EDITIONS TO GO FE Week FE Week news ~ analysis ~ jobs ~ fun chief new apprenticeships boss — Page 2 Dame Jackie defends Barnfield — Page 6

Monday, February 24, 2014 Edition 93 College VAT victory www.feweek.co.uk brings hope of multi- High-flying million pound windfall learners open @RebeccaKCooney we will be looking into, but we’re waiting for [email protected] legal advice.” Swan Lake A Middlesbrough College spokesperson said it would also investigate claiming back Colleges could be in line for a multi-million on its Waterside Brasserie. pound VAT windfall with a tribunal judge And the Association of Accounting having ruled against Her Majesty’s Revenue Technicians (AAT) encouraged other colleges and Customs (HMRC) over a Hampshire to investigate. training restaurant. Brian Palmer, AAT tax policy adviser, said: Brockenhurst College was awarded around “While we are not surprised as the argument £55,000 after it was found the supplies for the college put forward makes perfect its on-site training restaurant, MJ’s, were sense, it is pleasing to see the college put its integral to educating students — and so case forward and other FE colleges may be should have been exempt from VAT. incentivised to do the same. The fi gure represents a refund of four “It would serve FE colleges in their best years’ worth of tax paid to HMRC on supplies interest to relook at their supply chains. to the 50-seater training restaurant, which is “In the current economic climate where staffed by students and open to the public. funds are tight, receiving a rebate could And with more than 160 colleges in make all the difference to a college… it will England operating similar facilities, plus be interesting to see if other FE colleges also other training enterprises such as hair investigate.” salons, spas and theatres, successful payback He added: “Brockenhurst College argued campaigns in the vein of Brockenhurst’s the restaurant supplies were exempt by could therefore net the college sector tens of virtue of being part of the education and millions of pounds. vocational training for the hospitality Principal Di Roberts said the money would students — quite rightly, in much the be pumped back into the college, although a same way as we argue that concerts and HMRC spokesperson told FE Week the ruling performances given by students as part of was being considered “carefully, before their educational course are also deciding whether to appeal further”. exempt. Among England’s colleges with a training “The absence of a profi t element (to the restaurant is West Nottinghamshire College. supplies) demonstrated an intention to Its restaurant, called Refi ned, is the most supply education, rather than commercial highly-rated in Mansfi eld on TripAdvsor. catering or entertainment provision.” com. Julian Gravatt, assistant chief executive at A spokesperson for the college said: “We the Association of Colleges, said VAT law was are aware of the Brockenhurst case. “very complicated”. “We are reviewing any potential impact “This case revolves around the way in for the college with our professional VAT which VAT exemptions apply in cases where advisors as there is signifi cant complexity in students are providing services as part of the recoverability of output taxes — that is on their education,” he said. food and drink served — charged for ‘spin-off’ “Any savings in VAT that colleges make services whereby the liability of these types are reinvested for the benefi t of students, of activity will depend on the category of so the latest tribunal decision seems to be a student who delivers the service.” positive step forward.” A spokesperson for Westminster Kingsway College, which runs award-winning Vincent See editor’s comment Page 6 Midland Btec level three performing arts student Kieran Covell, Rooms restaurant, said: “It’s something that aged 17, performs at the Birmingham Hippodrome Pics: Simon Hadley

he stage careers of a group of talented An audience of 2,000 was treated to the Teacher quals survey % learners took off with a Swan Lake-inspired learners’ ballet as a curtain raiser for Matthew Tperformance. Bourne’s production of Swan Lake. Students from Stratford-upon-Avon College, They had worked with members of the world FE Week exclusive Walsall College and Birmingham Ormiston famous choreographer’s dance company, New HAVE94 QUALS REQUIREMENT Academy, whose Kieran Covell took centre stage, Adventures. See pages 8 and 9 performed at the Birmingham Hippodrome. See page 11 2 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week news in brief Edition 93 McDonald’s education head College eyes up NCG FE Week is the only newspaper dedicated to gets bite at UK apprentice job Kidderminster College has launched a month- news, analysis, jobs and fun in the FE sector. long consultation on plans to merge with NCG director of the 157 Group, said: “It is @PaulOfford (formerly Newcastle College Group). And tweet us your thoughts @feweek or interesting to see someone from a private It had invited expressions of interest in with the hashtag #feweek [email protected] commercial background appointed to this a merger with colleges and other education role. We look forward to continuing our and training providers in September before Editor: Chris Henwood The appointment of McDonald’s education work with the National Apprenticeship deciding upon NCG. Kidderminster, with Head designer: Nicky Phillips chief Sue Husband as England’s new Service [NAS] under Sue’s stewardship.” a turnover of £9m, would merge with NCG, Sub editor: Paul Offord apprenticeships boss has been welcomed by Lindsay McCurdy, chief executive of which has a £179m turnover, to form a single Reporters: Freddie Whittaker FE sector leaders. Apprenticeships4England, said: institution for next academic year. Rebecca Cooney Ms Husband, national “I think this is a very positive The consultation closes on March 21. Visit Sales executive: Hannah Smith education manager at appointment. It is going to kidderminster.ac.uk/merger-consultation or Administration: Victoria Boyle McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd UK, be a steep learning curve for ncgrp.co.uk/consultation for details. Financials: Helen Neilly will fill the shoes of David Way, her, as it will be very different Contributors: Bob Harrison who stepped down as director from McDonald’s, but maybe Ministers’ media aid Pauline Odulinski of the Skills Funding Agency’s having someone come in from a Skills Minister Matthew Hancock was one of Mick Fletcher apprenticeship division in business background will shake several Department for Business, Innovation August. Sue Husband (Pic: things up for the better.” Twitter – @susiesue257) and Skills (BIS) ministers to benefit from a FE Week intern: Danielle Elton Stewart Segal, chief executive The agency had put the £10,800 package of media training, a Freedom of the Association of Employment director of apprenticeships of Information response has revealed. Managing director: Shane Mann and Learning Providers, told FE Week: and delivery services role out to advert in His predecessor, John Hayes, was also “I think it’s great that someone from an December with a £100,000 a-year salary. among those to get lessons. The training, from For an annual subscription to FE Week for employer background has been appointed to Ms Husband is expected to have 2010 to 2013, was from Escott Hunt Ltd and just £75 visit www.feweek.co.uk and click this role. We look forward to working with responsibility for the delivery of employer Millbank Media. A BIS spokesperson said me- on ‘subscribe’ at the top of the page. her.” engagement and the NAS. According to dia training aimed to help ministers undertake Martin Doel, chief executive at the the job advert, she will have “an outward- official duties. “Every effort is taken to ensure If you are interested in placing a product or Association of Colleges, said: “We are facing role … promoting the benefits value for the taxpayer,” they said. job advert in a future edition please click pleased to see someone with a solid of apprenticeships to employers and on the ‘advertise’ link at the top of the page grounding in education and industry taking embedding the new relationship between the on www.feweek.co.uk or contact: the lead in this important area of delivery.” agency, employers and providers”. SFA issues warnings Ms Husband was in charge of training She started at McDonald’s in 1987 when The Skills Funding Agency is issuing E: [email protected] at employer provider McDonald’s when it she was 16 years old and studying for her warnings of a “breach of the funding rules” T: 020 81234 778 received a grade two rating from Ofsted, in A-levels. She worked her way up through over subcontractors who didn’t make it onto November 2010, following its only inspection the company from serving customers and the Register of Training Organisations for the to date. working in the kitchen to being appointed second consecutive time. Top Apprenticeship Debate The agency paid McDonald’s £10.5m head of education in 2007. It is writing to lead providers calling (#AD2014) tweets: in 2010/11, £6.8m in 2011/12, and £5.1m in An agency spokesperson said: “We can on them to sever contacts with affected 2012/13. Its current allocation is £10.1m from confirm that Sue Husband will be taking up subcontractors. An agency spokesperson said: @StockdaleJ 16 to 18 apprenticeship funding and the adult the post of director of apprenticeships and “We will be writing to their lead providers Patrick Craven from @ skills budget. Learndirect is a subcontractor delivery service later this year.” shortly asking that contracts with these cityandguilds right, need to get to allocated £4m. Nobody from McDonald’s was available organisations are terminated.” The register re- parents to change their mindset of Christine Doubleday, deputy executive for comment. opened this month and closes on March 28. vocational programmes #AD2014

@AELPUK Ofsted considers watching new FE teachers @stewartsegal says apprenticeships come with a job, @FCDWhittaker Joy Mercer, policy director at the AoC, so 92pc of hair & beauty students [email protected] said: “The issue we are keen to encourage not getting a job probably aren’t Ofsted to look at is the benefit of training on apprentices #AD2014 Newly-qualified teachers in FE colleges the job. could have their lessons observed by Ofsted “We know it has been focusing on the @KimmyPattison as part of its inspection of teacher training training of teachers in its inspections from @HitTraining John Hyde spot organisations. September to December last year and we will on. Ongoing competency & skills Ofsted has launched a consultation on be encouraging Ofsted to note the important assessment not end testing. Think plans to change the way it inspects teacher role colleges play in training teachers about it next time you’re flying! training programmes so inspectors also who have come from strong vocational #AD2014 watch former trainees teach near the start of backgrounds to become dual professionals. their employment. “Ofsted is consulting on its proposals @NOCN1 In its consultation document, the education and we will be contributing a full response nearly 95% of employers are watchdog explains plans to introduce a into it.” SMEs they will find the system too two-stage approach to inspections of initial Toni Fazaeli (pictured), IfL chief executive, difficult #AD2014 teacher education (ITE) partnerships from said: “There has been a finding from May. inspections so far that often the workplace @MarcOzholl Under the proposals, the first inspection and subject mentoring for newly-trained John Hyde’s 20min rant against would take place in the summer term, and the teachers is lacking in quantity and quality. the foolishness of apprenticeship second would happen “relatively soon” after Ofsted’s attention may help eradicate this reform receives rapturous the end of training and focus on observations gap. applause. Will @bisgovuk listen? on former trainees and newly-qualified “It is striking that Ofsted is focusing on #AD2014 teachers. newly-qualified teachers being properly “We believe that this will allow a sharper prepared for the ‘rigour of the classroom’. Learning & Skills Events, focus on trainees’ outcomes and how well Clearly, it is doing so because initial Consultancy and Training Ltd they are prepared for teaching and the training and qualification and support are so 161-165 Greenwich High Road London SE10 8JA rigours of the classroom. We would then Association of Colleges (AoC) and Institute important.” T: 020 8123 4778 publish the inspection report,” said an Ofsted for Learning (IfL), and both organisations The consultation runs until May 6, and E: [email protected] spokesperson. have called for a focus on the importance of documents and an online questionnaire can The proposal has been welcomed by the training and recruitment. be found on the Ofsted website. Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 3 JSA rule change Government to launch destination data talks A Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) exemption for traineeships promised last year by Chancellor @FCDWhittaker only be paid to providers Information Authority has George Osborne is to come into force next [email protected] when learners either fail their said is to be renamed “life month, prompting hopes of a boost for take-up qualifi cations or walk away outcomes”. of the programme. early — providing they’ve won It said in the SFS: The government’s fl agship youth The government is to launch a consultation employment. “Qualifi cations are an unemployment scheme had fallen foul of the on “outcome-based measures of performance The job outcome payment important recognition of Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) for all post-19 FE and skills” as it looks to tie is half the value of the achievement. However, 16-hour rule that limits the amount of time funding with destination data. achievement payment, so we recognise that they do JSA claimants can train every week and still The recently-released Skills Funding in effect it can be seen as not refl ect the full range get benefi ts. The limit will become 30 hours Statement (SFS) made several references operating as a reduced fi ne. of policy outcomes we are a-week. to linking learner outcomes — such as Nevertheless, the move towards destination looking for. But trainees aged 19 and above will be progression into a job — and funding, and data has been welcomed by the Association “We have put in place measures to capture exempted from Monday, March 3 — more than the Department for Business, Innovation and of Colleges (AoC) whose policy director, Joy learner destinations on the Individualised two months after it was promised — in a move Skills (BIS) confi rmed it was exploring the Mercer, said: “The SFS shows there is strong Learner Record (ILR) as we consider how that includes all new and existing enrolments. issue. interest from government in using destination funding can be more strongly linked to Stewart Segal, chief executive of the The SFS said the government had been data to measure outcomes and in distributing outcomes in future.” Association of Employment and Learning working on three “core” measures that could funding. The Association of Employment and Providers, told FE Week: “As far as this news determine funding — destination (into further “We have always supported the use of Learning Providers welcomed the mention goes we are delighted, but it is just the start learning or “into/within” employment), several measures to judge performance and of destination data measures in the SFS. A There is still the issue of the eight-week rule progression (through learning) and earnings warned against an excessive focus on success spokesperson said: “Although some of these which is something DWP needs to think about changes (following completion of learning). rates. measures may be complex to track we believe because we have a high-quality programme A BIS spokesperson told FE Week: “We “Better destination data could be a we do need a broad measure of success for and we should be rewarding people with more will be looking at the extent to which linking useful corrective and BIS has done some some of the programmes.” fl exibility.” funding to outcomes may have a stronger role experimental work in matching student, tax It was not clear when the BIS consultation An Association of Colleges (AoC) to play in ensuring the quality of provision and benefi t data, which is yet to be published. would be launched, but the spokesperson spokesperson said it hoped the change would within the pre-employment offer. “In using destination data to set funding, added: “Government funding for the sector is boost traineeship numbers. She said: “We “We are also developing and will consult it is also worth building on the existing linked to performance. Part of the payment have long campaigned to see this rule removed on outcome-based measures of performance arrangements for unemployed adults, but care to providers already depends on successful because colleges work closely with Jobcentre for all post-19 FE and skills, including needs to be taken to ensure the government completion of qualifi cations. Plus and provide a place for the unemployed qualifi cations using matched administrative understands that economic conditions and “Over the past year we have been talking to get the training and skills they need. Its data.” student choice play an enormous part in with the sector about the pre-employment removal means we will be able to meet the The only funding linked to learner employment outcomes.” offer and how to ensure high quality delivery. needs of more young people more effectively at destination at the moment is the Skills The SFS was the strongest indication yet “Part of this has focussed on identifying a time of stubbornly high youth employment.” Funding Agency’s ‘job outcome payment’, of the government’s willingness to move and defi ning what positive outcomes are, offering a compensation payment that can towards the use of destination data, which the including employment and progression.” See editor’s comment Page 6 York College fi ned over toddler’s death

FE Week reporter [email protected] The Principals’ Professional Council supported by the

York College has been fi ned £175,000 over Education and Training Foundation is hosting a series the death of a three-year-old girl who got her of further education round table discussions: neck caught in a rope at the college nursery in September 2012. ‘Colleges Rising to the Challenge’ It was also ordered to pay £45,000 in court costs over the death of Lydia Bishop (pictured). FE – Does the System Deliver for Young People and Employers Leeds Crown Court jurors found York Tuesday 18 March College guilty of failing to ensure the safety with Peter Lauener, Education Funding Agency and of babies, toddlers and pre-school children at Nigel Whitehead, BAe Systems and UK Commission for Employment and Skills its nursery between August 1 and September 18, 2012. Could We Get More from Our FE System The judge, Mr Justice Coulson, sentencing Tuesday 25 March the college on Friday, February 14, said: “A with Graham Schuhmacher, Rolls Royce and Vice Chair CAVTL and child is priceless, so the loss of a child is an David Russell, Education and Training Foundation irredeemable loss.” decision to close the nursery permanently l Explore new and challenging ideas with college leaders and leading The court had heard safety measures to immediately after the tragedy. influential figures stop children using ropes alone or going “While the nursery was separate from the l Influence thinking on the national skills challenge unsupervised to a slide had not been enforced. college, we also brought in the British Safety l It emerged that the rope had been left tied to Council to conduct a full inspection of health Discuss the contribution FE colleges can make to economic prosperity the slide against health and safety policy. and safety implementation across all college The round tables are held in London and open to all FE and sixth form college York College principal Alison Birkinshaw sites. principals on a first come first served basis. Places are limited. No fee will be charged said: “We remain deeply saddened by the “As noted by the judge in his closing to participants although a no show fee of £150 will apply. To register an interest, events of September 17, 2012, and know that sentencing remarks: ‘The college has taken email [email protected] no family can ever recover from the death of a number of steps to ensure that this sort of a child. accident could not happen again.’” “Nothing can reduce the pain felt by Lydia’s Nursery worker Sophee Redhead, aged 25, family and we are truly sorry for what has from York, was cleared of the charges against PPC is the voice of college principals and senior FE leaders, providing individual happened. Lydia and her family will be her at the end of the trial. She had been support, employment advice and networking opportunities through our partnership with ASCL. For further details see www.ascl.org.uk/ppc forever in our thoughts. accused of manslaughter by gross negligence “We remain committed to learning from and faced an alternative charge of failing to these tragic events and took the diffi cult ensure Lydia’s health and safety.

PPC FE Week ad Feb 2014 .indd 1 11/02/2014 14:45 4 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk Corruption warning on funding proposals College steps in with GCSE help as @RebeccaKCooney floods hit school [email protected] East Berkshire College came to the rescue of local GCSE pupils The boss of a leading independent training pro- when their school was hit by vider has hit out at the government’s apprentice- floods. ship funding reform proposals warning they could Churchmead School, in lead to large scale “corruption”. Datchet, was forced to close this John Hyde (pictured), executive chair of HIT month with all access routes Training, laid out his opposition at the Association under water, so Year 11 young- of Employment and Learning Providers-organised sters instead had their lessons at Apprenticeship Debate with a scathing attack in the college. which he also described Skills Minister Matthew Chris Tomes, head teacher, Hancock as “weak” for changing the system. said: “We are very grateful to The system of apprenticeship funding looks day (February 20). She also conceded that including apprentice- East Berkshire College, who at likely to be restructured following recommenda- “Under this system, any employer can take on a ships in the 24+ loan system was “the wrong policy very short notice have provided tions in the Richard Review of Apprenticeships in learner and in 6 months’ time, remove them from for this type of programme”. an amazing service for our stu- England, published in 2012 and led by former BBC the programme, but take a break from their PAYE Loans were introduced for all learners aged 24 dents and staff. Dragon’s Den investor Doug Richard. — it’s open to enormous fraud.” and over studying level three courses in June 2013, “Around 70 per cent of our Year In a speech that drew spontaneous applause and Mr Hyde also objected to the move towards but it was announced in December that appren- 11 students made it to college to laughter from the crowd, Mr Hyde described the assessment at the end of a course, rather than ticeships would be removed from the scheme after focus on their English, science reforms, which would see funding given directly continuous assessment. the number of applications plummeted. and maths revision for their to employers rather than training providers, as The deputy director of the Department for Busi- The date for the removal of apprenticeships GCSE exams. “throwing the baby out with the bath water”. ness, Innovation and Skills’ (BIS) Apprenticeship from loans has been announced as March 7. “The college went out of its Referring to Mr Richard, My Hyde said: “We’re Unit, Jennifer Coupland (pictured), defended the A government consultation on the PAYE way to accommodate us. They putting something untried, untested into place and government’s reform plans. reforms, which proposed funding apprenticeships have even provided iPads for our for no reason other than the whim of an American She insisted that end point assessment “does not through the tax system alongside other options, students to use and put on lunch entrepreneur and a weak minister.” preclude assessment along the way” and rejected closed in October. for us in their new restaurant.” He added the changes would “decimate” appren- My Hyde’s description of the new system as The results have not yet been published, but Mr Principal Kate Webb said: ticeship numbers. “untried and untested”, pointing to the trailblazer Hancock announced in November that appren- “We were delighted to be able to He warned that the reforms, which would development groups set up to model and pilot the ticeships would be funded through PAYE, and a come to the rescue of Church- fund apprenticeships through the tax system by new system. technical consultation is due to be launched in the mead School. offering employers a reduction in their PAYE li- She said: “We want an open policy-making pro- next few weeks, according to Ms Coupland. “We know it is an important abilities, would be exploited to help multinational cess which is collaborative with you, so that where A BIS spokesperson told FE Week: “The techni- time for those studying for their companies avoid tax. things look like they’re going to be particularly cal consultation will also include a summary of GCSEs, so we were keen to help “I think there’s a serious danger of corruption,” problematic, we can adapt and grow and change responses to the initial consultation which closed the school to continue teaching he said at the event in Central London on Thurs- the policy.” in October.” in any way we could.”

Principal reassures over vile assault Unions divided by strikes over pay @FCDWhittaker post. “Mr Clark was Two teaching unions have been divided Form Colleges’ Association, said: “On [email protected] dismissed in over plans for sixth form college strikes behalf of sixth form colleges the SFCA has October 2012 in next month. been monitoring the NUT position on the A Humberside college principal has spoken connection to a The National Association of proposed strike action. out to re-assure learners and parents after a separate matter Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers “The announcement that the proposed former member of staff was jailed for sexually to his conviction (NASUWT) will not join National strike action is now planned March assaulting a young girl. – these did not Andrew Clarke Union of Teachers (NUT) members in 26, rather than mid-February, at least Ex-Hull College theatre technician Andrew concern any current demonstrations over pay and pensions. provides additional time to allow for Clark, aged 36, was jailed for seven years or past students of Hull College Group.” The NUT is due to strike on March discussions to take place between the and four months at Hull Crown Court after According to the Hull Daily Mail, Clark 26, but the NASUWT executive voted on union and government to try to avert the pleading guilty to a number of sex offences had previously taught music at Sydney Friday (February 14) to keep its options proposed action.” involving a girl under the age of 13. Smith School, Anlaby, but his conviction did open instead, saying Education Secretary Christine Blower, NUT general Clark, of Pelham Road, Immingham, not relate to his time there either. He was Michael Gove had shown “goodwill” by secretary, said: “Mr Gove’s persistent was arrested on June 11 last year in sentenced on Friday, February 14. agreeing to sit down for talks later this refusals to address our ongoing dispute connection with sex offences committed in Humberside Police’s DC Teresa Colledge, month. over pay, pensions and conditions of the Cottingham area between June 30 and who led the investigation, said: “Myself and Chris Keates, NASUWT general service, is unnecessary and deeply October 3, 2012. the officers that worked on this investigation secretary, said: “Teachers will expect damaging. He was charged in September last year welcome the sentence handed by the Judge at the Secretary of State to show that he is “As a result, thousands of good, with seven counts of sexual assault and Hull Crown Court. seriously committed to building trust experienced teachers are leaving or pleaded guilty to the offences in December. “Andrew Clark is a man who caused and confidence with the profession by considering leaving the job and a teacher Hull College, where Clark worked from significant distress to a vulnerable girl and, demonstrating in these meetings that shortage crisis is looming with two in five April 2012, has sought to re-assure the public all along he knew that everything he was he is prepared to listen to and address teachers leaving the profession in their that none of the offences related to any of its doing was wrong and what potential harm teachers’ deep concerns.” first five years.” students. this was causing to her. She added: “We will expect the A Department for Education spokesman He was sacked after less than six months “I am pleased that this Paedophile has been Secretary of State to recognise the said: “The unions called for talks to avoid at the college after police raided his home locked away for a number of years and does enormous damage that has been inflicted industrial action, we agreed to their and found indecent images of children on his not pose any further harm to his victim. on teachers as a result of the changes to request, and those talks will begin shortly. computer, for which he was given a caution. “I also hope that this sentence will help teachers’ pay, pensions, conditions of “It is disappointing that the NUT, College chief operating officer Lee Probert bring some closure to her. This has been a service and job security since 2010.” unlike NASUWT, has decided to press said: “Andrew Clark was previously harrowing ordeal for both her and her family. Strikes had been expected to hit sixth ahead regardless with unnecessary strike employed by Hull College as a theatre I hope this means she is now able to move form colleges last week, but were put back action, which will only inconvenience technician. He had been subject to an on with her life in the most positive way to next month. parents and damage children’s enhanced CRB check before being offered the possible.” Graham Baird, HR director at the Sixth education.” Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 5 Agency survey’s End in sight for K College sale saga gloomy picture @RebeccaKCooney Ofsted, said: “We are very pleased as this announcement removes the uncertainty over @FCDWhittaker [email protected] the provision of FE for thousands of students [email protected] in Dover and Shepway, and across East Kent The sale of troubled K College looks to be over as a whole. Four in every five Skills Funding Agency with the announcement of two “preferred “We will ensure high-quality, vocational (SFA) workers do not think changes made in providers”. and technical education programmes for the organisation are usually for the better, an Land-based Hadlow College and East Kent students in this economically improving official survey has suggested. College, in Thanet, are expected to take on part of Kent through well-funded and well- Just over 80 per cent of the SFA workforce of campuses in Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells managed centres of learning.” more than 1,000 responded to the Civil Service and Ashford; and Dover and Folkestone, The 800-worker K College, which was People Survey and the results painted a less respectively. formed of a merger between West Kent than glowing picture. It brings an end to the year-long saga over College and South Kent College in 2010, is They show, among other things, that just 19 the break-up and sale of the 15,000-learner being dismantled after it ran up at least £15m per cent of respondents felt changes made at K College, which was slapped with an in debt to the SFA. the SFA were usually for the better. Further, a Paul Hannan, principal at Hadlow College inadequate grading by Ofsted in December. It It is unclear whether any of K College’s mere 28 per cent felt change was well-managed. said continuing uncertainty over the college’s debts to the agency will be transferred, More than half the respondents (58 per cent) future was damaging learners’ progress. although interim K College principal said they were proud to tell others they were Paul Hannan, principal at the outstanding- Phil Frier told FE Week last month that part of the SFA and 65 per cent said they were rated Hadlow College, said: “Our ambition commercial debt would move over. happy with the total benefits package they had. is to include the sites as part of the Hadlow He said: “We made a commitment to But only half (49 per cent) also said the College Group while building on the students from the outset that no matter actions of senior managers were consistent individual brand and status of each campus.” what name was given to their college, their with SFA values and just 36 per cent thought He added: “We now have six months’ work education would continue, and we are proud it was safe to challenge the way things were before the new and enlarged Hadlow Group is to have delivered that.” done. launched on August 1. The transfers are expected to be complete An SFA spokesperson said: “Eighty two “Intensive work will now start — in by the start of the next academic year and per cent of agency staff responded to the Civil cooperation with the Skills Funding Agency a public consultation on the dissolution of Service People Survey. [SFA] and the Education Funding Agency the K College corporation, in line with the “It is very important that staff are able to — to arrive at a financial solution that will transfer of its provision to new providers, is give their views so that we can recognise our help us to deliver outstanding teaching and expected to launch soon. successes and improve on areas where there East Kent College principal Graham Razey learning across the new Hadlow College The SFA declined to comment on whether are low satisfaction scores. Group in entirety.” it had offered financial incentives to take on be carrying out due diligence and working “We are carefully considering these Graham Razey, principal at East Kent the debt-ridden college. together to ensure the smooth transfer of responses which will help us to inform our College, which was rated as good by An SFA spokesperson said: “All parties will provision ready for August 1, 2014.” priority areas of development.”

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Editor’s comment Hungry for good news After weeks and months of talk of cuts it’s great to get news of some money heading the college sector’s way thanks to a training restaurant VAT victory. The possibility of HMRC rebates running into the tens of millions of pounds may amount to relatively little at the individual college level, especially in comparison to the amounts that will be lost when 18-year-olds are funded at 17.5 per cent less than their 16 and 17-year-old classmates, but even the smallest of graces should be welcomed. To what extent this rebate applies to other college training enterprises will determine the size of any potential repayments, but hopefully they can go some Fisher defends Barnfield as £1m funding claim passed to police way to helping alleviate funding concerns in these straitened @RebeccaKCooney up by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) and led NCG to three outstanding Ofsted grades financial times. [email protected] the Education Funding Agency, who had both plus one at good, replaced interims Helen Congratulations should go investigated the federation, which includes Mayhew and Stephen Hall who stepped in to the Brockenhurst College Dame Jackie Fisher has defended new Barnfield College, after allegations of financial after federation founder and director general accountant who spotted the issue. employer Barnfield Federation amid claims it mismanagement and grade massaging. Sir Peter Birkett left in August. It seems a fair bet that they’re got £1m of government funding for learners it The funding agencies’ findings have not He later became chief executive of GEMS the toast of the college, not to had no record of teaching. been made public on advice from police, Education, but quit the international school Within days of Dame Jackie taking over according to a government spokesperson operator late last year with the funding mention the sector, right now. as chief executive of the Bedfordshire-based on behalf of the Department for Business, agencies’ probes under way, saying: “In order federation last week, it emerged official Innovation and Skills and the Department for that this issue does not become an undue Exceptional traineeships reports in which the claims were made had Education. distraction for my colleagues and the work of We knew it was coming, but the been passed onto police. She said: “This investigation has now GEMS Education I have decided to resign from relief of knowing it’s just around A Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said concluded and the reports have been passed my position.” it was looking into “what, if any, crimes have to the police. The police have advised us not to The college was also visited by the FE the corner is huge. been committed”. publish the reports until they have concluded Commissioner David Collins last month, and The JSA 16-hour rule exemption But Dame Jackie, who notoriously kicked their assessment.” his report is due soon. In a letter to Labour’s for traineeships should mean that Ofsted out mid inspection two years ago while However, the BBC claims to have seen the Luton South MP, Gavin Shuker, Skills from next month the scheme is she was chief executive of NCG (formerly SFA report, saying the number of hours of Minister Matthew Hancock last year said the attractive to not just employers Newcastle College Group), told FE Week: “I am learning claimed by Barnfield did not match commissioner would review the federation and providers. very pleased to have been invited to be chief registers, meaning the college was overpaid. leaderships’s “capacity and capability” to Essentially, it should now be executive of the Barnfield Federation. The claim for 16 the 18-year-olds was bring in “financial control improvements something of real interest to “There is much to do but we are all working therefore reduced by £464,176 and by £477,000 within an acceptable timescale”. young people in need of a foot up hard and pulling together to rapidly put in for the adult skills budget. A spokesperson for the federation, which into the world of work. place our plans for improvement. The Hertfordshire Police spokesperson said: according to its website, also includes four “There are excellent activities taking “We are assessing the reports but at this point academies and a free school, declined to place in the college and the academies and in time an investigation into a crime has not comment on the agencies’ reports. Chris Henwood, editor we continue to focus on providing excellent begun. We are at this point assessing what, if Sir Peter has been reported in local media [email protected] educational experiences for all young people.” any, crimes have been committed.” as declining to comment until the reports were The reports with officers had been drawn Interim chief executive Dame Jackie, who published. Comments Hayes in FE ‘comeback’ after year out Looking at inspections from the ‘other side If Ofsted was a college or provider it would be at least How can Minister Without Portfolio John Hayes suggest of the fence’ requires improvement for that complacent kind of attitude. that FE and skills are no longer the ‘Cinderella of Having been an ALI and Ofsted additional inspector there Former additional inspector Education’? is a world of difference between the approach of both If the unjustifiable 17.5 per cent cut to 18-year-old funding, inspectorates and lead inspectors towards the people they I know that the inspectors are between a rock and a hard and the 9 per cent chop to the Adult Skills Budget courtesy inspect. place when it comes to complaints, but Matthew Coffey of the Skills Funding Statement were not enough, we learn I have stopped inspecting in colleges this year because of really should have thought again before saying: “I know that schools are still being funded at 22 per cent higher than the way they are run by some of the newer HMIs. of a good number where grades have been amended post-16 providers and there has been a further widening of I remember attending a training day for inspectors run because we’ve had a second look and a much more detailed the income gap between FE and higher education sectors by Phil [Hatton] for about 30 of us which really helped examination…” since 2009 of £2.2bn (14 per cent). improve the consistency of what we were doing as part-time This is tantamount to admitting that Ofsted fails to carry Perhaps former Skills Minister Hayes is now himself ALI inspectors. There has been nothing similar in several out detailed enough examination in the first place. A very living in fairytale land? If [current Skill Minister] Mr years and the cracks in consistency of inspections are really unwise admission. Hancock leaves it too much longer to seek some redress showing. Also, to admit the number of complaints made is by enforcing the removal unfair protections within other The comments made by Matthew Coffey are typical of the “relatively consistent year-on-year” suggests they haven’t Department for Education / Department for Business, civil service - ‘Yes, we have made mistakes, but when we did learned from their mistakes. Innovation and Skills budgets, it will be too late for even the so the provider was party to them’??? Were a school, college or provider to admit the same, they fairy godmother to save the FE and skills sector. Having a consistent number of mistakes is nothing for would soon find themselves in special measures. Gary Horne, vice principal, Colchester Institute anyone to be proud of. Ian Nash Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 7 FE Week profi le Joe Vinson ~ his story @FCDWhittaker Truro, he decided to go to Cornwall College. It was, he says, an odd decision for alumni of his [email protected] school. “It was interesting because there was an The NUS vice president for FE talks FE college next to my secondary school where to FE Week about 90 per cent of students went — but I ike many young people given power chose not to go there,” says Vinson. Land responsibility early in life, National “I was quite taken with the idea of going Union of Students (NUS) vice president for somewhere that was completely new and was FE Joe Vinson certainly comes across as old a bit alien to me. beyond his years. “There were a few reasons I guess, mostly But there remains a hint of the naivety because I wanted a fresh start. I had just come that led to an unwise tweet he sent soon after out as gay, so I wanted to reinvent myself a he was elected one of the youngest parish little bit. councillors in the UK at the age of 18. “That was important to me, although I don’t A member of the St Agnes Parish Council, think I realised that at the time. But also the he posted on Twitter: “Living in Cornwall is biggest thing for me was that the college I really getting to me. Can’t wait to move away went to had I thought a much better approach in September.” to education and had a students’ union which It hit local media headlines and some may was much more active politically.” think the lesson should be that you never His interest in politics stemmed from his undermine — or even appear to undermine election to the UK Youth Parliament at the — your supporters. But that’s not quite how age of 14, and he joined the Labour Party at a Vinson sees it. similar time. “I don’t particularly do regrets,” he says, Four years later, he would run for the “but I think I learned a lesson that you can’t sabbatical position of Cornwall’s SU president always express how you feel in 140 characters. as he studied for A-levels in biology, sociology, “I think it was really easy for people to politics and law. target someone who was young and really He soon discovered that representing 40,000 quite fresh-faced in politics, and I think that’s students at different locations across a 65-mile

a shame. expanse of countryside— and without a car Inset Vinson: with a mascot for Cornish baker and popular pasty “I don’t regret tweeting it, but I certainly wasn’t easy. Understandably, transport for maker Rowe’s regret how it was interpreted.” policies that made Vinson run for an NUS He adds: “I really enjoyed talking about my role, and he said the FE sector had been very local area and representing the people who felt “I don’t think receptive during his fi rst seven months in they hadn’t had a voice for a long time on the post. parish council. anyone in the sector He says: “I have never felt alienated “There were a lot of old men in the room particularly in the sector, but whether or not and I think that skewed the way we had ever gets their own we get our own way is very different from debates a lot of the time. whether or not we feel we are being listened “I think a lot of people didn’t respect way, and I think to. necessarily see it coming and I think it was me as much as they should have in those that’s a good thing” “I don’t think anyone in the sector ever very much an ad-hoc move the government meetings because of my age and thought I was gets their own way, and I think that’s a good realised it had to make. irrelevant to them and I think that’s one of the thing. We defi nitely change the debate quite a “What I think was disappointing was that I reasons local politics gets very stale.” learners became a campaign issue for him. lot and the narrative of what goes on around think government thought it could get away But if ballot box popularity is anything to He says: “I had an offi ce which I worked at education.” with saying they could target it at 18-year-olds go by then those “old men in the room” could the most close to my home, but that wasn’t He says he has a good working relationship and nobody would realise or pick up on the do a lot worse than take note of Vinson’s the HQ of the college so I spent a lot of time at with ministers and departments, but doesn’t fact that funding for colleges would go down example. other bigger campuses and trying to get to the seem afraid to dish out criticism. One example overall. Aged 20, he has already been an elected small ones as and when possible. is over government plans to cut funding for “What you can’t do is take 17.5 per cent of member of the UK Youth Parliament, a parish “In the fi rst year I didn’t have a car, so there 18-year-old learners. the resources away from an 18-year-old in a councillor, the president of Cornwall College’s was a lot of getting up at 6am and getting on He says: “I think cuts to funding are always classroom sat next to a 17-year-old. What it students’ union (SU) and has held his full-time the train to places I didn’t know existed.” a bad idea. I think this has been handled means is that everybody loses out and I am post with the NUS since June last year. In the end, it was an interest in national really badly, because the sector didn’t disappointed government felt that was the So far, he has followed faithfully in the natural place for them to go.” footsteps of current NUS president Toni It’s a personal thing But it is uncertain whether Vinson’s Pearce, who also held the president role at history as an elected offi cial will lead, Cornwall before him before taking up the FE What’s your favourite book? somebody like Nye Bevan, because to pick as it inevitably does for many people, to brief at the NUS and then taking the very top I haven’t read a book since I joined the NUS, his brains would be a real privilege. And my Parliament or another career in politics. He job. but I do like reading. The last book I read, mum is more than willing to admit he is uncertain But he is adamant he has no intention of which is probably my favourite, is One Day, about the future. by David Nicholls What do you do to switch off ? challenging her. He says: “I really enjoy working for the I am addicted to soaps. It used to be just Sitting, without a hint of irony, at Pearce’s What is your pet hate? Eastenders, which only got heightened by NUS, really enjoy staying around in the FE desk at the state-of-the-art NUS offi ces in I don’t like it when people don’t listen to me living in the East End. But now I’m into sector. I have managed to enjoy the fruits of Gray’s Inn Road, near London’s King’s Cross, Coronation Street as well FE and the debate which goes around it for a Vinson is relaxed and happy to talk about Who would you invite to a dinner party? long time. I would probably invite the Queen because What did you want to be when you grew his rise to the upper echelons of the student “As to where I go next I don’t know,Vinson I think she is quite funny in real life, but up? movement, and how it all started in a tiny you never get to see that. The secrecy of the I remember telling my dad I wanted to be a adds: “I think university is a fabulous village on the north coast of Cornwall. royal family fascinates me. I would quite QC, although I wasn’t really sure what that experience. It’s not something I have done or After an education at St Agnes Primary like to invite Russell Brand to talk about his meant at the time. That changed to being a will ever do, but it’s benefi cial for students to School and the Richard Lander School in views on political apathy. I would also invite doctor, and now I have no idea know what all their options are.” 8 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk Survey reignites FE and skills teacher qualifications debate

@FCDWhittaker There was no response from the remaining [email protected] nine that were contacted. The results would indicate that at least 94 per cent of providers will only take teaching staff already qualified Six months after the government revoked or working towards qualification. regulations requiring that teachers The results have been welcomed by the at colleges and independent learning Institute for Learning (IfL), which still providers be qualified,FE Week reporter encourages teachers to gain qualifications on Freddie Whittaker looked at whether the job. providers now had their own requirements Jean Kelly, IfL director of professional in place. development, said: “It is encouraging to learn from the FE Week survey that most providers t least 94 per cent of England’s colleges would employ unqualified teachers only if they Aand independent learning providers were working towards achieving a teaching (ILPs) will only take on qualified teachers qualification in a given timeframe or not or staff working towards qualifications employ them at all. six months after the government removed “This stance is perhaps a positive legacy legislation, an exclusive FE Week survey has of the 2007 regulations, which led to an suggested. increasing proportion of teachers in FE being The government scrapped the statutory qualified — by 2011, around 80 per cent of requirement for teachers, lecturers and tutors college teachers were qualified and 19 per cent in FE to obtain Qualified Teacher Learning were working towards qualification. and Skills (QTLS) and Associate Teacher “This was reassuring for learners, parents Learning and Skills (ATLS) qualifications in and employers, and we sincerely hope that the September. trend continues, in spite of the government’s The move followed a review of policy reversal.” professionalism in the sector by Lord Lingfield She added: “We persistently make the and in effect removed the national guarantee case, backed by evidence, for teachers and for FE and skills learners that their teachers trainers across FE and skills to have teaching were qualified. qualifications. Speaking at the time, he said it would “help “Most teachers in FE train to be teachers on free the FE sector from unnecessary regulation the job, and before the 2007 regulations were and bureaucracy and enable it to take revoked, new entrants to teaching had a year responsibility for its own professionalism”. in which to complete a very basic introductory From left: Jean Kelly, IfL director of professional development, David Russell, chief executive of the Education and Training Foundation, and Ian Pryce, principal at Bedford College Throughout the review and afterwards, the award for teaching, and five years to gain the Association of Colleges was supportive, with certificate or diploma. qualification requirement was said to pave the they believe to be best qualified for the job.” a spokesperson saying: “It is appropriate that “The latter timescale was originally devised way for the role of the Education and Training Foundation chief executive David Russell the type and level of qualification for different with part-time teachers and trainers in mind, Foundation. told FE Week he thought it was “rarely a good staff should be determined by the college.” and most people can achieve this within three A spokesperson for the Department for idea” to have “an absolutely hard and fast And now an FE Week survey of some FE years. Business, Innovation and Skills said last rule” on teacher qualifications. colleges and ILPs picked to give geographical “We support colleges and providers year the foundation, “would define and He said: “My own position is that you spread, has suggested that most still require insisting that new teachers achieve teaching promote professionalism in the sector and want the considerable bulk of your teaching their teachers be qualified, or train up to a qualifications within two or three years, ensure the availability, scope and quality of workforce to be qualified. Whether it specific level in their first few years of work. and that all teachers undertake continuing initial teacher training. It is for individual necessarily makes sense to say that absolutely Of the 19 providers that responded to the professional development in their subject or institutions to decide what teaching everyone must always be qualified from day survey, 17 required unqualified teachers vocation as well as in teaching methods, to qualifications are appropriate for their one, I would say it’s rarely a good idea to have to work towards a qualification within a ensure that young and adult learners receive particular situation.” an absolutely hard and fast rule.” given timeframe and one said it simply did the highest possible quality of education and He added: “The highest quality of teaching He said he recognised people were divided not employ unqualified teaching staff. One training.” is paramount to the success of each college on the issue, and said he had heard from provider declined to comment. The revocation of the government’s teacher and we trust FE institutions to employ those college principals who called for clear What the providers say... Blackpool and The Fylde College: timescale for completion of the full employment, within a two-year period, Gloucestershire College: “Despite the “Our policy at B&FC is that teaching qualification is three academic years if they do not already hold them. The change in legislation, we still require staff are all required to hold the from joining the college.” exception to this is specialists who all teaching staff to achieve a teaching appropriate qualifications.” work very few hours.” qualification. In order to support this, Cornwall College: “We expect we provide financial assistance of Chichester College: “We are happy teachers to be appropriately qualified Exeter College: “Selection procedures between 50 and 100 per cent to employ unqualified lecturers if in the subject they are teaching, and be are rigorous and include assessment remitted time as well as mentoring they hold the appropriate knowledge qualified to teach. Both requirements of teaching ability, vocational support.” needed to meet the requirements of the will depend on a mixture of experience knowledge and interpersonal skills. teaching delivery. and qualifications. Any appointed person undergoes Hull College Group: “Our policy is to “We would expect all lecturers to “For teachers in a full-time teaching a Disclosure and Barring Service advertise for vocationally-qualified and undertake a full teaching qualification role we normally expect post holders check before they are able to work competent staff who will typically hold equivalent to a certificate in education to hold or be working towards a unsupervised with students. We ensure a relevant qualification at the level or PGCE within a specified timescale certificate in education, PGCE or that these members of staff receive the above which they will be teaching. once they have joined us. equivalent. In other roles, teachers relevant in-house teacher training at In respect of teaching qualifications, “The specific details regarding and trainers are expected to hold or our cost (for a certificate in education this is listed in all lecturing role obtaining teaching qualifications be working towards other relevant or Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong descriptions as an essential criterion are currently under review by the teaching and training qualifications. Learning Sector (PTLLS) qualification) to be appointed or to achieve within Professional Development and Teacher “We contract staff to undertake and also have timetable remit to two years of appointment.” Education teams but the proposed their teaching qualifications, once in support them to become qualified.” Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 9 Survey reignites FE and skills teacher qualifications debate Do you employ unqualified teachers/lecturers/tutors?

College Answer Blackpool and The Fylde College Bedford College Birmingham Metropolitan College Bournville College Chichester College City of Bristol College Indy sector clarity call on Cornwall College Exeter College teaching qualifications for Gloucestershire College funding bodies and Ofsted Hull College e believe independent training Leeds City College Wproviders should have the Newham College of Further Education responsibility for deciding the level of Sunderland College qualifications of their staff, although the The Manchester College funding bodies and Ofsted must be clear LeSoCo (formerly Lewisham College) about any expectations they have in terms of qualified staff. City and Islington College Providers need a range of skills including City College Norwich teaching, mentoring and assessing which Highbury College is met by having a range of skilled and New College Nottingham qualified staff. The Sheffield College They have to decide on the level of staff skills and should have a policy on qualifications and staff development. Best practice would point to support Independent learning provider Answer FE Week survey needed to encourage all staff to get qualified Aspire Training Team (Dorset) of 28 FE — not just teachers. Staff also need to keep Hedley Hall Training (Bath) their vocational skills up to date. and skills From left: Jean Kelly, IfL director of professional development, David Russell, chief executive of the Education and Training Foundation, and Ian Pryce, principal at Bedford College Jobwise Training (London) We should have a route for experienced providers Prospects Learning (Essex) people from the workforce to transfer across carried out regulations and others who said it should be as teachers or assessors and this requires Full Circle Learning (Yorkshire) up to them to make sure teachers were of the between flexible routes to achieve qualifications. Funding Connect (Essex) right standard. January 31, Better data should be available on the Among those in the latter camp has been LD Training Ltd (London) 2014, and skills in the workforce in order to provide Ian Pryce, principal at Bedford College where MTC Learning (London) February 18 comparisons and benchmarks. Providers unqualified teaching staff are employed only if should be supported through a range of they work towards a qualification. programmes to help them recruit and train “We don’t agree that qualifications should not be just a hurdle.” is set to become the minimum standard for all staff where appropriate and we will work be a matter for government, we want to see A BIS spokesperson said: “Colleges new teachers in the sector. All providers and with the Education and Training Foundation teachers take charge of their profession, and and other FE providers determine which potential teachers are free to decide how this to improve that provision. allow employers to be free to set their own qualifications they want their teachers to hold, initial teacher training is to be achieved either policy in this area,” he told FE Week. and how they achieve them. This is in line before or during employment. Stewart Segal, chief executive, “This approach will lead to a more effective with the government’s policy of freedoms and “We remain committed to supporting the Association of Employment and Learning and more responsive system. Professional flexibilities for the sector. sector to recruit appropriately qualified Providers qualifications should denote excellence and “The new diploma in education and training teachers and up-skill existing teachers.” What the providers say... Leeds City College: “We are currently good teachers. qualification they will remain on the full-time teaching role, we would then looking at our policy with regards “Successful applicants will then unqualified points of the salary scale put them through the relevant teaching to teaching staff having to obtain an be required to gain a teaching until such time this has been achieved. qualifications. appropriate teaching qualification. qualification within an agreed time “It is expected they will gain a “We are not opposed to training As part of our commitment to an period. The college will support them to relevant qualification within two years up our own tutors, it’s just a case of outstanding provision of teaching and achieve this through the college’s own of appointment or within an agreed finding the right person and having learning, we want all relevant staff teacher education provision.” timescale. In the event they fail to enough resource to support them.” fully qualified to the required level secure requisite qualifications within or working towards an appropriate Newham College: “Our position the period specified on appointment Prospects Learning Foundation qualification.” is that all academic teaching staff the college may terminate chief executive Neil Bates: “We are required to have a full teaching employment.” require all new staff to have a Diploma Manchester College: “We expect qualification, or to undertake one in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning all our teachers to be professionally within two years. This is monitored at Jobwise Training operations Sector (DTLSS) within two years of qualified, however in certain executive board level.” director James Pearson: “In general starting with us. curriculum areas unqualified we do require our tutors already hold “Until they achieve this they are applicants may be appointed to Sunderland College: “Lecturers teaching qualifications, however if they associate instructors and then move teaching posts because they have are required to hold a relevant move into a teaching role from a non- to qualified instructor status. We also the right vocational expertise and teaching qualification as identified teaching role or they have previously have an advanced practitioner status knowledge, and through the selection on appointment. If appointed subject been a teaching assistant that has which normally requires a certificate process demonstrate characteristics of to gaining a relevant teaching shown an interest in progressing into a in education or QTLLS.” 10 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk FE Week technology experts The Education Innovation conference and exhibition takes place in Manchester on Thursday and Friday. Here, speakers Bob Harrison and Pauline Odulinski give insights into their talks at which Skills Minister Matthew Hancock is expected to appear via videolink. Further education’s digital future Making y grandchildren are six, four, three and Mone. They are fortunate enough to have been technology born in England, with all the educational opportunities that this country expects and provides for its children. They will leave school between 2025 and 2029. work for Having spent most of my career working in further, adult and vocational education and training I would like them to have the choice employers to attend a local FE college. mployers tell us they want learners to But will they want to and will there be a Ebe better prepared to enter the working college in their community? environment. Unless we have a significant paradigm Whether a small enterprise with a team shift in the way we invest in, and utilise fully, of less than ten, or a FTSE 100 company, digital technology I am worried the answers to what it is today. organisations need employees with work the above questions will be no and no. That is why the Feltag report skills who can problem solve, communicate Some may think I am alarmist, but as I recommendations are crucial to the future of effectively, use initiative and be flexible. spend a lot of time in schools and with young FE. They also need employees who can use, people and have been heavily involved in the The six workstreams which formed the develop and be creative using the right reform of the ICT curriculum in schools, am focus of its work were horizon-scanning; equipment for the job, and who can effectively vice chair of governors at a college, as well as investment and capital infrastructure; operate modern technology in its many forms. having read many horizon scanning reports regulation and funding; workforce capacity; As key providers of people to the workforce, as part of my Further Education Learning employers; and, learners. and as employer needs evolve at an ever more Technology Action Group (Feltag) work, I am These should form the platform for the rapid pace, the education and training sector concerned. recommendations to the minister. recognises it has a duty and responsibility to We need to develop some ‘paradigm Mr Hancock will then have the opportunity build effective relationships with employers pioneers’ who will challenge the current to respond either in ways the government can to understand their technological wants and analogue mindset which permeates the culture intervene directly or indicate where other needs. of FE and skills policy and practice at all agencies/bodies have a direct responsibility The sector recognises the need to horizon levels. or in some cases where government needs scan, in partnership with employers, to We have ‘institutional analoguism’ which to act to remove some of the obstacles which “The sector lead the development of relevant long term threatens the very future of FE. currently inhibit innovation. learning strategies, to integrate employers That is why the successful implementation Of course it is not just a case of government recognises it further into curriculum design and of the Feltag recommendations is critical to actions that are important and there are other development, and to ensure that the FE and the survival of the FE system in which I have players who are passionate about the role of has a duty and training workforce has the up to date skills spent most of my working life. technology enhanced learning in FE and skills. needed to equip learners effectively. The Feltag report and recommendations are The UfI charitable trust has recently agreed responsibility to What is now needed is support for the sector expected to be published by Skills Minister to fund a Vooc (Vocational open online course) to engage with employers to develop strategic Matthew Hancock at the Education Innovation for those working in vocational, further build effective leadership with a clear focus on how to ensure conference. and adult education to help them increase relationships learners have a great, interesting, innovative And my prediction for the education of my their confidence and capability using digital learning experience and also are able to grandchildren is that they will leave school technology and social media to improve access with employers to operate in the competitive global market. with no paper, no pens or pencils, no chalk or to and support of learning. At the Education and Training Foundation whiteboards. The trust is acting as a catalyst by funding understand their we are about to commission work which They will have no hard copy text books, several projects predicated on the findings of will provide an opportunity for the sector to no libraries, no desks or desktop PCs and no its Scaling Up report. technological wants develop innovative projects that support the written exams. But if policy-makers, providers, funding development of FE workforce skills to enhance They will expect touch screen technologies, agencies, governors, principals, employers, and needs” learning with the effective use of technology. voice to text and text to voice software, regulatory and assessment bodies, among It is pleasing to see the government is learning analytics (not that they will know surely others, take on board recommendations Many young people are of course already also serious about investing in these skills what they are), personalised learning, and implement them teachers will be allowed adept at using and indeed creating technology through Feltag and the Education Technology virtual and augmented reality, immediate the space to creatively use digital technologies but, given the speed at which it is evolving, Action Group (Etag), and the foundation has formative feedback and on-screen summative to enhance learning and assessment. we need to ensure they all have the skills not committed to be a part of this at the highest assessments. Then there is a chance my grandchildren only to comfortably use it, but to innovate and levels. It is probable they will be wearing their will have the choice of a local FE provider. progress alongside it. Together, we have a key role to play in computers and will expect to access learning With the right support, encouragement and making technology work for employers. whenever and wherever they want to learn Bob Harrison, vice chair of governors at nurturing, young people can take their skill and be assessed. Barnsley’s Northern College, a Feltag member and capability to a new level in partnership Pauline Odulinski OBE, interim director The relationship between the learner and and education adviser at Toshiba Information with their teachers, instructors and the of leadership, management and governance, the teacher will be fundamentally different to Systems (UK) business community. Education and Training Foundation

Bob Harrison’s talk, Findings of Feltag — The way forwards for FE and technology, is due to take place on day one of the conference at 1.10pm. It is expected to take place in the Blue Seminar Room, sponsored by FE Week, at 1.10pm with Professor Pauline Odulinski, OBE, due to take part in the subsequent panel debate on the Findings of Feltag and its Implications for FE. Mr Harrison is also expected to speak on day two, at 10.20am in the Green Seminar Room, on Whose curriculum is it anyway? A critical look at the development of the new national curriculum and the challenges that schools and teachers face. Visit www.educationinnovation.co.uk for information on how to register for the conference for free Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 11 FE Week expert FE Week campus round-up Different takes on putting ‘employers at the heart’ of FE reform

Putting employers at the heart of FE and skills reform gives it an air of authority under the current political climate. Mick Fletcher looks at the differing viewpoints that could be taken on this theme.

ll the headlines about the long-awaited ASkills Funding Statement were understandably about the 19 per cent cut to adult FE funding and the climbdown on loans for older apprentices. Tucked quietly away, however, was the announcement that a vocational qualifications reform plan would be published early this year. Learners from Startford-upon-Avon College, Walsall College and Birmingham Ormiston Academy ahead of their five-minute dance Those who have been around for some time inspired by classic ballet Swan Lake will have received the news with a heavy heart — governments have been announcing Midland learners perform Swan Lake curtain raiser reforms to vocational qualifications since well erforming arts students spread their traditional female cast members. before the current skills minister was born, Pwings in front of thousands of theatre- Claire Morley, head of musical theatre, and the sector’s resulting turbulence compared goers in a dance created by world famous dance and production arts at Stratford-upon- with the stability of the academic route is a choreographer Matthew Bourne. Avon College, said: “Working with dancers major cause of their poor public standing. A group of 19 learners from Startford- from Matthew Bourne’s company, who are at Two things can be said with near certainty reflect their needs — but at the same time upon-Avon College, Walsall College and the pinnacle of their profession, will provide about the forthcoming plan. government insists on a minimum duration, Birmingham Ormiston Academy took part the students with an insight and a memory One is that it will promise to put employers requires that assessment should come at the in the five-minute dance inspired by classic that will remain with them for the rest of their in the lead, or in the driving seat, or at the end, specifies that apprenticeships should be ballet Swan Lake. lives.” heart of the reforms — they always do. graded and legislates that apprentices must Their performance, in front of around 2,000 The students spent several weeks The second is that like all its predecessors it take a level two test in English and maths even people at the Birmingham Hippodrome, took rehearsing under the guidance of members will fail. It is worth spending a few moments if employers say it is not needed in their sector. place before the main ballet — which was of Mr Bourne’s dance company, New reflecting as to why. None of these requirements are necessarily Mr Bourne’s modern re-interpretation of the Adventures, ahead of the show on Saturday, The core of the problem is that employers wrong, indeed many would strongly support ballet with a male ensemble replacing the February 15. and government mean different things by them. employer ownership. What is wrong is that current skills policy is For government, it means taking away founded fundamentally on a deceit. power from providers and giving it to Government not only pretends that employers. employers are in charge when they are For employers, it means taking away power clearly not, but it tries to justify the pretence from government with a capital G. by marginalising other legitimate voices — Keep hold Employers don’t make fine distinctions providers, assessment organisations and between colleges, civil servants and quangos trades unions to name but three. like Ofqual — they are all government and they all need to be rolled back. of your AAT Whitehall, on the other hand, is happy “It would be more to take power away from almost anyone — colleges, local authorities, universities or the accurate and European Union. It just doesn’t want to give up TechniciAns any of its own. productive to stop Take for example the employer ownership ACCA’s AdvAnCed diplomA in ACCounting pilots. talking of employer And Business is their next step Neither employers nor government (and still ownership and talk less the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, which dreamt them up) sees any benefit instead of social Provide your AAT Level 4 Technicians a progression route to study in announcing their failure. towards a professional accountancy qualification that could lead to They are doomed to succeed despite the partnership” flimsiest of track records to date. increased career opportunities or maybe help them progress within Yet talk to employer representatives off It would be more accurate and productive to their existing role. the record and they will complain mightily stop talking of employer ownership and talk Benefits include: that all their efforts and initiatives have been instead of social partnership; to recognise the frustrated — they have been drowned in red inherent tensions in skills policy and seek to n Retain existing, and attract new students tape. reconcile them through negotiation rather n Build on the college’s existing curriculum Civil servants on the other hand will than sleight of hand. n Enhance your employer responsive offering. describe in similar terms how they have This after all is what happens in those laboured ceaselessly to inject common sense countries that we profess to admire, Germany, and logic into incoherent and sloppy proposals. for example, and Switzerland. This is not a marriage made in heaven but at The alternative is that two or three years To find out how to start delivering the ACCA best a marriage of convenience. down the road yet another government will The same tension can be seen at work in the announce yet another reform of vocational Advanced Diploma in Accounting and Business proposals for apprenticeship reform. qualifications with, yet again, employers at its contact us today on 0207 059 5936 or email Employers are nominally in the driving heart. [email protected] seat ‘ensuring’ that the new standards that will replace frameworks are based on and Mick Fletcher is an FE Consultant 12 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk

sponsored by FE Week campus round-up Artwork is tribute to women battling breast cancer

tudents from Chesterfi eld SCollege were challenged to create works of art inspired by women’s battles with breast cancer. The Hello Beautiful Foundation, a charity which supports women suffering with the disease, asked 30 art and design level three and four learners to contribute to an exhibition at the college. Their work was also judged by representatives from the charity, who chose a striking painting by Laura Hodkin, aged 18, called Strong Lady as the winner.

From left: Mid Cheshire Radio presenter Jim Burns with students Louis Blair, aged 17, Emily Wilding, 16, Tyler Burrus, 17, and Shannon Poole, 19, came second Kieran Jefferson, 18 for her painting on the themes of Community radio station fi nds new home in unused rooms atcampus endurance and survival. tudents from Mid Cheshire College will be Students will now be able to help present Both images will be displayed Sable to host shows for a community radio shows and work behind the scenes with at an art exhibition set to be station that has moved to the campus. production. organised by the charity in Mid Cheshire Radio transferred its Karen Burns, from Mid Cheshire Radio, London later this year. broadcasting equipment into two spare said: “This will provide the Laura said: “I went away and rooms at the college’s Creative Arts and perfect environment for us to launch researched the subject of breast Sports Centre, after it was forced to move out ourselves deeper into the community cancer, from which I learned a of the Verdin Centre, in Cheshire, because and give students an opportunity to learn lot. Cheshire West and Chester Council closed and express themselves in a creative “One word which I kept coming the building. environment. back to was strength, so I decided to use this as the focus of my project.” Laura Hodkin and her Strong Lady painting

Vince Cable shaking hands with college principal Nigel Duncan. Inset: A computer-generated image showing how the centre for excellence in engineering, manufacturing and advanced skills training will look Cable sparks excitement for centre of excellence

usiness Secretary Vince Cable saw topping-out ceremony, which marked the Bhow building work was progressing half-way stage for construction work, and on Fareham College’s new £12m centre for met college apprentices who are working excellence in engineering, manufacturing and with major fi rms including BAE Systems, GE Jack Nowell playing for England against Scotland advanced skills training. Aviation and Jenson Motorsport. Inset: Jack Nowell holding the Calcutta Cup after England beat Scotland Pic:Getty Images The centre, near Portsmouth, will contain He said: “What’s really good is that there seven workshops and 12 classrooms for 450 will be a lot of apprentices trained here, From BTec to Calcutta Cup learners studying a variety of technical which will directly support small and medium subjects, including mechanical, aerospace, sized enterprises. This site is also key to the ormer Truro and Penwith College student Jack was a regular member of the college manufacturing, electrical and marine regeneration of the area. I’d like to thank you FJack Nowell passed the international rugby academy’s fi rst team from September engineering. for inviting me today.” rugby union test by helping England beat 2009 to June 2011, while studying for a BTec in Building work started in September last The centre will be situated four miles Scotland to win the Calcutta Cup this month. sport performance and excellence. year on the single-storey building, which will from the main college campus on the site of The 20-year-old had made his Six Nations Julie Penprase, the academy’s co-ordinator, have a 4,000 sq m footprint, and is set to fi nish the former Daedalus Royal Navy airfi eld, in debut in the heart-breaking 26-24 defeat to said: “Jack is an inspirational role model over the summer. Fareham, which has been out of use since France at the Stade de France on February 1. for current students and those wishing to Dr Cable unveiled a plaque during the 1996. He was then chosen to play against Scotland pursue a career in rugby. He has shown that at Murrayfi eld the following weekend, in Cornish talent can be recognised and that has Send your stories with pictures to [email protected] a match England won 20-0 where he set up had a huge impact on the determination of including names, ages and course of students where applicable England’s second try scored by Mike Brown to current rugby players looking to emulate his put the game out of reach. success.” Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 13

Mum of sudden adult death syndrome victim organises heart scanning for 200 young people

Sudden adult death syndrome struck down prevented through testing for heart abnormalities personal training student Adam Middleton that can then be treated. FEATURED three years ago. The 23-year-old had suffered “They have introduced tests for young people in CAMPUS from an undetected heart defect and his Italy and the death rate has fallen there by 90 per ROUND-UP devastated mother, Donna Mayall, was so cent. I decided to organise our own local screening determined to prevent the same thing from event because of this.” happening to other young people that she She added: “Adam was someone who was quite raised more than £12,000 to fund screening conscious of fi tness. If he would have known he tests at Warwickshire College, writes Paul had a weakness, he would have defi nitely done Offord. something about it.” Sads is an umbrella term commonly used for onna Mayall’s life changed forever the the many different causes of cardiac arrest in day her apparently healthy son, Adam young people. DMiddleton, died unexpectedly. The screening event at the college involved a The 23-year-old, a level three personal training simple ECG (electrocardiogram) test. Four of the student at Warwickshire College, stayed in bed on young people tested have since been referred for the morning of February 3, 2011. He felt unwell. further tests. His heart stopped around lunchtime, a victim of “Adam would have been very proud his family sudden adult death syndrome (Sads), and he was is doing something positive to help other people,” later found dead by his mother. said Donna. She resolved to honour the memory of her Clare Everest, manager of the college’s academy son by helping prevent other young people from for sport, fi tness and public services, said: “We are Tony Hill, from Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), student Dan Taylor aged 17, Lynda Jones, from CRY, and Donna Mayall at the screening event falling victim to Sads — which claims the lives of so pleased Donna asked us to host this screening 12 people aged between 14 and 35 in the UK every event in memory of Adam. week. “Our students and staff worked so hard to raise Donna raised £12,000 to fund a two-day money to help fund the event and to have tested screening event at Warwickshire College, where 200 young people and raise awareness has been around 200 students and other teenagers and fantastic.“ young adults were tested for heart abnormalities. The fi rst £1,200 towards the £12,000 cost of the She said: “There was nothing to indicate Adam screening event came from donations made by had a heart condition. He looked after himself Adam’s family and friends at his funeral. physically and was training to be a fi tness Students and staff also raised £900 through a instructor at the college. Christmas fair held at the college in November. “His heart just stopped and there was nothing I Donna raised the rest with help from Adam’s could have done even if I had been there when he brother, Ash Brittain, aged 20, and sister Rhianna died. Brittain, 14, through events including a golf day, Adam Middleton with younger brother Ash Brittain Fundraisers taking part in a fun run in Coventry Memorial Gardens “But I subsequently learned Sads can largely be charity auction and fun run. MOVERS& SHAKERS Your weekly guide to who’s new and who’s leaving

hree decades of service to FE staff, coupled with the enthusiasm that have led to an improved learning and and then moving from internal verifi er, Twill come to an end in and motivation of our students, working environment.” operations manager and, more recently, August with the retirement has helped us develop Recruitment is currently under way to Northern regional director. of New College Stamford and grow, providing the fi nd a replacement principal for He said: “I am immensely proud of principal Andrew Patience people of Stamford and September. my background in training and (pictured left). surrounding areas greater Meanwhile, Jon O’Boyle worked-based learning and am He took the Lincolnshire access to a wide range of (pictured right) has been very much looking forward college job in 2010 having education opportunities appointed operations to the challenge ahead with moved from his deputy right on their doorstep. director at Oxfordshire- Qube learning. principal role at Bury College. “This really is a lovely based Qube learning. “My operational He had already spent 31 years college, which I am sure will He is a former apprentice background and experience in the sector and in his fi rst year at New continue to fl ourish, and I wish all the chef who completed his working with a national College Stamford he guided it to a grade two students and staff every success in the training at Rotherham College training provider have given me Ofsted inspection result. future.” of Arts & Technology, rising up the knowledge and confi dence to be It was to be the last of 62-year-old Mr Pat Terrey, college governors’ chair, said: through the kitchen ranks from commis able to support, coach and develop staff and Patience’s Ofsted inspection experiences “Andrew’s leadership as principal has made chef in 1992 to head chef in 1996 at just 24 to take up this opportunity to infl uence the as he looks forward to spending more time a signifi cant impact on the success of New years old. direction of a very innovative and forward with his family and walking his dog in College Stamford. He began working alongside local training thinking business from the top down.” retirement. “Not only have we have seen an increase provider Spring Skills (formerly Link Debbie Gardiner, Qube chief executive, “I’ve enjoyed being principal at New in student numbers, but our performance Training) employing YTS learners into his said: “I’m very excited to welcome Jon into College Stamford and am very proud of the table success has been exceptional, and own kitchen graduate programme. the business. Jon brings a raft of experience achievements during my time here,” he said. the students and staff have benefi ted from He joined Spring Skills in 2000, embarking from his previous roles and a new dynamic “The commitment and dedication of the many physical changes within the college on a new career as a training consultant to the senior management team.”

If you want to let us know of any new faces at the top of your college or training provider, please let us know by emailing [email protected] 14 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk Jobs

This is an exciting time to join a leading College. Our very good success rates continue to improve further with strong in year retention. Having met its challenging growth targets this year the College has exciting developments planned for its main campuses in the north and south of the Borough. Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College has been rated by Ofsted as Good with Outstanding features and ranked No. 2 in London for Sixth Form Colleges, we send over SENIOR DATA ANALYST 500 students to university every year, 10% of those to Russell Group Universities. We are Post No: SS071 an aspirational College, fast improving with a goal to becoming outstanding. Situated on Salary up to £27,119 per annum an attractive 17 acre site in the London Borough of Waltham Forest. The College benefits We are looking to appoint a Senior Data Analyst to work in a small team developing from excellent transport links. and maintaining front end systems and complex management reports. Utilising Data from Human Resources, Payroll, Finance and Student Records and other acquired corporate systems you will retrieve information, analyse data and present data in the form of reports. Teamed with experience of using SQL and SQL Server Reporting HEAD OF PROGRAMME AREA ENGLISH Services, you will hold a high level IT qualification or relevant work experience, have a knowledge of FE data requirements and possess excellent interpersonal and written Salary: £41,147 - £46,332 pa (inclusive of London Weighting) skills. MS Access and experience of analysing data with spreadsheets is desirable. Start Date: ASAP CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 28TH MARCH 2014

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, experienced and ASSISTANT DATA ANALYST knowledgeable Manager who is an excellent teacher, to lead and manage Post No: SS239 the team in curriculum and staff development. There may also be cross Salary up to £19,790 per annum college responsibilities based on your own skills and experience. We are looking for an Assistant Data Analyst to join a small team in the Management Information Systems Department. The ideal candidate will have experience of SQL To apply go to: www.george-monoux.ac.uk Reporting Services and SQL. MS Access knowledge is desirable, but not essential, as these will be developed in the role. This is a junior position in a small team. There will Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 14 March 2014 be opportunity to develop SharePoint skills. Interviews: Wednesday 31 March 2014 CLOSING DATE: FRIDAY 28TH MARCH 2014 Sir George Monoux College, Walthamstow, London E17 5AA For further information and an application form, please visit www.solihull.ac.uk Alternatively, email [email protected] or phone us on 0121 678 7058. No CVs – No agencies Solihull College is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to safeguarding and ensuring a safe environment for all students and expect all staff to engage fully with this commitment.

Dedicated to serving the educational and training needs of Shropshire’s rural population, Walford and North Shropshire College offers an extensive range of 16-19, work-based learning and adult courses from two main sites in Oswestry Principal & Chief Executive and Walford, several outreach centres and many community venues. The last decade has seen a £12m investment in the estate, which includes a major new £competitive six figure + building, extension and nursery at the Oswestry campus and The Harris Centre, relocation a purpose-built facility at our Walford campus which provides a showcase for a range of sustainable technologies and accommodates animal management and floristry students along with a small zoo. You will need to demonstrate a strong vision which is grounded in proven experience and credibility in the FE sector, together with a deep knowledge of the changing FE landscape. Ensuring that the progress made on improving quality is built upon effectively will be a priority, and experience of rapid quality improvement and robust performance management will be especially valuable. An ability to find innovative and enterprising responses to the challenge of meeting the diverse needs of a dispersed rural community will be essential as will a track record of successful creative curriculum development. The substantial investment in the College’s estate provides superb facilities for local learners and businesses; the task now is to optimise the use of these resources to ensure the needs of the community are met and exceeded and that the College continues to thrive and grow. We have challenges and opportunities ahead and this role offers a considerable remit for change - something the right candidate will relish. If you are excited by this opportunity and feel that you have an ambitious and persuasive vision Not your which you can deliver, working closely with a committed Board of Governors, then we’d like to hear from you. average Visit www.wnscprincipal.co.uk to find out more or contact Trudy Searle or Mike Galloway at Navigate on 07791 090141/07765 595758. Closing date: 7 March. Initial interviews: 17–28 March. campus Final interviews: 7 & 8 April. Edition 93 Monday, February 24, 2014 @FEWeek 15

central London’s College

HEAD OF LEARNING AND ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (Full time) (Ref:40) Salary: £54,112pa Central London

An opportunity has arisen for an ambitious L&OD professional with a background in curriculum or professional development to join a leading London College.

Reporting to the Director of HR and Development and working closely with the Corporate Executive Team, you will play a leading role in the effective development and implementation of the People & Organisational Development Strategy. Your remit will include leading on the professional development of our teaching staff and leadership development programmes.

You will be an ambitious L&OD professional, possessing a relevant degree and a training and development qualification. With a substantial track record of success in operating at a strategic and operational level in large and complex organisations, you will have excellent interpersonal, To advertise with us call organisational, influencing, and analytical skills and to be able to contribute at the highest level in a Hannah Smith on highly successful College.

For more information and to apply please visit our jobs website. If you have any queries please email [email protected] or phone 020 7832 5096 (9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday Only).

020 81234 778 Please note CVs are not accepted, you must complete the application form. Committed to success through equality and diversity

Closing date: Friday 14th March 2014 Interview Date: Thursday 27th March and 2nd April 2014

jobs.westking.ac.uk

The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London

VICE PRINCIPAL - Finance and Resources - Ref: 13/74 • Full Time, Permanent – Tottenham Centre • Salary c.£105,000

With an annual turnover of c.£40m, a diverse student population and a staff base of 550, The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London is one of the largest in the UK. It is also one of the most ambitious, with a clear strategic vision for the future and a mission to provide the best possible education and training to all students across the upper Lea Valley. To help deliver these aspirations, the Corporation now seeks to appoint an exceptional new Vice Principal. As a key part of the Senior Management Group, the new post holder will provide strong financial stewardship to ensure the College fulfils its financial objectives and remains fit for purpose during a period of unprecedented change for the education sector. As well as holding significant experience at a senior level, the new Vice Principal will be able to implement efficient performance management systems and drive the success of new developments within the College. Closing date: Monday 17th March 2014, Assessment Day and Interviews: Thursday 27th March 2014 For further information visit www.conel.ac.uk/work-for-us/vacancies/652-vp Email [email protected] Phone 020 8442 3045 (answerphone)

Our students are award-winning, our provision and facilities are highly rated, our finances are strong Focus on Success and we have the passion to transform lives. We offer the best possible experience to our learners, employers and staff alike. Join us! 16 FE Week Monday, February 24, 2014 www.feweek.co.uk

INTRO TO FE FUNDING AND THE ILR

A ‘not to be missed’ introductory workshop for enrolment and MIS staff; that will help see how a small change in the ILR can have a big impact on the funding generated.

Author of the Complete Guide to Funding Apprenticeships, and both the Hands-on guide to post-16 funding and the EVENT DATES Presented by Nick linford Hands-on guide to post-16 performance and data. LONDON BIRMINGHAM AGENDA TUES 11 MARCH MON 17 MARCH 13:00 Registration 15:30 Highlighting the most 13:30 The basics of EFA per funding sensitive parts 13:30 - 16:30pm SOLD OUT 13:30 - 16:30pm learner and SFA (incl. of the ILR for EFA and SFA apprenticeships) matrix funding funding 16:00 Top tips on using related BRISTOL YORK 14:15 The relationship between tools, including FIS, LARs, funding and the ILR DSATs and other uses for the TUES 18 MARCH WED 19 MARCH specification (13/14 and ILR, including the QSR, NSRT, 13:30 - 16:30pm 14/15) MLPs, SARs and the SFR 13:30 - 16:30pm 15:15 Refreshment break 16:30 End

£150 + VAT (discounts available on multiple bookings of three or more) At no risk - book today to secure your place, cancellations BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY accepted upto seven days in advance of event incur no charge. visit www.lsect.com or call 020 81234 778

To find out more visit www.lsect.com

FE Week Sudoku challenge Spot the difference to WIN an FE Week mug! Diffi culty: Last Week’s solutions 6 7 5 3 EASY 4 5 3 2 9 How to play: 4 7 3 9 1 8 2 6 5 2 8 Fill in all 6 1 5 2 4 7 9 8 3 blank squares 2 9 8 6 5 3 4 1 7 3 9 6 making sure 7 6 4 5 2 9 8 3 1 6 5 that each row, 5 3 9 8 6 1 7 4 2 column and 1 8 2 7 3 4 6 5 9 1 5 7 3 by 3 box 8 4 7 1 9 5 3 2 6 contains the 5 9 9 5 6 3 8 2 1 7 4 numbers 1 to 9 2 9 6 4 8 3 2 1 4 7 6 5 9 8 9 3 4 7 Solutions: Diffi culty: Next week EASY

Diffi culty: 2 8 3 MEDIUM 9 3 4 7 6 5 2 1 8 5 6 2 6 2 5 3 1 8 7 9 4

5 6 4 9 8 7 1 9 2 4 5 6 3 4 1 7 8 5 2 9 3 6 4 8 2 5 9 1 3 6 8 4 7 3 7 6 5 3 6 8 4 9 7 1 5 2 7 8 3 5 4 1 6 2 9 2 4 5 9 6 2 8 3 4 7 1 8 7 2 3 1 4 2 6 7 9 3 8 5 7 1 2 Diffi culty: Spot five differences. First correct entry wins an FE Week mug. Text your name 6 8 5 MEDIUM and picture of your completed spot the difference to 07969 166 374. Spot the difference winner from edition 92 of FE Week was Nikki Gilbey, learning and technology manager at Fareham College.