Oxford, one
nity was less established, making the contrast occur and how those can be overcome. of my friends went to Cambridge and I think
between her life in Bangladesh and her new She left the East End to study politics, “Also, I think what’s great is that when I we were probably the only two in the borough
life in Tower Hamlets, East London, more philosophy and economics at St John’s Col- say to young people ‘I went to your school’ who did, and that was important because our
apparent. lege, Oxford, but returned in her holidays to or ‘I went to your college’ it doesn’t feel as teachers could say to their kids ‘you should
“If you have an upbringing in a country conduct research for renowned sociologist detached for them.”Ali, along with fellow not see Cambridge and Oxford and all the
that’s completely different, childhood memo- and social activist Michael Young, talking to Labour politicians Shabana Mahmood and Russell Group universities and so on as places
ries tend to stick,” she says. youth workers and young people. Yasmin Qureshi, was one of the first female you can’t get to’,” she says.
“Like all children you miss where you’ve On finishing university, Ali found she was Muslim MPs in the UK. “That’s why I’m really keen that there are
come from but very quickly you adjust to life.” drawn towards human rights law, but, not She was also the first person in her family more people from diverse backgrounds who
Education formed a key part of her family really wanting to study for and also finance to go to university and the first student from go into politics because then it becomes self-
life, as her parents were “very supportive” a law degree, she instead got a job with the her school to go to Oxford. With so many evident, it becomes normal and these places
although in different ways. become places that anyone can feel that they
“My mother was very, very strict and every- It’s a personal thing can get into if they do the work.”
thing was about studying, whereas my father Perhaps the reason Ali seems so poised to
was much more laid back, his attitude was What’s your favourite book? What do you do to switch off from make a smooth transition to her new brief is
that you should do what you’re interested in, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. work? that she sees them as part of the same con-
which was a good balance actually,” explains It takes me back to my FE College, actually, Friends, reading novels, family, films — tinuum of improving people’s lives and social
I had these amazing English literature although I rarely get time to go to the
Ali. “It was very much a case of ‘education, equality.
teachers Mary Jones and Helen Coxidge, cinema now
education, education’ from a very early age. “A lot of people say this I know, but educa-
and it was brilliantly taught
“There was a discipline of not wasting What did you want to be when you grew tion really is the key to all the other things
time, so when we arrived in England, as well If you could invite anybody to a dinner up? that happen in the community or in a country,
as going to school, my mother was absolutely part, living or dead, who would it be? I actually wanted to be a teacher when I was and that’s certainly what I saw in the east end
Nelson Mandela 10 or 11, then I realised how hard it was —
obsessed with us learning Arabic, English of London,” she explains.
but there’s still time. Then I wanted to be
and Bengali — she had her programme and “For many people, the transformation of
What’s your pet hate? an archaeologist. I think that had something
she was determined we would get through the There are probably lots of things but I can’t to do with Indiana Jones education has really transformed their lives.
education system and there was no getting think of anything off of the top of my head And that’s a very powerful story.”
8 FE Week Monday, October 21, 2013 www.feweek.co.uk
FE Week on location
Our Mann’s impressed with Nottinghamshire college
Laying bricks, an afternoon jam with rooms. Then it was time to get creative at
talented music students and a relaxing Vision, the college’s creative arts centre
manicure were just some of the activities providing media, music and performance
I enjoyed while visiting West Nottingham- courses.
shire College, writes Shane Mann. Here we learned about the college’s student-
My visit, with FE Week editor Nick led TV station — called visioncreate.tv — and
Linford, began with a tour of the col- I become a band member, bashing the drums.
lege’s Ashfield centre. Finally, we visited the college’s hair
Working in partnership with the Inspire & and beauty commercial wing, called Revive.
Achieve Foundation, the centre works with As a persistent nail-biter, it was fitting for
under 24-year-olds that are not in education, me to undergo a brief manicure before dinner.
employment or training (Neets). The enjoyable experience provoked a profes-
Offering flexible courses, predominately at sional frown from my beautician, when she
level one, the venue aims to act as a spring- inspected my chewed nails.
board for Neets onto higher level courses. Revive, along with the college’s training
We then dropped into the college’s construc- restaurant, is housed at a newly-opened £11m
tion skills centre, in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, which centre at its Mansfield campus.
trains students in trades from bricklaying to We were following in the footsteps of
rail track engineering. Skills Minister Matthew Hancock, who had a
The centre has a unique open plan design, similar tour two weeks earlier (pictured
containing study areas and scaled-down class- below).
Principal Asha Khemka OBE welcomes Nick Linford (left) and Shane Mann (right)
1 2 3
4 5
6 1) J amie Fairless, 16, from Mansfield, shows me
how to build a brick wall
2) M r Hancock has a go at building a brick wall
during his visit on Friday, October 4
3) L evel one automotive maintenance and repair
student Keeley Boulton, aged 19, from Kirkby-in-
Ashfield, instructs me on how to fit brake shoes
on a car
4) L evel three professional cookery apprentice
Ian Heslop enlists me to help in preparing a
meal in the kitchens of Refined — a fine-dining
restaurant open to the public
5) M e having a jam with music students Elliott
Wheeler (left), of South Normanton, studying
level three extended diploma in music and Tim
Utting (centre), of Alfreton, studying Level three
extended diploma in music technology
6) L evel two beauty therapy student Lucy Gilby,
aged 16, from Mansfield, gives me a manicure
Photos by Richard Skelhorn

10 FE Week Monday, October 21, 2013 www.feweek.co.uk
FE Week Q&A
The Baker’s dozen you wanted answering
Reporter Rebecca Cooney puts 13 Certainly catering, hospitality and tourism. I He’s doing very well, he’s trying to drive up
questions to chair of the Baker think also in the health and care side — resi- standards in schools and good luck to him.
Dearing Educational Trust and dential care, social care, family care, child
former Conservative Education care, parental care. 10. Do you think David Cameron can win
Secretary Lord Baker. the next general election?
5. Do you still think that failing colleges Yes.
1. How many Career Colleges would you should be made into UTCs as you wrote in
like to see in 10 years’ time? a column for The Times in November last 11. Do you think he can win it without the
I’d like to see as many as the market can hold, year? need for a coalition?
and the market is the number of employers I still believe, yes, if any college or school is Now that’s more difficult to say. Maybe we are
who want them. really failing, if you can’t get it right, you moving into an era of coalition politics, but I
close the school and open again as a different think he has the capacity to win certainly the
2. How many University Technical Col- institution, a UTC or career college. most number of seats and that could well be
leges (UTCs) would you like to see in 10 an overall majority.
years’ time? 6. Given a choice, would you send your
Again I’d like to see as many as we can get. child to a Careers College or a UTC? 12. It seems that today young people are
David Cameron has just said he wants to see It would depend entirely on the talent of my portrayed in a number of different ways,
a UTC in every major town of the country. It child. If it was a STEM [science, technology, from being unwilling to get a job, or being
depends how you define major, but that’s many engineering, and mathematics] subject then unable to get a job. What do you think of
more than what we’ve got at the moment. a UTC would be a wonderful start, if it was this generation of young people?
somebody interested in the creative indus- I think this generation of young people is
3. Which sector do you see there being the tries, for example, arts, theatre and music, I’d very imaginative, they are very adaptable to
most need for UTCs in? say go to a Career College. new technologies, no question about that at
If you take all the industries, and mechanical all. And they want better opportunities, in life
industries, electrical industry, agricultural 7. What are your thoughts on direct re- and they’re not getting them. There a million
industries or computing industries, they are cruitment at 14 for general FE Colleges? performing as Skills Minister? young unemployed people in our country and
massively short on skills. At a UTC in Wigan Let’s wait and see. It’s a tremendous trans- Very well, he’s a very gifted person. He’s very that’s an absolute disgrace.
I met representatives of the food processing formation for an FE college. They don’t have ambitious but he’s also very able. He goes
industry who said they were 100,000 short or to have a Career College, but I think already down very well in the FE world, there’s no 13. Would you like to see Spitting Image
technicians and they didn’t know what to do. several are saying that some of them want to question about that. return?
do it. Yes, I enjoy satire, I’ve written books on
4. Which sector do you see there being the 9. How do you think Michael Gove is per- satire and all politicians love to be
most need for Career Colleges in? 8. How do you think Matthew Hancock is forming as Education Secretary? caricatured.
FE Week experts
Ofsted director Coffey wins praise for prison talk
wrestles with the inherent challenges of an of- More than 70 prisons will also have their contracts and the introduction of student loans
ten transient, deeply troubled prisoner popula- roles re-cast as resettlement prisons for one have caused huge disruption for prisoners.
tion in an age of financial cutbacks. Given that, ‘Contract Package Area’, meaning there needs Of most concern, as the future is increasingly
how far can Ofsted’s specific recommendations to be a single point of authority to ensure that moving to an ICT model, is prisoners’ poor ac-
go in addressing the problems? delivery from education providers supports cess to computers and lack of controlled access
that goal, particularly as some will contain two to the internet for online courses or e-learning
different Olass providers. resources as part of a blended learning model.
“Few prison
If the prison governor does not manage all Without a significant step change in ICT
qualifications these players and the process between what hap- access in prison, progression will become even
pens in custody and its connection through the more difficult.
carry credibility prison gate, who else should? These are issues It is also important to note that employers
we are exploring along with 16 other members seek more than technical competence. They
with employers” of the Prisoner Learning Alliance. expect employees to have the life skills that are
The other recommendation raises an even needed to equip anyone to return to life as a
Prison education and training came more fundamental question: what is prison fully engaged citizen.
under the spotlight last week in a critical I would like to focus on two of Mr Coffey’s education for? Many prisoners may not be able to relate
speech by Ofsted’s FE and skills director recommendations that are central to the way To give a person the knowledge, skills and constructively to others and few have self-belief
Matthew Coffey. But he also made a education is configured within the prison itself; motivation to move them away from a life of and resilience in the face of likely discrimina-
number of recommendations that have that prison governors should have more respon- crime towards a more positive future would be tion from prospective employers when they
earned him praise from Rod Clark. sibility for education provision and for targets our answer. leave prison.
to be based on prisoners gaining vocational For many, the answer is simply employment. Therefore without support to gain such basic
Ag rading of good, or maybe even outstand- and employment-related skills at level two and Of course this is important, research shows life skills, we will be turning out prisoners fit
ing, to Matthew Coffey for highlighting the above. that ex-prisoners with jobs are half as likely to for neither employment nor for playing an ac-
need to improve prison education. Some would argue that since the start of the reoffend, but at the moment most people leaving tive role in society.
This resonated for me as chief executive of current round Offender Learning and Skills prison haven’t got the skills or training they
Prisoners Education Trust, a charity that has Service (Olass) contracts, governors have, in need to progress. Rod Clark, chief executive,
worked to rehabilitate prisoners through educa- theory, already got the lead on education. Few prison qualifications carry credibility Prisoners Education Trust
tion for almost 25 years. That role is set to become both more complex with employers and this is one of the reasons
Visit www.feweek.co.uk for an expert piece
But there will be huge challenges ahead for and important in future. Such clarity of ac- our organisation helps prisoners access courses
on prison education by Dr Paul Phillips
implementing a learning culture that meets the countability will be essential when 21 new at level two and above. OBE, principal of North Somerset’s Weston
needs of all prisoners. ‘Community Rehabilitation Companies’ man- We fund a wide range of accredited courses College, which holds a contract to deliver
This is a period of unprecedented change in age the transition out of custody and will only in further and higher education via distance education in 13 prisons across
criminal justice affecting a prison system that be paid if prisoners do not reoffend. learning, but recent changes to the Olass South West England