APPENDIX

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton sub-regional planning group stage two application

Submitted: 27 February 2009

CONTENTS

1 Introduction

2 Context: Demographic, economic, strategic

3 Criteria A: Governance

4 Criteria B: Collaboration and strategic contribution

5 Criteria C: Resources and capacity

6 Criteria D: Policy and planning

7 Appendices

Appendix 1 Data sharing protocol (sub-regional planning group) Appendix 2 Diploma grid (sub-regional planning group)

On behalf of the sub-regional group, the first point of contact is:

Debbie McKenzie Southampton City Council [email protected] 02380 834969

1 INTRODUCTION

Sub- 1.1 The four local authorities: comprising eleven District Wards, regional planning Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton has agreed to collaborate group as a sub-regional planning group, to handle the transfer of Learning and Skills Council functions to local authorities in April 2010.

Learning 1.2 The sub-regional planning group: matches the current boundary of the and Skills Council local Learning and Skills Council; builds on the established relationships that exist across the four local authorities at an elected, strategic and operational level; and is in line with current travel to learn boundaries of young people.

1.3 Whilst the local Learning and Skills Council has worked with local authorities for the planning of post-16 provision, the transfer1 of statutory responsibility for planning post-16 education and training allows local authorities to draw on their extensive experience of planning, delivering and monitoring education pre-16 to post-16 within the four Children’s Trust arrangements.

1.4 The four local authorities have agreed a shared vision and developed operational protocols to implement the vision. This document details that shared vision, and demonstrates evidence of the sub-region’s compliance with the Department for Children, Schools and Families criteria, for the transfer of responsibility from the Learning and Skills Council across to the local authorities.

Vision 1.5 The sub-region’s vision is that:

‘we share a desire for an effective education system for every child and young person to experience enjoyable and appropriate progression from earliest years into healthy, safe and economically independent adulthood. We aim for young people to emerge from their formal education with respect for themselves and the society in which they live and with a clear understanding of their responsibilities as well as of their own rights. All the young people leaving the schools and colleges within our sub-region have a right to progress into higher education, training and employment and must do so with the skills to be successful, adaptable, persistent and happy.

It is our commitment to achieve well-being and attainment for every single child and young person, and to narrow the gap between the most vulnerable groups within the sub-region comprising Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton. At the heart of this commitment is the responsibility to commission appropriate and engaging education and training provision up to 19, and up to 25 for those with learning difficulties and disabilities.’

1 Transfer - Government White Paper, 'Raising Expectations: Enabling the System to Deliver', March 2008.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Political 1.6 This stage two application for the sub-regional planning group has been and officer approval prepared in the context that the legislative framework is progressing through Parliament. Consequently, once the Legislation2 has been passed through Parliament for sub-regional planning, elected Members and Senior Officers will take the final proposed planning arrangements through the appropriate officers and political sign-off.

2 Apprenticeships, Skills, Children & Learning Bill Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

2 CONTEXT: DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC AND STRATEGIC

Demographic context

Population 2.1 The sub-region’s population in 2005/06 was 1,811,100. Of these 121,000 were children and young people. The child and youth population, under 15, is expected to decrease over the next five years by 12,200

16-18 2.2 Based on 2006/07 datasets, across the sub-region Hampshire have learner profile 3 the largest population of 16-18 year olds learners at 33,811. Portsmouth and Southampton had similar number of learners at 4,600 and 4,567 respectively, with the Isle of Wight having the smallest number at 3,400.

Gender and 2.3 The gender profile for the sub-region shows equal numbers of male ethnicity and female populations. However, there are marked differences in the numbers of learners self declaring as being from either a black and minority ethnic community or other white background. The highest reporting is in Southampton at 18%, Portsmouth 12%, Hampshire 7% and the Isle of Wight 3%.

Learning 2.4 Self declaration of learning difficulties or disabilities was higher in Difficulties and Portsmouth and Southampton (both 18%) than Hampshire at 17% and disabilities Isle of Wight at 12%.

NEET 2.5 The 2006/07 data for young people not in education, employment or training gave the highest figure for Portsmouth at 9.7%. Southampton showed a similar profile at 9.4%, whereas Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were significantly lower at 4.7% and 5.3% respectively.

Learner 2.6 The sub-regional group has the second largest number of 6th form and residency colleges across the country. During 2005/06, 138,955 learners attended provision across the sub-region and the provider base comprised 10 general further education colleges, 11

sixth forms, 39 work based learning and five other. This includes a specialist agricultural college and four colleges that provide provision for young people with learning difficulties or disabilities see tables 1, 2,

3 and 4. The tables contain data on the learner numbers per establishment and the percentage of local residents registered as learners. The data are extracted from the 2008 Learning and Skills

Council local authority data packs.

3 Learner – Age 16-18 and resident in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Hampshire Table 1: Hampshire

% resident Total 16-18 Provider name of learners Hampshire 1879 79.5 Barton Peveril College 2295 80.7

Basingstoke College 2307 91.3 2876 55

Cricklade College 971 62.7 1793 78.4 1672 92.6

Farnborough College of 2004 62.6 Technology Havant College 1263 57.8

Peter Symonds College 3154 87.2 Queen Marys College 2297 95.8

Sixth Form College, 2900 52.2 Farnborough South Downs College 4713 62.4 – specialist 1322 58.7 agricultural college 1148 97.3

Totton College 1203 67.8

Isle of Wight Table 2: Isle of Wight

Total 16-18 % resident of Provider name learners Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight College 1599 97.9

Portsmouth Table 3: Portsmouth

% resident Total 16-18 Provider name of learners Portsmouth 1951 58.3

Portsmouth 815 92.1

Southampton Table 4: Southampton

Total 16-18 % resident of Provider Name learners Southampton 1311 66.4 Southampton City College 1801 67.3

Taunton’s College 1455 78.4

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Economic context

Sub-regional 2.7 Economic activity rates differ across the South East. Within this sub- summary region, Hampshire had the highest economic activity rate 83%, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth 77% and Southampton stood at 78%, see diagram 1: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Market Intelligence Report, 2007

Diagram 1: Economic activity rates South East

90 88 86 84 82 80 78 76 74 72 70

Kent Surrey Slough Medway Reading South East Hampshire Wokingham OxfordshireEast Sussex PortsmouthIsle of Wight Milton Keynes West Sussex Southampton BracknellWest Forest Berkshire Buckinghamshire Brighton and Hove

Windsor and Maidenhead

Sector growth 2.8 In the current economic climate, documented predications regarding sectors and employment are limited. In 2007 the Learning and Skills Council comparison of the sub-region with the other areas in the South East, concluded that the sub-region had a higher proportion of businesses in manufacturing 7.2% compared to 6.8% in the South East, construction 11.2% compared to 10.2% in the South East and distribution, hotels and restaurants 26.8% compared to 25.9% in the South East. The construction sector’s share of the total sub-region’s workforce was predicted to remain fairly constant, with only a slight increase of 1,000 workers between now and 2014. At this time, a growth was expected in Distribution and Transport and Business Service. Both forecasting growth of approximately 2,000 and 2,200 employees per annum respectively. At the more detailed sectoral level, it was the other Business Services sector that was predicted to see the strongest growth, with employment increasing by over 15,000 between 2004 and 2014. The local Learning and Skills Council had identified the largest number of employment opportunities to be in the health and social care; retail and distribution, public services and management and professional qualification sectors.

Occupations 2.9 More than 20% of employees in Portsmouth and Southampton were in processing and elementary occupations. In contrast Hampshire had the Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

highest proportion of employees in management and professional occupations.

2.10 In 2007 the Learning and Skills Council forecasted the number of adults requiring qualification/skills across the sub-region by 2014, to meet the needs of the developing economy, see table 5: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Market Intelligence Report, 2007 . Table 5: Forecasts on qualification skills 2014 Required number of Qualification level learners NVQ Level 5 58,000 NVQ Level 4/Degree level 115,000 NVQ Level 3 103,000 NVQ Level 2 76,000

NVQ Level 1 42,000

Economic 2.11 In 2006/07, the Learning and Skills Council stated that the City of inactivity Southampton had the highest economic inactivity rate at 25% whilst Hampshire had the lowest rate at 16%. In the City of Portsmouth 30% of the economically inactive reported that they wanted a job, compared to only 22% in the City of Southampton.

Strategic context

Local 2.12 Across the sub-region the strategic priorities are set by the four Local Strategic Partnerships Strategic Partnerships, see below. The priorities are informed by the local Children’s Trust and 14-19 Partnerships.

• Hampshire Strategic Partnership • Island Strategic Partnership • Portsmouth Local Strategic Partnership • Southampton Partnership

2.13 The four Local Strategic Partnerships all identify children, young people, employment and learning and skills as strategic priorities, see table 6, extracts from the sub-region’s respective Local Strategic Partnership plans.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Table 6: Local Strategic Partnership priorities

Hampshire Isle of Wight Portsmouth Southampton Children and Make sure our Improve Learning and young people. children achieve opportunity and innovation. better than the achievement in national average at education, skills school and college. and lifelong learning.

Employment, Support economic Develop A dynamic Skills and development and Portsmouth as business business regeneration, a City of environment. support. enabling all to share innovation and in the economic enterprise, with success, through a strong increasing the skills economy and of the community. employment

opportunities.

Children’s 2.14 The four Strategic Partnerships, whilst structurally different, all contain Trusts a Children’s Trust arrangement as required by the Children’s Act, 2004. Each Children’s Trust has a Children’s and Young People’s Plan, 2009-2012. The sub-regional vision for post-16 education and training has been informed by the priorities of the four Children and Young People’s Plan, see table 7.

Table 7: Children and Young People’s Plan priorities 2009-2012

Hampshire Isle of Wight Portsmouth Southampton Providing opportunities Raise Improve Many more of to learn that raise educational attainment. our children children and young achievement. and young people’s aspirations, people will encourage excellence enjoy, engage and enable them to with and enjoy and achieve. achieve well at school. Reducing the incidents Access to We will improve and impact of poverty. education. outcomes for key groups of Removing barriers to children and access, participation young people. and achievement.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Hampshire Isle of Wight Portsmouth Southampton Providing vocational, Increase Enabling Many more of leisure and recreational support and young people our young activities that provide employability to engage people will opportunities for for those and enjoy- successfully children and young aged 14-19. focusing on achieve the people to experience positive right skills and success and make a activities, qualifications positive contribution. young carers need for their and reducing future economic levels of independence.

NEET.

14-19 2.15 The four local authorities have separate but similar 14-19 Partnership Partnerships arrangements and regular liaison meetings between these have been taking place for the last three years. Each Local Authority 14-19 Partnership is linked to the local Children’s Trust.

PUSH 2.16 In addition, the sub-region benefits from having a highly regarded, active multi-area arrangement through the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire. The partnership is dedicated to sustainable, economic-led growth and improving prosperity and the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and spends their leisure time in South Hampshire.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

3 Criteria A: Governance

This section demonstrates how the sub-regional planning group share strong governance arrangements, political sign-off, clear decision making and accountability mechanisms.

Governance arrangements

Governance 3.1 Each of the four local authorities has strong governance arrangements arrangements for the implementation for the 14-19 strategy, through 14-19 Partnerships. The membership of the Partnerships is in accordance with the requirement of the Department for Children Schools and Families and each Partnership is directly linked into the four Children’s Trust arrangements. Prior to the proposals to form a sub-regional planning group the four local authorities’ 14-19 Partnerships had formed a collective 14-19 operational group in 2007. The new sub-regional planning group has incorporated the 14-19 sub- regional operational group into the new sub-regional structure.

Sub-regional 3.2 The four local authorities have agreed to form a non constituted structure planning group. The partnership structure is designed to link the sub- regional planning group with:

• the four local authorities’ democratic processes: Local Strategic Partnership; children’s trust arrangement and the 14-19 arrangement; • the 14-19 sub-regional operational group; • the South East Regional planning group; • the Young People’s Learning Agency; • the Skills Funding Agency; • the Department for Children, Schools and Families; and • the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire.

3.3 The non-constituted sub-regional planning group will lead on the 16- 19 transfer in relation to proposing and establishing arrangements with the Department for Children, Schools and Families and the Young People’s Learning Agency. It will ensure the sub-regional planning group’s compliance with the new duties placed on local government for 16-19 education and training with effect from 2010/11. Diagram 2 demonstrates the sub-region’s proposed shared governance and collaboration structure.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Diagram 2: Governance and collaboration structure

Skills Funding Agency Department for Children Young People’s Learning Schools & Families Agency (YPLA) (DCSF)

South East Regional Planning Group

16-19 Sub Regional 14-19 Sub Regional Partnership for Urban South Hampshire Planning Group Operational Group (PUSH) Assistant Directors

Hampshire County Council Isle of Wight Council Portsmouth City Council Southampton City Councl Local Strategic Children’s Local Strategic Children’s Local Strategic Children’s Local Strategic Children’s Partnership Trust Partnership Trust Partnership Trust Partnership Trust 14- 19 Partnership 14- 19 Partnership 14- 19 Partnership 14- 19 Partnership

Sub-region 3.4 The sub-regional planning group will be responsible for: planning group terms of reference • Developing protocols and practices for the smooth operation of the sub-regional planning group following transfer in 2010. • Promoting a collaborative approach that ensures increased participation in line with the legislative changes to participation rates and 14-19 entitlement. Raising achievement and securing strong progression routes in line with the needs of the local economy and the requirements of young people, especially vulnerable groups. • Agreeing processes for consulting jointly with providers. This will include utilising the established Further Education and 6th Form forum and Work Based Learning Forum. • Ensuring each Local Authority has drawn up a commissioning plan that meets local needs, is responsive to all young people including those identified as vulnerable. • Aggregating the four commissioning plans into the sub-regional plan and consulting on the plan. • Ensuring the sub-region plan is shared at a Local Authority level and submitted to the Young People’s Learning Agency. • Undertaking liaison with neighbouring sub-regional planning group for securing provision. • Ensuring provision across the sub-region planning group supports the travel to learn patterns of young people.

Sub-regional 3.5 The sub-regional planning group comprises strategic officers, planning group membership Assistant Directors/Heads of Service, from the four local authorities with specific delegated authority for decision making and a nominated lead from the Learning and Skills Council acting in an advisory and support capacity during the transitional arrangements.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

14-19 sub- 3.6 The 14-19 sub-regional operational group is not responsible for regional operational decision making in planning provision. The group reports into the group terms of sub-regional planning group and the four local authorities 14-19 reference Partnerships. The group will be responsible for:

• Supporting the implementation of the 14-19 entitlement in each of the four local authorities through sharing best practice and develop, where appropriate and desirable, a common approach to the commissioning of 14-19 programmes and services. • Supporting local and area initiatives to raise young people’s participation, attainment and progression including working collaboratively on targeted programmes such as Key Stage 4 Engagement and Teenage Parents Learning Programme. • Working collaboratively to access additional funding to the benefit young people and the economic growth of the Local Authority. • Co-ordinating, where appropriate, responses to Diploma Gateway opportunities. • Ensuring effective and consistent communication with all 14-19 stakeholders.

14-19 sub- 3.7 The 14-19 sub-regional operational group comprises 14-19 officers regional operational from each Local Authority, representatives of the Learning and Skills group Council. In addition work stream leads will participate as and when membership required, for instance: Further membership will be developed and agreed by core members. Each Local Authority will have officers responsible for work stream areas that will participate in the sub- regional operational group as and when required. Work stream areas include:

• Transport; • Education Business activities • Engagement programmes including September Guarantee, information, advice and guidance; • Education reform: Diplomas, Foundation Learning Tier, apprenticeships, GCSEs and A Levels. • Inclusion: Learners with learning disabilities or difficulties.

Political sign-off

Political sign- 3.8 Each Local Authority will adhere to its own democratic processes to off brief and ratify decision by Cabinet Members. Each Local Authority will review the proposal at this stage two application to ensure adherence with local protocols.

Clear decision making

Clear decision- 3.9 In making decisions each local authority will need to undertake a making range of activities to draw together a localised plan, including:

• Looking at outcomes for children and young people. Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

• Looking at particular groups of children and young people – for instance vulnerable groups. • Developing needs assessment with services users and providers. • Identifying resources and setting priorities. • Defining and planning pattern of services. • Deciding on procurement method. • Undertaking procurement. • Monitoring and reviewing services.

3.10 The individual local authority plans will be collated to form a sub- regional plan.

Consultation 3.11 The sub-region would expect to test the validate of the plan through a consultation exercise with:

• The four local authority Children’s Trust and Strategic Partnerships. • College and 6th form forums. • Work based learning providers. • Economic development teams.

3.12 The contracting element for commissioning will be in accordance with Local Authority existing procedures. All contracting will be transparent and provider-neutral for areas of provision including Entry 2 Employment and Education Business Links. Each Local Authority will develop specifications with criteria that includes responsiveness and effectiveness of provision; systems that enable young people, parents and carers to contribute; value for money and regional responsiveness. The procurement of such services will be in line with existing procurement and contract procedures. Practice will be shared across the four local authorities, to ensure commonality across the sub-region, wherever possible.

Accountability mechanisms

Accountability 3.13 Where local authorities, through their 14-19 Partnership, identify mechanisms unmet or inadequate provision they may wish to commission appropriate new provision, either by increasing the numbers within an existing contract or commissioning a new service. This growth may be achieved at a local or sub-regional level, based on known travel to learn data. Any proposals to commission additional provision will need to meet criteria for funding as detailed in 3.9 and in addition the sub-region will need to confirm there is sufficient funding. If growth plans require provision to be de-commissioned the sub-region will work with the Young People’s Learning Agency and with the Local Authority to implement changes in line with procedures

Readiness for 3.14 The sub-regional commissioning process will adhere to local working to model (B) procurement and delegated powers. The funding and commissioning cycle is anticipated to work in a similar manner to that used by the Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Learning and Skills Council. All commissioning will be informed by needs analysis; quality; funding criteria and actual out-turn.

Managing 3.15 The guidance issued so far refers to the finance for 16-18 provision finance and funding being held nationally and regionally, with the Local Authority operating allocations as a conduit. Each Local Authority is preparing a range of options including passporting finance to the post-16 providers in accordance with their process for passporting the designated schools grant. Within the confines of the national funding formula the sub-regional planning group considers it important that the funding process between national and regional Young People’s Learning Agency and sub-regional planning group and local authorities recognises the need for both disciplines and incentives:

• Discipline to ensure that sub-regional planning group funding allocations are based on sound learner forecasts such that the sub-regional planning group can manage the commissioning process within the timetable and the allocation. • Incentives such that planned changes in provision to meet learner and local demand which maximise value for money should enable such efficiency and effectiveness gains to remain within the sub- regional planning group and Local Authority funding envelope allowing the development of further provision to be commissioned.

Financial 3.16 It is not clear from the legislation what the full extents of the financial accountability accountabilities that will rest with the local authority are. It is assumed, by the sub-regional planning group members that all financial responsibilities will either rest with the Local Authority, the Young People’s Learning Agency or the Skills Funding Agency as it is understood that there is no intention to legislate for the establishment of a sub-regional planning group.

Contractual 3.17 The sub-region believe further clarification is required on what the full responsibilities contractual arrangements with individual providers is expected to be.

For instance, is the Local authority contracting directly with individual providers or will the contractual relationship with providers be with between either the Young People’s Learning Agency or the Skills Funding Agency.

Performance 3.18 The local authority assumes that the performance management management function will rest with the contractor. The current documentation indicates that General Further Education Colleges will be performance managed by the Skills Funding Agency and Sixth Form colleges could be performance managed by the host Local Authority. Whilst the performance management of Sixth Form colleges through the Local Authority is a welcome development, the sub-region is concerned that the separation of accountability for performance is fragmented and could be detrimental to the commissioning performance. Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Dispute 3.19 In preparation for the business planning cycle protocols for dispute resolution resolution are being developed and include the management of disputes, for instance: between:

• Learner/provider: In the event that a learner has a dispute with the provider or college the provider’s standards complaints procedure will be followed. • Provider/Local Authority: The Local Authority’s complaints procedure would apply. • Learner/provider and provider/Local Authority: If unresolved, should be escalated to the sub-regional planning group. • Forum/group and Local Authority: Process of sub-regional planning group adjudication will be undertaken. • Dispute within the sub-regional planning group: The issue will be escalated to the Regional Planning Group and ultimately the Young People’s Learning Agency will moderate.

Where a dispute arises with an apprenticeship provider it is anticipated that the dispute will be dealt with through the National Apprenticeship Service.

This section will demonstrate the sub-regions commitment and ability to ensure that the grouping is focused on the outcomes for young people by understanding their needs and aspirations.

Outcomes for young people Outcomes 3.20 Each 14-19 Partnership has undertaken a needs analysis which their Children’s Trust has utilised to set priorities for 2009-2012. In addition, each Local Authority is working to improve the outcomes achieved by young people and a large number of the National Indicators, for example:

Examples of 3.21 NI78 Achievement of 5 or more A*-C grades at GCSE and National Indicators equivalent inc. English and Maths NI79 Achievement of Level 2 qualification by age 19 NI80 Achievement of Level 3 qualification by age 19 NI81 Inequality gap in achievement of Level 3 by age 19 NI82 Inequality gap in achievement of Level 2 by age 19 NI90 Take up of 14-19 learning Diplomas NI91 Participation of 17 year olds in education or training NI106 Young people from low income backgrounds, progressing to higher education NI108 Key Stage 4 attainment for black and minority ethnic groups NI110 Young people’s participation in positive activities NI117 16-18 year olds who are NEET

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Understanding needs and aspirations

3.22 The sub-regional planning group will ensure that the full range of provision is commissioned including informal and non accredited opportunities that underpin formal attainment and progression. For instance, each Local Authority is implementing the prospectuses and common application process. Both will apply in ensuring that all young people receive the appropriate information, advice and guidance and support in making their application.

Needs and 3.23 Each Local Authority’s Children and Young People’s Plan has aspirations identified vulnerable groups which will receive targeted services to narrow the gap between the achievements of and the individual Local Authority performance outcomes. The vulnerable groups include, for instance:

• young people from black and ethnic minority groups, travellers and those who are not fluent in English; • teenage parents; • young people living in poverty; • young carers; • children and young people in care; • young people with learning difficulties or disabilities; and • young offenders.

Learners with 3.24 Many learners travel to access specialist provision beyond sub- learning difficulties or regional areas including some advanced vocational programmes or disabilities provision across the sub-region area for specialist curriculum or facilities. Young people with Learning Difficulties or Disabilities are more likely to travel then their peers for specialist facilities. Within the sub-region there is specialist provision for learners with learning difficulties or disabilities which is used by local authorities across the Country. There is a regionally led work stream group examining these issues closely and the sub-region will draw on the outcomes of the regional work.

Young 3.25 Specialist provision for young offenders in custody is procured offenders through an open and competitive tendering process, led by the Learning and Skills Council. This provision is currently under review and contracts will be awarded in the summer 2009. Links will continue to be developed with sub-regions who host Young Offenders Institutions.

The following three points will demonstrate the learning and skills agendas are actively linked in their area and will make a tangible different to the area’s social and economic outcomes.

Social and economic outcomes

Economic links 3.26 Commissioning will be informed by the Regional Economic Strategy, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Local Economic Development plans to identify and respond to areas for growth and decline within the sub-region, the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire plans will also inform commissioning. Local authorities’ economic development unit will provide labour market analysis for providers, to target delivery to need.

3.27 Through strategic and operational arrangements, the South East England Regional Development Agency and Sector Skills Agencies will inform the learning and skills provision and economic outcomes.

Local 3.28 The Children’s Act and subsequent Children’s Plan places upon outcomes schools, colleges and other providers, the duty to co-operate as active partners in the planning of educational provision under Children’s Trusts, helping to define priorities for the local area and agreeing how the whole pattern of local services fits together to best meet needs. It is the expectation of the local authorities working together in our sub- region that institutions will look beyond the students on their own roll and will work with schools, colleges and their agencies to make sure that access to and quality of education and training in their local area is as good as it can be.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

4 Criteria B: Collaboration and strategic contribution

Demonstrates how personnel are building understanding of the Further Education sector and strategic relationships to enhance strategic commissioning role.

Building understanding of the Further Education sector

Learning and 4.1 Senior officers in all local authorities have been shadowing the Skills Council shadowing Learning and Skills Council officers in their 2009/10 contracting arrangements with the further education providers. This has provided an opportunity for the Local Authority officers to develop their knowledge base on: quality; planning, funding rounds; priorities for success; previous years out-turn; current performance; Additional Learner Support; fee income, accommodation/capital and data management.

4.2 The sub-regional planning group members are active participants in the South East Regional Planning group, and the Director of Children’s Services and Learning for Southampton co-chairs the regional planning group with a Learning and Skills Council colleague.

4.3 On an annual basis, local authorities will agree with providers summary statements of activity (SSoA) which will form the basis of funding allocations. They incorporate participation and output volumes by learner groups and type of provision, as well as funding summaries, copies of the annual self assessment report and accompanying development plan.

Project 4.4 Southampton City Council has temporarily seconded, until April 2010, Manager an existing employee into the role of Project Manager to work on behalf of the sub-regional planning group. The Project Manager is supporting the sub-regional planning group through working with the local Learning and Skills Council to build knowledge and deliver aspects of the transition. This includes project management covering risk management. The Project Manager is working with the React team on a number of areas including implementing a briefing session for Learning and Skills Council staff to introduce them to Local Authority governance and operations.

Working group 4.5 Each of the local authorities is developing a working group consisting of: finance; procurement; human resources and legal services to provide advice on the transition. It is likely that these groups will operate until at least September 2010.

Procurement 4.6 The Local Authority procurement officers have been consulted and are providing support in the preparation of the transfer. However, it is still recognised that the level of procurement responsibility that will sit with the individual Local Authority is still being clarified nationally, for instance procuring education business activity and Key Stage 4 Engagement programmes will transfer to the local authorities but the

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

level of procurement with regards to contracting further education provision has not yet been clarified.

Risk and 4.7 Consultation has been undertaken with the relevant risk and controls controls assurance assurance officer. Advice is being provided and the Project Manager is compiling a risk register for the transition.

Financial 4.8 The Local Authority finance officers have been working with the shadowing Learning and Skills Council officers and the Local Government Association to develop their knowledge base on the current funding formula.

Human 4.9 Human Resource officers in each of the local authorities have been Resources consulted and are provided with regular updates. The human resource officers are undertaking exploration on the issues associated with a TUPE like transfer of employees, from the Learning and Skills Council to the Local Authority in April 2010, under a scheme to be set out by the Secretary of State.

Specialist work 4.10 The Local Authority officers across the region have been participating streams in specialist planning meetings with national officers in the development of specialist provision for instance learning difficulties and disabilities.

Provider 4.11 The South East Learning and Skills Council currently issue Provider Information Packs Information Packs which provide a summary of colleges’ historical performance against allocation, quality and funding, as well as data on equality. It is envisaged that the Young People’s Learning Agency will continue to issue these packs in the future and that they will form part of the shadowing arrangements and planning meetings with providers.

Strategic relationships to enhance strategic commissioning role

Current 4.12 The four local authorities have a long history of close collaborative relationships with further partnership working with the Learning and Skills Council and the education further education sector, for instance in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, sector Portsmouth and Southampton regular meetings take place with the Principals of all further education providers. The further education providers are members of the Children’s Trust arrangements and the 14-19 Partnerships and strategic officers from the local authorities and the further education providers meet at appropriate points to discuss relevant strategic developments.

New 4.13 During 2008/09 the local authorities have been working together commissioning function through the 14-19 sub-regional operational group to plan joint commissioning opportunities for the Young Apprenticeships and Education Business Links. This has developed the Local Authority officers knowledge base on new areas of service delivery and embedded strategic relationships with providers.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

5 Criteria C: Resources and capacity

Demonstrates that staffing and infrastructure requirements have been considered to deliver the appropriate changes. Where appropriate, has demonstrated that shared service arrangements are being considered to maximise the effectiveness of the grouping.

Staffing and infrastructure requirements

Staffing and 5.1 Each of the local authorities has identified the possible infrastructure infrastructure requirements resulting from the transition. However, until the legislation and policy framework for the transition is confirmed, the full infrastructure implications remain unknown.

Function - 5.2 The current intention of the local authorities is to integrate the Officers transferring responsibility, once defined within the legislation, into existing teams, for instance:

• Finance - officers will work with officers to adopt the module to manage the financial allocations to post-16 providers. • Planning – officers currently responsible for planning 14-19 provision will be responsible for informing the planning element of the post 16 provision. • Procurement - officers work with procurement teams to ensure any procurement activity is in line with existing processes. • Consultation – officers who currently work strategically with education and training providers will lead a range of consultations. • The nature of the contracting relationship remains unclear. However, if the responsibility sits with individual local authorities, consideration is being given to including the contracting responsibility with teams currently responsible for 14-19 and post- 19 contracting.

Human 5.3 The Department for Children, Schools and Families have confirmed, Resources that they ‘expect’ a number of existing Learning and Skills Council employees to transfer into the Local Authority. Local authorities will explore the legal issues surrounding the ‘expected’ transfer once details are available.

5.4 Each Local Authority is exploring how and if they can alter existing team structures and responsibility to incorporate the additional responsibility, for instance: school organisation, admissions, capital planning, governor services, data and planning, Special Educational Needs (SEN), Educational Improvement and adult learning In practice at a local level each Local Authority will need to be strengthened with staff possessing post-16 expertise, through transfer from the Learning and Skills Council or through recruitment if these functions are not available.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

5.5 There have been some preliminary discussions across part of the sub-region regarding an option for appointing a specialist strategic expert. This appointment could be responsible for supporting specific local authorities in their annual commissioning cycle.

Examples of a 5.6 The Children’s Services Department operating across Hampshire local authorities’ provide an example of a county where considerable variations exist. service The service is unsurprising in its complex structure with a range of arrangements centralised functions which focus expertise in county-wide teams working alongside area-based teams which on the whole, provide more direct delivery in local areas.

5.7 The intention, therefore, is to align the transferring post-16 functions with this existing structure in order to provide a seamless 0-19 provision in the most efficient and effective manner.

Shared service arrangements

Shared 5.8 Across the sub-region there are numerous examples in the 14-19 arrangements area of the four local authorities operating shared services, such as:

• prospectuses; • diplomas; • educational business activities; • young apprenticeship; and • September guarantee.

5.9 It is anticipated these would be continued and where possible developed. There are also a number of shared services outside of the 14-19 areas such as:

• Adult learning. • Partnership for Urban South Hampshire. • Family learning. • Community languages.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

6 Criteria D: Policy and planning

Demonstrates how the planned sub-regional groups approach to commissioning will help deliver the wider 14-19 agenda, including the delivery of the entitlement and raising of the participation age.

Deliver the wider 14-19 agenda

14-19 agenda 6.1 The sub-regional planning group currently works collaboratively in the delivery of the wider 14-19 agenda and can demonstrate effectiveness in taking forward initiatives to increase participation and achievement, and broaden the curriculum offer for all young people in the sub-region. Examples of joint approaches are given below:

Learner 6.2 In developing a learner entitlement our aim as a sub-region is to Entitlement improve the quality and range of provision to give all young people an equal chance of success. The entitlement will include the new secondary curriculum, learning for young people leading to qualifications and increased flexibility to meet learners’ needs.

Entry 2 6.3 The sub-region will continue to work together to support each other employment during the transition phase of Entry 2 Employment. Joint strategies have been developed to expand Entry 2 Employment provision and encourage participation.

Diplomas 6.4 The sub-regional planning group can evidence a full compliment across Diploma lines for September 2009, ahead of the government target. The sub-regional operational group will continue to work together to ensure the offer is available and accessible across all areas and to share good practice. (see appendix 2)

Apprentice- 6.5 In preparation for Cohort 6 of the Young Apprenticeships programme, ship the sub-region has worked together in shadowing the Learning and Skills Council during the tendering process. Local authorities will continue to work together to support providers across the sub-region in the delivery of the Young Apprenticeship programme. The local authorities are supporting the expansion of Apprenticeship opportunities in their local areas.

Foundation 6.6 Special schools and Education Improvement Partnerships are taking learning tier part in the Foundation Learning Tier pilot in the sub-region. The Key Stage 4 Engagement Programme and Foundation Learning Tier are due to be merged and mainstreamed in all schools.

Education 6.7 The sub-regional planning group currently works together in the business links delivery of employer engagement and work experience activities. A review of provision is currently underway and this work will inform planning for future provision through an Employer Engagement Plan.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Prospectuses 6.8 14-19 prospectuses are already available in each Local Authority area and extend the potential for online provision of Information, Advice and Guidance by offering information on local learning opportunities and how to apply. The four local authorities are all currently working with a common service provider and will continue to work together in the rollout of the common application process.

Common 6.9 The sub-region is making strong progress towards the implementation application process of a Common Application process, which will enable learners to apply for courses and opportunities online. This system integrates seamlessly with the online Area Prospectus, to manage the application process, organise communication with providers and applicants and capture data on course applications, take-up and student profiles. The Isle of Wight currently has an operational system, whilst Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton are trialling pilots. The system will provide demand led data which is essential for 14-19 commissioning.

Demonstrates progression towards an effective transition strategy

Transition 6.10 The sub-region’s transition strategy incorporates the organisation and strategy transfer of post 16 arrangements, and the wider challenges for the 14- 19 agenda. The sub-region is well placed to develop innovation and continue to build on existing areas of collaborative working.

Data sharing 6.11 A draft data sharing protocol has been developed by the sub-regional protocol planning group. Each Local Authority will carry out checks to ensure that the protocol complies with their guidance on data sharing. It is anticipated that this protocol aid working across a sub-regional grouping and support joint commissioning activities in the future. (see appendix 1)

Achieve operational excellence

Achieve 6.12 The sub-regional planning group are striving for operational operational excellence excellence through aligning our four 14-19 commissioning plans with input from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

6.13 The transfer will allow a single and coherent funding stream for 0-19, enabling decisions locally about how services can best be delivered for all young people. This will give greater powers to lead significant re-organisation of 16-18 provision including where to commission new provision, expand effective provision or remove least effective provision. Funding will follow learner choice, with a focus on quality and targeting the young people most in need.

6.14 Good practice will be shared and celebrated across the sub-regional planning group.

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission

Demonstrates an understanding of how the grouping can collectively support (in a way that is future proofed) raising participation and attainment even where there are no shared travel to learn patterns.

6.15 The sub-region has shared travel to learn patterns for all young people. The sub-region will continue to work with organisations and providers who deliver specialist provision or to priority groups, with the overarching aim of developing collective support to raise participation where there is no specific travel and learning patterns. The sub- region will develop sub-regional Centres of Excellence with specialisms to enable strategic commissioning to be undertaken for provision, such as Treloar School in Alton and Sparsholt College in Hampshire, and detailed travel to learn patterns will be supported.

7 Appendices Appendix 1 - Data sharing protocol (sub-regional planning group)

Appendix 2 - Diploma grid (sub-regional planning group)

Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton Stage two submission