WE RECOGNISE OFSTED SLAMS COLLEGES SEEK THAT WE CAN MYSTERIOUS FUNDING LOVE IMPROVE PROVIDER FROM NO 11 Page 12 Page 3 Page 10

FEWEEK.CO.UK FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 Accounting irregularities at Hadlow group COLLEGES

> FE Commissioner steps in to investigate land sales between West Kent and Hadlow College > Group principal steps down due to ill health just days after deputy principal resignation > Cash crisis as ESFA seeks to claw back cash following funding investigation > Future of colleges in doubt Image credit: Manu Palomeque without quick property sales or government bailout

L-R: Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, deputy group Principal with Paul Hannan, group principal in a photoshoot for Kent Life last year Exclusive FRASER WHIELDON [email protected] See pages 8 & 9

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Government agency in hasty search to avoid DfE opens up options for GCSE resits gap in apprenticeship quality assurance The Department for Education has will be able to pass just a functional announced a slight change to its skills qualification to meet the condition of funding rule for English condition of funding rule. BILLY CAMDEN per cent, of 345 approved standards. point assessment across standards and maths GCSE resits. This also applies to part-time [email protected] Under its contract with Open Awards, which have nominated the institute to Under the old policy, students with students who have a grade three or the IfATE, like Ofqual, doesn’t charge provide EQA”. a GCSE graded two or below in maths grade D GCSE or equivalent. end-point assessment organisations Mark Dawe, chief executive of or English had to resit until they got Full-time students with a grade Exclusive (EPAOs) for the quality assurance service. the Association of Employment and between a grade four and a nine. three must still study an eligible But this will change when its new Learning Providers, has labelled Now, full-time students with a GCSE qualification to meet the grade two or below in the subjects condition of funding. The Institute for Apprenticeships and contract comes into play. charging for EQA as the “biggest Technical Education (IfATE) has been Tender documents for the institute’s mistake yet”. forced into hastily finding “interim” new contract state that “legislation The ESFA sets a funding band for arrangements for its apprenticeship allows the institute to charge EPAOs a each apprenticeship standard, which is Studio school closures on the horizon external quality assurance service for fee per apprentice that undertakes an usually the value given to providers to A studio school has confirmed on Wednesday it had “reached a April. end-point assessment and it is these fees deliver the training. it will close this week and point where it is only right and Open Awards has held the contract that will pay for the EQA service”. Up to 20 per cent of the total funding another announced it is “strongly proper to stop and look at what the to monitor end-point assessment They add: “The institute’s budget is is available to fund the end-point considering” shutting. future holds” after running up a organisations on the institute’s behalf limited and we are seeking to work with assessment. The EQA cost is paid by The Bath Studio School will £600,000 deficit due to low student since August 2017, but this deal comes to a supplier who will deliver a high-quality the end-point assessment organisation not admit any new students this numbers. an end in March. service at a price that offers strong value and is factored into the EPA price. September and will close for good More than half of studio schools A procurement was launched at the for money.” There are currently 18 approved in August 2020 after operating at have shut or announced they are end of January for a new organisation to The bidding organisation is asked to external quality assurance bodies 47 per cent or less capacity since looking to shut since the scheme take on the job, which would run until “confirm what price they would charge that monitor end-point assessment opening in 2014. was introduced in 2010. March 2021. per end-point assessment”, and would organisations, to ensure the process is Studio@Dayes in Liverpool said No studio schools opened in 2018. However, tender documents, receive a minimum payment of £20,000 “fair, consistent and robust”. seen by FE Week, show that "service a month for the duration of the contract. FE Week revealed the “ridiculous commencement” will not be until May The winning bidder can therefore variability” in approved external Arts and media ITP challenging Ofsted 2019. expect to earn at least half a million quality assurance charges last week, FE Week asked the institute what pounds over the two-year contract which were criticised by sector leaders Arts and media provider Sheffield In November, chief inspector this meant for the month of April, and a period. for ranging from a free service to £179 Independent Film and Television Amanda Spielman spoke out (Shift) has said it will appeal after about the “mismatch” between the spokesperson confirmed that external A spokesperson for the institute per apprentice. receiving a grade four from Ofsted. numbers of students taking arts quality assurance “will continue during said EQA is to be delivered on a “cost- Tom Bewick, chief executive of The education watchdog said and media courses and their “future April”. recovery basis and not for profit” and the Federation of Awarding Bodies, provision at Shift had declined since employment in the industry”. However, it has had to come up with this has “been made clear to potential representing many of the 199 currently its last inspection, when it was rated Bridget Kelly, chief executive of “interim arrangements” for the month, bidders”. approved EPAOs, said: “These practices grade two, and criticised it for not Shift, said: “We don’t agree with which haven’t been finalised yet. The institute’s tender documents run the risk of bringing the entire moving enough students, who study the judgment and we are going to This is likely to cause some concern, said it anticipates that up to “67,000 reforms into disrepute.” creative subjects, on to further study challenge it through the complaints considering that the institute is the (approx. 19,000 in year 1; 47,000 in year The closing dates for bids to IfATE’s or employment. procedure.” nominated EQA provider for 191, or 55 2) apprentices will undertake end- tender is February 26. Mysterious apprenticeship provider judged ‘insufficient’ by Ofsted followingFE Week exposé

BILLY CAMDEN published on Wednesday. employs three part-time external [email protected] “Leaders and managers do not ensure quality-improvement consultants to that the programme they offer meets the manage the provision. requirements of an apprenticeship,” the But leaders at the provider “do A provider that received more than education watchdog found. not check the quality of provision £16 million in three years from college “Apprentices do not receive sufficient effectively”, and their evaluation of it is subcontracting deals has been exposed off-the-job time to complete their “overly positive”. by Ofsted for delivering ‘insufficient’ studies and do not know what progress Quality assurance of the apprenticeships that exclude employers they are making. apprenticeship programme is also “not and lack scrutiny. “SCL staff do not plan apprentices’ effective”. FE Week revealed in November the training programmes of study “Managers do not have a good enough FE Week's front page about SCL Security Ltd from November mysterious way in which SCL Security well enough to meet individual oversight to hold staff to account or to Ltd has operated as a subcontractor apprentices’ needs. All apprentices know what progress apprentices make,” As a result, they “do not aim for higher improve apprentices’ English and maths for many years, delivering hundreds are currently expected to complete Ofsted’s report said. levels of achievement”. skills “is weak”. of apprenticeships for mostly 16- to their apprenticeships in the same It also revealed that the provider SCL Security’s leaders do not Ofsted did, however, find that leaders 18-year-olds for Brooklands College timeframe irrespective of their previous does not allow for prior learning for involve employers and line managers at SCL Security have made sure that the despite employing fewer than 10 people. experience, skills or level of training.” individual apprentices. “sufficiently in apprentices’ training”, apprentices they enrol are “suitable for The Education and Skills Funding SCL Security is run by Andrew Merritt “Managers and staff, including Ofsted found. an apprenticeship and select them with Agency acted following our exposé, and and began to receive public funding in assessors, do not take into account “Employers are not included in the integrity”. starts were suspended at the provider its own right in May 2017. the skills, knowledge and behaviours planning or delivery of training. In most Safeguarding is also effective. last month while it carries out an At the time of Ofsted’s monitoring that apprentices already have prior to cases, employers are not aware of the Mr Merritt said: “Highlighting areas investigation. visit in January, it had 27 apprentices on starting their programme.” progress apprentices make and are not where improvement is needed is always FE Week’s findings also triggered an programmes including health and social Apprentices are also not made aware able to support them to develop new sound advice." Ofsted monitoring visit to SCL Security, care and IT, with a further six on breaks of the “requirements of the end-point skills and knowledge at work.” He added that with this “sound basis and its report, which resulted in two in learning. Most are aged over 24. assessment or the different grades they Inspectors also reported that the and Ofsted’s support, we are confident ‘insufficient progress’ ratings, was The report said that SCL Security could achieve in their qualifications”. planning and delivery of training to for the future”. 4 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 FEWEEK.CO.UK News FE Commissioner praises John Ruskin College for positive action prior to merger

FRASER WHIELDON commissioner’s team met were said College on February 1 to form Orbital [email protected] to be focused on the challenges facing South Colleges. the college in terms of both quality, The commissioner’s report said finance and the wider FE landscape. that, given both colleges’ “strong A sixth-form college that has fallen As a result, there was an 11.1 per cent balance sheets”, the Department into trouble in recent years has been increase in overall achievement rates for Education’s transactions unit commended by the FE commissioner between 2016/17 and 2017/18 at John concluded that “no restructuring funds for turning itself around before a Ruskin. should be necessary to support the merger. Apprenticeship provision has also merger”. Richard Atkins’ team visited John improved, with overall achievement at In a letter to John Ruskin College’s Ruskin College in October after it 78.5 per cent, almost 10 per cent above chair of corporation, Alec Stow, skills emerged its financial health had the national average. minister Anne Milton said: “I welcome declined rapidly, and it had dropped Outcomes in GCSE English and the positive work the college has two Ofsted grades to ‘requires maths increased to 93.1 per cent in already undertaken to prepare for improvement’ in 2017. 2017/18, a 16 per cent increase on the the planned merger with East Surrey The London-based college appears previous year. College.” to have worked tirelessly to get back “There is clear evidence that the A spokesperson for the college expected to run a deficit of 15 per cent halt last year after it failed to secure into shape, and the FE commissioner actions they’ve taken are having group said: “The merger generates a of turnover in 2018/19. a non-levy allocation for starts post- praised leaders for doing “well to a positive impact on the quality of wealth of opportunity for us to grow The commissioner’s intervention March 2018. maintain healthy cash balances and provision and on student outcomes,” and achieve together. was triggered after its financial health Its deficit increased by 1,756 per cent manage down external debt”. the report said. “It presents excellent opportunities declined from ‘outstanding’ in 2015/16 between 2016/17 and 2017/18, rising The college has also tackled It added that students for both colleges and we are already to ‘satisfactory’ in 2017/18. from £26,629 to £494,234. shortcomings in the quality of “demonstrated a strong sense of seeing growth potential.” The London-based college’s 16-19 In his report, the commissioner provision, according to the FE ambition and cited an extensive range Furthermore, the college has learner numbers have fallen “rapidly”, warned the college still faces commissioner’s report. of opportunities for engagement and confirmed that the commissioner’s by 12 per cent, since 2016/17, with a “significant” financial challenges. A quality improvement board has student voice with enthusiasm”. recommendations – actions to further decline in 2017/18; and Ofsted “Governors and senior leaders been established and meets every Governors are also “optimistic” improve budgetary control and to had downgraded it from grade one in rightly recognise the need for term, and there is now “scrupulous about the prospects of the merger to progress the merger with East Surrey 2013 to grade three in 2017. structural change as a result of tracking and monitoring of learners at improve student numbers and expand College – are either complete or under The college had become dependent the significant decline in turnover, risk of underachieving”. the range of curriculum on offer. way. on delivering apprenticeships for substantial operating losses and the The governors that the The college merged with East Surrey Despite the positives, the college is small businesses, but this came to a gradual erosion of cash reserves.”

“We have made significant progress to implement these vital reforms, which Government announces awarding are on track for delivery from 2020.” Sir Gerry Berragan, chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships and organisations for first three T-levels Technical Education, which took over the running of T-levels this month, said: “I am really pleased with the pace the BILLY CAMDEN going to be the most hotly contested, work has developed and the institute [email protected] with the likes of City & Guilds, OCR, BCS will continue to build on the work of and Pearson likely to bid. DfE. Pearson, who came out on top, "Technical education offers a real The awarding organisations that will already has a BTEC level three national and exciting alternative to A-levels for develop, deliver and award the first diploma in computer science, as well as young people, with T-levels now sitting three T-levels have been revealed by the level five qualifications in professional alongside apprenticeships.” government. software development. A total of 52 providers were expected Following a competitive tender, After winning the contract, Rod to deliver the first three T-levels from NCFE has been awarded a contract to Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: 2020, but two of them dropped out this deliver the education and childcare "The award of these licences recognises week. pathway, and Pearson has been awarded our longstanding collaboration and The DfE said the London Design and contracts to deliver T-levels in design, partnership with employers of all sizes Engineering UTC would no longer be surveying and planning, as well as digital to design, develop and deliver world- part of the first wave after it received production, design and development. class qualifications in these industries." a ‘requires improvement’ rating from The contracts are worth £17.5 He added: "T-levels represent a Ofsted in November. million in total and give the awarding significant opportunity to strengthen a single awarding body per T-level has forward in our work to upgrade Meanwhile, Big Creative Training, a organisations exclusive rights to deliver the recognition and value of technical proved to be highly contentious. technical education in this country. private provider also based in London, each T-level subject. education in England. It was one of the reasons that "T-levels are a once-in-a-generation has been removed after the DfE said that Stewart Foster, managing director of “We look forward to continuing to the Federation of Awarding Bodies opportunity to create high-quality the digital pathway available in 2020 NCFE Awarding, said his organisation work with the government, employers threatened the Department for technical education courses on a par does not “fit with the specialist nature of is "excited to be at the forefront of the and providers to ensure their successful Education with legal action in the with the best in the world, so that young their current provision”. implementation of T-levels". implementation, and to support learners summer, but the department has held people gain the skills and experience A spokesperson for the DfE said the FE Week was first to predict who was as they begin their programmes of study firm with the policy. they need to secure a good job, an government “always expected the list in the running for the digital pathway from next September.” Education secretary Damian Hinds apprenticeship or progress into further of providers to fluctuate as we progress back in June, as we anticipated it was The government's decision to have said this week: “This is a major step training. towards September 2020”. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 271 @FEWEEK FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 5 News Halfon’s call to replace GCSEs and A-levels with ‘holistic baccalaureate’ denounced as ‘reckless’

FREDDIE WHITTAKER and the creator of GCSEs, and Carolyn or vocational equivalents, a personal [email protected] Fairbairn, director-general of the project, and a programme of character Confederation of Business Industry, who and skills development for all students. both agreed the qualifications had had Mr Sherrington said an English Exclusive their day. baccalaureate system would have “a But Mr Sherrington pointed to the lot of benefits”, but insisted it has to be Calls to replace GCSEs and A-levels with 2004 Tomlinson review, which called “based around things people already a “holistic baccalaureate” have been for GCSEs, A-levels and vocational trust”. branded a “non-starter” by an advocate qualifications to be replaced with a There have been calls for GCSEs to of a similar model. single diploma. be scrapped since the participation age Tom Sherrington, a trustee of the “It didn’t get implemented because, at for education and training was raised to National Baccalaureate Trust, warned the end of the day, A-levels are strongly 18 in 2015, meaning far more students that “headline-grabbing” comments supported, both across the sector and stay in full-time education beyond the made this week by parliamentary politically,” Mr Sherrington told FE age of 16. education committee chair Robert Week’s sister paper Schools Week. “They But opponents of the proposal argue Halfon and a number of other high- have this brand identity that is almost that due to the high numbers of learners profile leaders were “reckless”. unshakable. Anything that says scrap who move to new institutions at the age He added that any move to create a A-levels is doomed – it’s a non-starter. of 16, there is still the need for testing at baccalaureate for English students must “The only hope is that A-levels will that stage. Robert Halfon be based on the existing exam system. morph into a wider framework, a Mr Halfon, speaking on Monday, said: During a speech on Monday, Mr baccalaureate structure, but you don’t “We must remember that since 2015 18-year-olds in England would “act as a as a gold standard destination.” Halfon, a former skills minister, said achieve that by saying scrap A-levels all young people have been required to genuine and trusted signal to employers Geoff Barton, the general secretary current exams for 16- and 18-year- and scrap GCSEs. It’s reckless, it’s just participate in some form of education and universities of a young person’s of the Association of School and College olds should be replaced with one something to say.” and training up to 18. rounded skills and abilities. Leaders, said there was “a lot of merit to qualification that recognises academic The National Baccalaureate Trust “Yet GCSEs remain just as much the “Schools would then be measured the idea of scrapping GCSEs and having and technical skills and personal advocates the creation of a “national high-stakes tests that they were when on two things – completion of the a single set of exams for 18-year-olds”, development. baccalaureate for England”, a framework many young people finished their baccalaureate at 18 and the destinations but warned of “significant practical His comments were backed by Lord for 14- to 19-year-olds which comprises education at this age.” of their pupils in the years after leaving, problems which we would need to Baker, a former education secretary core qualifications such as A-levels He said an IB-style qualification for with apprenticeships explicitly counted overcome”. 6 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 FEWEEK.CO.UK News Unis 'concern' at lack of assessment organisation for nursing apprentices

BILLY CAMDEN nursing associate standard in 2017. don’t know how they are going to be [email protected] She added: “There is an even greater tested at the end”. issue surrounding the incentives “I am still concerned, if anything more for nursing associate apprentices to so,” she told FE Week after finding out Exclusive undertake end-point assessments as, about the situation for nursing associate following the successful completion apprenticeships. There is “serious concern” among of their foundation degree, it confers “I have heard sad stories from universities that the government has eligibility to apply for registration with apprentices who feel they can’t look for still not found an organisation to assess the Nursing and Midwifery Council, a new job or even apply for promotion more than 1,000 nursing apprentices which gives them the accreditation they because they haven’t had it confirmed who have six months left on their need. they have met the standards. course. “This reflects the growing concern “This is sad for the individual and it New FE Week analysis shows among education providers about is not helping secure a premier brand there are currently 17 apprenticeship the end-point assessment process for image for apprenticeships.” standards ready for delivery with no pre-registration qualifications, and the In April last year, FE Week was first end-point assessment organisation associated risks this brings to education to expose the EPA crisis. We found nine (EPAO) in place, nine of which have providers and employers, alike.” would-be dental practice managers who starts. A spokesperson for the University of “Once confirmed we are confident become the EPAO for the standard”. began their apprenticeship with Barnet There is particular concern around Central Lancashire said the lack of EPAO that providers will come forward as He added: “We work with the ESFA and Southgate College in November the level five nursing associate standard, for the nursing associate apprenticeship EPAOs. and trailblazers to ensure that there 2015 and should have completed the which had 1,417 starts in 2017/18 and 820 is a “serious concern for the university “We do have large numbers of is appropriate coverage of end-point programme in May 2017, still couldn’t be in the first quarter of 2018/19. as we wish to ensure apprentice students but are confidently preparing assessment organisations across all tested because the assessment plan was The typical duration for the completion and, where relevant, the the students.” standards.” unworkable. programme is 24 months – meaning appropriate professional qualification or The Nursing and Midwifery Council The Department for Education said: This newspaper also found the the first cohort of apprentices on this licence to practice”. told FE Week it has “no role in the “It is a priority for us to make sure that shocking example of a blameless standard should complete their course But not all universities are worried apprenticeship, specifically, in securing an end-point assessment organisation is apprentice on a level two large goods by August. about the lack of EPAO, yet. an EPAO”. available to every apprentice when they vehicle driving standard, who missed “We recognise the current lack of “The Nursing and Midwifery Council A spokesperson for the Institute are ready to undertake one.” out on a pay rise because there was no end-point assessment organisations have set the regulatory standards for for Apprenticeships and Technical In 2016, Dr Sue Pember, a former top EPA ready for him. is problematic and this is of concern this programme and we are awaiting Education (IfATE), claimed that for all skills civil servant and now director of Despite FE Week’s findings, the IfATE to us,” said Denise Baker, head of the the ratification and final agreement on standards that currently have no EPAO, policy and external relations of adult rejected concerns about apprentices school of allied health and social care at the apprenticeship standard regarding including the nursing associate, “we or and community learning group Holex, being unable to graduate – accusing the University of Derby, which, at 130, end-point assessment,” said a University ESFA are engaged with an organisation said it was “morally wrong to start an people who raised the concerns as had the highest number of starts on the of Bolton spokesperson. who has declared an intention to apprentice on a programme when you simply “inflammatory”. DfE confirms ban on recruitment of apprentices at BPP University months after Ofsted warning

PIPPA ALLEN-KINROSS and technology, nursing and health, wrongly appear to employers that they [email protected] received two ‘insufficient’ ratings from were unable to recruit apprentices Ofsted during the inspection of its level at any level, as it is still free to recruit two to five provision. apprentices at level six and seven. Exclusive Despite this, it is the only provider to These higher levels are regulated by receive an ‘insufficient’ rating that has the Office for Students, but the OfS did The government has finally confirmed not been listed as temporarily banned not respond before going to print on that a huge private university has been from recruiting new starts on the whether it would be monitoring BPP stopped from recruiting new starts register of apprenticeship providers, University’s degree-level provision months after an Ofsted monitoring prompting concerns that it was following Ofsted’s findings. visit warned it was making ‘insufficient receiving special treatment. BPP University is part of the progress’ in its apprenticeship However, the Department for global BPP Professional Education no inspection reports have been BPP refused to comment or confirm provision. Education has now confirmed BPP Group. BPP appears on the register of published for either, and Ofsted would any ban when approached by FE Week. Managers at BPP University faced University is no longer advertising apprenticeship training providers four not comment on if or when these This week, six more providers criticism for being “too reliant on apprenticeship vacancies for courses times, as BPP University, BPP Holdings, would take place. were banned from recruiting new subjective information from assessors at level five or below, and said it had BPP Professional Education and BPP BPP can continue to recruit apprentices after receiving ‘insufficient’ on the progress of their apprentices, not appeared on the official pause list Actuarial Education. apprentices at levels two to five ratings. There are currently 23 which at times misrepresents the slow because it also offers level six and seven Like BPP University, both BPP through these other branches, providers on the barred list, not progress that apprentices make” in a training, which are not inspected by Professional Education and BPP and it is not clear if it can switch including BPP University, while four report published on October 31. Ofsted and so not affected by any ban. Actuarial Education are new BPP University’s allocation of have been fully removed from the The university, which has around The DfE said that if they were apprenticeship providers and in apprenticeships to one of its other register of apprenticeship training 15,000 students studying law, business included on this pause list then it would line for a monitoring visit. However, providers. providers.

8 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 FEWEEK.CO.UK News Accounting irregularities investigated at Hadlow Group

FRASER WHIELDON [email protected]

From front Exclusive

Hadlow Group is under intense scrutiny from the FE commissioner for accounting irregularities relating to land sales, FE Week can reveal. The deputy principal, Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, resigned from the group at the end of January, and this week it was announced that the group principal and chief executive, Paul Hannan, is on sick leave following the first of two FE commissioner visits this month. The investigation, FE Week understands, was triggered after a request for restructuring funds to the Department for Education’s Transactions Unit, which raised questions about a series of land winning 15-year tenure, for much of unresolved and the Hadlow Group has separate financial accounts and operate financial support if they decided to purchases between Hadlow College and which he was finance director. been granted an extension to submit separate boards. merge. West Kent and Ashford College (WKAC), A group spokesperson said the its 2017/18 accounts by the end of Hadlow College adopted WKAC It is believed the ESFA questioned which make up the Hadlow Group. organisation had appointed an interim February. from K College, which collapsed in why the group needed support funds Meanwhile, the Education and Skills chief financial officer to handle some On Thursday 7 February, the FE 2014, despite the government spending for the merger, considering the Hadlow Funding Agency (ESFA) is said to be of Mr Lumsdon-Taylor’s day-to-day commissioner visited WKAC and is around £40 million trying to keep it Group had already benefited from looking to reclaim significant sums of duties while it looks for a permanent likely to visit Hadlow College today. afloat, and formed the Hadlow Group. transitional support. funding from the Hadlow Group after replacement. A DfE spokesperson said: “The ESFA The 2017 Kent and Medway On closer inspection of the concluding their own investigation. This week, the Hadlow Group and the FE commissioner are working area review of colleges, led by FE management accounts for 2017/18, It is understood the group was announced its chief executive, Mr closely with the governing bodies of commissioner Richard Atkins, related-party transactions between the claiming funding they were not Hannan, had gone on sick leave. Hadlow College and West Kent and recommended WKAC and Hadlow colleges are now at the centre of the FE permitted to, but which Mr Lumsdon- A college spokesperson said: Ashford College. College merge, but both boards rejected commissioner’s enquiries. Taylor said they had permission to “Governors are working proactively “As part of this, the FE commissioner the recommendation, according to When asked about the crisis claim, as part of the K College transition with the FE Commissioner and ESFA. and his team are visiting the colleges.” minutes from March 2018. engulfing the Hadlow Group, a ¬- something the ESFA disputes. “The outcomes from the current Although they are both part of the However, the WKAC board did agree DfE spokesperson said: “We do not All of this comes at a sensitive time commissioner visits are still ongoing same group, Hadlow College and WKAC to take a meeting with the Transition routinely comment on ongoing for both the group and the Department and not yet finalised, and, as such, we are not merged and, therefore, file Unit to see if there would be any investigations.” for Education as it is mere days after cannot comment further at this time. the new insolvency regime came in. “The board can confirm the group If the college has to give the funding principal and CEO is on leave due to ill Hadlow College campuses: Hadlow Group's businesses scattered across Kent back to the government, it may need to health. In his absence, the board is in A - Mottingham Campus, rely on a short-term bailout and quick the process of putting in place interim Mottingham sale of property to avoid going into senior leadership arrangements.Hadlow CollegeB campuses: - Greenwich Horticultural C Centre, London A B administration. “The board will provide further A - MottinghamC Campus, - Greenwich Equestrian Skills J A week before the first FE information as soon as it’s in a position Mottingham Centre, London K D - Princess Christians Farm, D F H commissioner visit, Mr Lumsdon-Taylor to do so.” B - Greenwich Horticultural C E L Centre, London Hildenborough A B left Hadlow College after an award- The ESFA claw-back remains E - Hadlow ural Community M C - Greenwich Equestrian Skills G School, Hadlow Centre, London I J F - Hadlow College, Hadlow K D - Princess Christians Farm, D F H G - The ural egeneration E L Hildenborough Centre, Hadlow E - Hadlow uralH -Community Saplings ural Nursery and M G School, Hadlow PreSchool, Hadlow I F - Hadlow College,I - osemary Hadlow Shragers Cookery G - The ural egeneration School, oyal Tunbridge Wells Centre, HadlowJ - Spring Lane, Canterbury H - Saplings uralK - etteshangerNursery and Sustainable PreSchool, Hadlow Parks, Deal I - osemary Shragers Cookery School, oyalWest Tunbridge Kent and Wells Ashford College: J - Spring Lane, Canterbury K - etteshangerM -Sustainable Ashford College, Ashford Parks, Deal L - West Kent College, Tonbridge

West Kent and Ashford College:

M - Ashford College, Ashford L - West Kent College, Tonbridge FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 271 @FEWEEK FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 9 News Accounting irregularities investigated at Hadlow Group

Leadership pair ‘united by their passion for the empire they have created’

The close relationship between Mark FE Week. Kent and Ashford College in 2014. Lumsdon-Taylor and Paul Hannan, Mark describes how, in 2002, Hadlow In the interview, he describes Paul as “a the two men at the top of the Hadlow College was one of his clients when family man, a teacher by training and … a Group, was on full display in a Kent he was director of audit at chartered brilliant individual with no airs and graces. Life interview and intimate photoshoot accountants MHA MacIntyre Hudson in “He says it as it is and has an approach published last June. London. that is very engaging, whereas mine is Marking Hadlow College’s 50th He says it was Paul’s “inimitable slightly more corporate, more business

anniversary, the pair were interviewed charm” that persuaded him to join the focused. Together we make a really good Image credit: Manu Palomeque about “the land-based college’s journey college to help “sort it out”. team. from zero to hero”. Mark tells the magazine: “I’ve always “Paul has also drummed into me over According to Kent Life: “Fifteen been the City boy, very corporate in my the last 14 years that the most important years on and the two men, both from outlook, and what I knew about rural in thing is our students – who we refer to us the north-east but very different 2002 you could write on a postage stamp as our clients and treat with the utmost personalities, are still working side by and still have space!” respect – and he’s right.” side, united by their passion for the After joining as a short-term ‘trouble- Mark continues: “And we do have a bit empire they have created, and a solid shooter’ he was “formally appointed of a giggle on occasions [the photoshoot friendship underpinned by mutual to the Senior Management Team in takes ages, they’re laughing so much] respect. 2003 with responsibility for finance, while making core commitments that “They even live opposite one another commercial and global operations”, we’ve never swerved away from, like the on campus and joke with each other and, in 2004, became corporative investment in horticulture and agriculture. with the ease of long-standing mates and transformation officer and group They are our two pillars and fundamental neighbours.” director of finance and resources. to the business moving forward. It’s But it is Mark who does all the talking, Mark went on to become the deputy governor ratified that we would always very much the face of the college group, principal and chief executive for the focus on those twin pillars. You never sell Mark Lumsdon-Taylor (left) and Paul Hannan several people close to the duo have told group following the creation of West your silver.”

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College leaders apply pressure on chancellor for a raise on Valentine's Day

BILLY CAMDEN and investing in the further education now very strong cross-party support [email protected] workforce.” for the 2.2 million people who study The Love Our Colleges campaign, and train in FE colleges each year. along with the Raise the Rate It’s vital the government helps those The chancellor was urged to show campaign, is calling for all 16- to tasked with helping to solve the skills that he does love colleges on Thursday 19-year-olds to increase to £4,760 in gap.” after representatives from a campaign the imminent spending review. James Kewin, deputy chief executive group demanding more FE funding Funding for 16- and 17-year-olds of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, delivered him a Valentine’s card. has been frozen at £4,000 per student which leads on the Raise the Rate FE unions joined the Association since 2013, while per-student funding campaign, said: “This year’s spending of Colleges in paying a visit to the for 18-year-olds was cut to £3,300 in review is a pivotal one for colleges Treasury to hand-deliver the card, 2014. so we are pleased that so many MPs which aimed to raise the profile of the A report from the Institute for AoC president Steve Frampton and UCU president Vicky Knight outside the Treasury are backing calls for an increase in Love Our Colleges campaign. Fiscal Studies in September found funding. It read: “Dear Chancellor, show government funding for 16- to 18-year- The Valentine’s card was the second incomes of schools and universities, “If the government is serious your love for colleges with: increased olds has been cut “much more sharply” time Philip Hammond has been urged colleges have been dealt an average about improving social mobility and college funding for students and fair than funding for pupils in pre- to up college funding in a matter of funding cut of 30 per cent over the last increasing productivity, raising the pay for staff #LoveOurColleges.” school, primary, secondary or higher days. 10 years”. funding rate for 16- to 18-year-olds Matt Waddup, head of policy at the education. A cross-party letter signed by 164 “We believe this constraint on should be one of the chancellor’s main University and College Union, said: The campaigns have been gathering MPs was handed to the chancellor last FE resources has had an impact on priorities.” “The government speaks a lot about momentum in recent weeks and led Friday demanding an above-inflation the teaching, courses and, above The Love Our Colleges campaign is the importance of skills, but massive to more than 50 MPs taking part in a increase. all, opportunities for young people supported by the University College cuts to further education funding have Westminster Hall debate in January, It was given to Mr Hammond by and skills of all ages,” it added, and Union, Unison, Unite, GMB, National left staff and students worse off. when members from all sides of the Conservative MP Richard Graham described FE as the “Cinderella” of Education Union, National Union “It’s time for the chancellor to House of Commons called for an end and Gloucestershire College principal education spending. of Students, TUC, the Association of show his support for the vital work to six years of real-term FE funding Matthew Burgess, and said “while David Hughes, chief executive of the School and College Leaders and the of colleges by funding them properly rate cuts. government policy has protected the Association of Colleges, said: “There is Association of Colleges. JO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 EDITION 271 BS

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PRINCIPAL & CHIEF EXECUTIVE Full time, permanent Location: Barnstaple, Devon Salary: Competitive Relocation package Closes on: Noon on 8 March 2019 Assessment Centre: 27 & 28 March 2019

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead Petroc We have three campuses in North Devon and Mid Petroc remains in good financial health, despite the into the next decade. Our Principal and CEO is Devon, and are proud to offer an exceptional range reduction in real-terms funding for the FE sector retiring after 8 successful years. of curriculum with provision ranging through further from the Government education to higher education including A-levels, It’s a thrilling time to join Petroc… Rated as the best apprenticeships, vocational training, degrees and Our Successes: college in the country 2018*, Petroc is committed professional programmes both full and part time, Number One College 2018 in the FE Week NICDEX to driving forward educational success in further and including a wide range of recreational and short league table and higher education. We are extremely passionate courses. We are committed to serving our whole Petroc in top 20% in country based on value added about raising the aspirations, knowledge, innovation community and live by our values of: Professional, (ALPs) (based on 3 year trend data to 2017/18) and skills of individuals, communities and businesses Trusted, Ambitious and Inclusive. ‘Good’ Ofsted December 2015 in Devon and beyond. Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Silver The College has a strategically significant campus in AoC Beacon Award: commended 2018-19 *Ranked no 1 in NICDEX league table, published Tiverton, which will require regular travel and on-site STEM Assured by FE Week presence from the Principal & CEO. ‘Good’ financial health Matrix From stunning scenery to cutting edge technology, We are seeking a strong leader; one who is visible Disability Confident Employer Devon, has so much to give. Positioned in the south and aspirational. Our new Principal and CEO Dying to Work Charter west of the UK, Devon covers an area of 2,590 will have a track record of success as a further square miles and is bordered by Cornwall, Somerset education leader. We seek someone who is values Benefits: and Dorset. Its popularity lies predominantly in the driven, innovative, forward thinking with an 39 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays. beauty of its countryside and coastlines, which offer emphasis on curriculum, quality and learners. We Competitive salary an enhanced quality of life. are looking for an inspirational leader, someone who Relocation package is business and community focussed and someone On-site parking Year after year our students produce exceptional, who will continue to inspire staff and students alike Comprehensive staff benefits scheme record-breaking results and progress onto the and take Petroc from being Ofsted ‘Good’ country’s leading universities, further training or to ‘Outstanding’. employment.

If you would like an informal chat with the Governance Advisor, Jane Barton, please contact 01271 852456. For further information and to download an application pack, please visit our website www.petroc.ac.uk/jobs. Please note it is not College policy to accept CV’s

Head of Curriculum – Construction, Engineering & Motor Vehicle

Are you passionate about improving an education and training offer that meets students lives? the local and regional needs, contributes to growth and ensures high standards are West London College (WLC) is looking for exceeded? a skilled and industry experienced Head of Curriculum – Construction, Engineering The Role and Motor Vehicle to join the College to deliver an excellent service and continue The successful candidate will be an active the strengthening of our specialisms in member of the Directorate Management Construction, Engineering and Motor Team, providing inspirational leadership to Vehicle. If you are driven, enthusiastic and staff, encouraging innovation and excellence committed to ensuring an outstanding and ensuring the learner experience is of experience for the learners we serve and the highest quality. Key aspects of the role provide opportunities to our communities, will be developing and maintaining high we would love to hear from you. quality learner experiences and outcomes as well as embedding the College’s core The successful candidate will be prepared values of Excellence, Ambition, Focus, to have a significant impact upon local Accountability, Inclusion and Integrity. Apprenticeship Skills Trainers and regional skills development within the construction, engineering and motor vehicle The post holder will also be responsible areas. This includes playing a leading role for securing growth as well as continuous in our innovative partnership with Berkeley improvement in the quality of teaching, In addition, as our provision is rapidly To Apply Homes, which has already established a learning and assessment. growing we are looking to recruit talented training academy at one of Berkeley Homes’ and industry experienced Apprenticeship For more information please email largest building projects, on the site of To Apply Skills Trainers for the following areas: [email protected]. Southall Waterside. • Brickwork For more information and to apply This role will also be crucial in the • Carpentry please visit our website and send a CV • Electrical development of Park Royal College which is with supporting statement to located at the centre of economic activity on • Property Maintenance [email protected] quoting the largest business park in London on the • Plumbing border of Ealing and Brent local authorities. the post you are interested in. Tenure: Permanent We are seeking to recruit a talented and Hammersmith Ealing Southall Park West London capable individual who would be joining Salary: Competitive th & Fulham Green Community Royal Construction us at a key time, with the College ready Closing Date: 10 March 2019 College College College College Academy to maximise the opportunities that our Gliddon Road, The Green, Beaconsfield Unit 1, Nucleus Southall Waterside, vibrant local economy provides. Can you Barons Court, Ealing, Road, Southall, Park, Central Way, 170 Brent Road, London London Middlesex Park Royal, London Southall develop, manage and continuously improve W14 9BL W5 5EW UB1 1DP NW10 7XT UB2 5LE JO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK BS

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Director of Finance - TEC Partnership circa £85,000 The closing date is 12 noon on Monday 11 March 2019

The TEC Partnership (made up of the Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher This exciting opportunity will suit an individual with a strategic perspective together Education, Scarborough and Skegness College’s, the14-16 Academy and Modal with the intellectual and technical capacity to undertake the diverse needs of this Logistics) is a successful and ambitious educational organisation offering excellent role, which will also include responsibility for Purchasing, Management Information education at all levels to our learners. Services, Refectory Services, Legal and Risk Management. You will also actively explore new opportunities for funding and diversifying our income streams and play We have a forecast turnover of over £42 million this year. Our main campus is at a key role in our investment and commercial strategies. Grimsby together with other locations throughout Lincolnshire and in North Yorkshire and a growing network of National Employability Training Centres. We were judged We are looking for a qualified accountant with a successful track record in setting to be “Outstanding” in 2017 and continue to build on this accolade aiming to be business direction and converting long term objectives into action. You will thrive in a the leading Further and Higher Education provider in the country, in addition to our fast paced and challenging environment and demonstrate proven ability to lead and growing services to industry. We operate within a diverse and supportive Group advise colleagues on all financial matters. It is likely that your career to date includes structure and take great pride in our innovation and search for new opportunities in significant experience of leading a broad resources function within a large and education, training and development. complex organisation. Further Education experience would be a distinct advantage but this should not deter outstanding candidates who are able to quickly get to grips Our current Director will shortly be moving to a new role outside the Partnership and with the sector. we are now seeking a new Director of Finance to join us.

If you wish to have an informal telephone discussion with our Chief Executive, Gill Alton on this role please email [email protected] to arrange a convenient time. A formal assessment day for invited candidates will be held on Friday 5 April. The Job Description and Person specification for this role can be found on our website http://www.vacancies.tecpartnership.com/grimsby-institute-vacancies.php ANNUAL PACKAGES AT EDUCATION WEEK JOBS

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Rates displayed are per school or college. Group and MAT rates are available. To discuss our recruitment packages with a member of our Sales Team, please call 020 3432 1394 or email [email protected] JO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 EDITION 271 BS

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Director Up to of Training £55,000 Services per annum

St Helens Chamber is a first class training and both levy payers and smaller businesses, and we business support company, employing 110+ people have progressed well in making the switch from and recognised through quality marks including : Frameworks to Standards. We deliver across a wide Queen’s Award for Enterprise, Investors in People range of Apprenticeship sectors including Health & Gold, Ofsted Good; Chamber of the Year 2016 and Social Care, Business, Leadership & Management, Matrix Accreditation. Logistics, Construction and Hairdressing. If you would like to apply for this vacancy please forward a copy of your We are seeking an experienced senior manager We pride ourselves in maintaining high quality to lead our highly successful Training Services delivery – evidenced by our achievement rates, CV with a covering letter stating your department and join our Senior Management Team. employer and learner satisfaction rates and Ofsted current salary to Louise Johnson, grades of Good, with Outstanding for Personal HR Assistant, St Helens Chamber, With responsibility for 50 staff and a budget of Development, Behaviour and Welfare. £3m, you will have demonstrated an ability to Salisbury Street, St Helens WA10 1FY or lead a high-performing team, coupled with the If you share our passion for training and to [email protected] technical knowledge this role demands. development and have a proven track record of managing Apprenticeship delivery, then we want to Our Training Services department delivers hear from you. This role suits a proactive, market- Further information can be found on our Apprenticeship training to over 600 Apprentices orientated person inspired by the opportunity to across Merseyside, in addition to delivering Adult develop outstanding training for local people and website www.sthelenschamber.com Education programmes and a range of projects to our business community. Closing date for receipt of applications improve the skills of local people and businesses. is 26th February 2019. Whilst being based in St Helens you will be required Our implementation of the Apprenticeship reforms to travel across Merseyside and surrounding areas An enhanced DBS check is a has been highly successful, strongly supported by so the use of your own car is essential. requirement for this role.

Chief Finance Officer Permanent 37 hours per week

The College is looking to appoint a new Chief Finance Officer. This ensuring the College delivers value for money, and adheres to role will be a senior post-holder with responsibility for the overall comprehensive and rigorous financial controls. financial management of Tyne Coast College and the Tyne Coast Academy Trust, which is sponsored by the College. The post- This is an exciting but demanding period of growth for the College holder will report to the Chief Executive of the College. and as such will require a dynamic Chief Finance Officer who is committed to continuously improving the financial service As a multi-million pound organisation with international reach and provided to the College and Academy Trust. reputation, we are committed to ongoing investment in the north east, the local communities we serve, our facilities, our staff and If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact our students' experience. Catherine Donnelly, Executive Director of Human Resources on This role would suit an inspirational and innovative leader, able to 0191 427 3905 or email [email protected] meet the challenges facing the Further Education sector while

Closing date for applications Monday 25th February 2019 Interviews to be confirmed but expected to be held w/c 18th March 2019

To apply and to view details of further exciting opportunities, please visit www.stc.ac.uk or contact the HR Department, email on [email protected] or Tel: 0191 427 3583. Please quote the appropriate post reference. All positions at the College are subject to DBS clearance.

Please note if you are successful at the shortlisting stage interview details will be sent to the e-mail address you applied from.

The College is an Equal Opportunities employer. All employees have a responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. JO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK BS

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To place a recruitment advert please email: [email protected] or call: 020 8123 4778 FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 271 @FEWEEK FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 11 News

EDITORIAL

‘High quality’ apprenticeships at risk from policy blind spots

This week we expose providers fail an Ofsted are approved for delivery This is something the is actually responsible for four oversight gaps that monitoring visit the ESFA by the Institute for National Audit Office is overseeing quality: DfE, have emerged since policy is that they pause Apprenticeships and likely to question in their ESFA, Ofsted, OfS, IfATE, the implementation of new starts until a full Technical Education forthcoming report. At EQAs or EPAOs? apprenticeships. They each inspection. Yet providers (IfATE) before end-point- present the IfATE contract Nobody should pretend put the credibility of the like BBP University can assessment bodies have out their EQA responsibility, policy implementation is programme at risk, and need continue starts at level been approved by the but as we report this week easy, but it’s been more than sorting, and fast. six and seven as it is not ESFA. And in one case, it remains unclear who will four years since the first Blind spot 1: Office for inspected by Ofsted (see for the nursing associate do the work in April. In apprentices started on a Students has still not above). They can also apprenticeship, thousands what appears to be a hastily standard. committed to monitoring continue the paused level have been on the course for arranged tender, the IfATE To put it in Ofsted the quality of the rapidly two to five apprenticeships a year or more despite there cannot get a new contractor terms, apprenticeship expanding level six and by switching it to a different still being no assessment in place fast enough. quality oversight it is still seven ‘non-degree’ legal entity. Surely Ofsted body in place. These are all technical ‘inadequate’ and there apprenticeships. Incredibly, and the Department for Blind spot 4: The IfATE has areas but combined they has quite clearly been because Ofsted are not Education need to close responsibility for overseeing highlight significant policy ‘insufficient progress’. permitted to step in, this this major loop-hole that the apprenticeship external failure that needs fixing. means some providers makes a mockery of their quality assurance (EQA) But who to fix them? The simply fly under the intervention regime? bodies. Yet the IfATE alphabet soup of acronyms inspection radar. Blind spot 3: is itself an EQA body, neatly highlights a more Nick Linford, Editor Blind spot 2: When new Apprenticeship standards therefore overseeing itself. general blind spot over who [email protected]

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ESFA bans six more providers DfE publishes indicators for SASE (specification of from taking on apprentices potential fraud in education apprenticeship standards providers for England) frameworks. Unfortunately, on the Reply of the week previous RoATP (register For an organisation tasked Emma Guy of apprenticeship with looking after a nation’s training providers) the education, the ESFA Because in writing a Providers turning apprentices obligations around quality don’t seem capable of standard, a trailblazer and compliance weren’t actually learning anything group has to obtain three away as non-levy cash dries up made clear enough. A lot themselves. Seem to hand quotes and submit. The of employer providers out contracts without bandings are based on this ‘Non-levy paying’ doesn’t mean who already did training application of common because that's how much it insignificant. Small and medium-sized thought they could become sense or check on track was quoted to deliver and employers are the backbone of our apprenticeship providers, record. that's what is needed to economy and we’re witnessing an not understanding the provide a suitable service. increasing demand from employers for safeguarding, Prevent, Marches Skills skills training through apprenticeships. E&D and compliance: all Providers Network Nick K Maidment the work providers put We’re entering a new, and as yet into these required areas Why are providers charging the Scrap GCSE in favour of holistic and the resources these maximum apprenticeship price? baccalaureate, Halfon says unknown, period in our history. One that need. Delivering compliant will undoubtedly require more home- apprenticeships isn’t easy, Because employers want How can you bring in grown talent to meet employer needs. it’s more than just vocational quality delivery and that vocational subjects when Am I missing something? training. We don’t undertake is how much it costs to schools are frightened to building, sell clothes etc. We recruit suitably qualified death of learners cutting Come on, increase the budget and we’ll just do apprenticeships and tutors with relevant high- themselves? Teach children satisfy the demand!! training well in England and level industry experience. metalwork and woodwork, Scotland. Reduce the cost and you ha ha, there's a radical Noel Johnson end up with a bums-on-seats idea. Judith Jackson mentality just so providers can break even, as seen with David Hilton 12 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 FEWEEK.CO.UK Experts Sir Gerry Berragan We recognise we can improve Chief executive, Institute how we work with employers for Apprenticeships

In the wake of the recent CBI report This is not new feedback. As we are in those decisions are made and where I was gratified that the CBI report taking on new responsibilities. Reports that criticised some of the work of the regular contact with employers, we in the process they can have most noted that employers largely had such as the one published by the CBI Institute for Apprenticeships, Sir Gerry understand their desire for greater influence. We will welcome feedback positive relationships with our staff, are essential to hear, understand and Berragan says he recognises that there transparency on funding decisions. As from employers, training providers particularly our relationship managers respond to employers’ perspectives. are improvements to be made and awarding organisations in support (RM) who work with employers We recognise that we can improve of this review through the consultation throughout this process. But the report how we work with employers, as well The Institute for Apprentices has “The CBI report phase. highlighted that some of our staff as streamlining our processes and welcomed the Confederation of The report also suggested that the lacked commercial awareness, which improving transparency. This is a British Industry’s recent report highlighted that institute could be faster at approving can put a strain on this relationship. journey of continuous improvement Getting Apprenticeships Right. some of our staff standards. We launched our Faster and We have already taken action on that has no end; we will always strive It reiterated our central role in Better programme in February last this and have committed to developing to review and improve. driving quality in apprenticeships lack commercial year with the aim of working more the commercial expertise of our The clear message from employers and T-levels. We welcomed many of closely with employers to refine our is they value the institute and the its recommendations, particularly awareness” processes so that standards could be work we do. The CBI report recognises those that highlighted the role of identified, developed and approved “We will always the integral and long-term role the employers leading the development of a result, we have launched a review more quickly and effectively. institute has at the heart of technical standards to plug the skills gaps in our into how we engage employers and This programme has already strive to review education and wants to see more. I workforce. how we might be more transparent demonstrated success as we approach am confident that we can deliver the The institute is an employer-led about our funding band process. the publication of our 400th standard. and improve” reforms needed in technical education organisation and how we engage Our funding band We are now looking to a second wave to support learners today and in the our core stakeholders – particularly recommendations are about balancing of improvements and to having 500 RMs. It is possible for them to build future. We are very grateful for the employers – is a key element of how the cost of delivering high-quality approved standards before the end considerable knowledge and insight continued support of employers we function. One of the main themes apprenticeships with ensuring value of this year – and I am confident that over time across a caseload of often up and conscious of the significance of of the report was a need for the for money for the taxpayer. The we will achieve this. We will seek to to 40 or 50 different occupations. the work we are doing collectively institute to engage more closely with purpose of the review is to ensure achieve similar pace and momentum We are still a relatively new to address the nation’s productivity employers over funding decisions. employers better understand how in developing T-levels. organisation, learning, growing and challenge. Tara Bliss- Appleton A holistic package of support Head of welfare and support, can improve students’ outcomes Saint Edmunds Society, Norwich

Building welfare support into post- learning and life outcomes. I’m a level 2 intent to deliver. It is best practice to SEN panel. their experience, motivation and overall 16 provision is crucial to improving social worker with 14 years’ experience allocate each student a link welfare Further funding is allocated to achievement. retention and achievements, says Tara working across frontline crisis and worker, but have them get to know the projects from charitable trusts, Spending for each full-time equivalent Bliss-Appleton, who has some tips on therapeutic intervention teams, and I entire team. Face to face contact – rather European Social Fund short courses and 16-19 student (eg, sixth-form colleges how to make the funding work now manage a welfare team of seven than an electronic survey to monitor employers such as Pentaco Construction and general FE colleges) has fallen with multiple specialisms in special support needs – is essential, and and Taylor Wimpey, who see investment significantly from £6,208 in 2010-11 to The Saint Edmunds Society has offered educational needs, advocacy, mentoring contributes to confidence, retention and in young people and support services £5,698 in 2017-18. It appears the gap vocational training since 2012 to and behaviour support. achievement. as part of their corporate social in tutorial and enrichment support young people who have struggled in The central focus of our welfare responsibility. stemmed from the cuts in entitlement mainstream education, to help them to support team has been to work in When the welfare team concept funding used to fund tutorial and positive develop meaningful trade-specific skills partnership with students, parents and “Many students was first introduced to St-Eds, I was enrichment activities for all students that will open doors to further training all professionals within an individual’s are restricted by fortunate that a grant was awarded from between 2010-11 and 2012-13. With less and employment. support network – from the NHS a local charitable trust to fund my post funding, many students who receive We soon realised, however, that wellbeing service to children’s services their postcode for 18 months in 2014. disadvantage and sector skills uplifts are skills training was not enough. or supported housing in the voluntary For students accessing our 16-19 study often restricted by the postcode they live Disengagement from mainstream sector – to design a student support plan or trade” programme, specific time is allocated in or vocational trade they choose. For education is often driven by personal around short and long-term career goals. to each enrichment and support aim example, construction students receive circumstances such as permanent We all know this kind of support for Some of our funding comes displayed on their individual learning a 20 per cent sector skills uplift whereas exclusion, bullying, family breakdown vulnerable learners is desirable, but the from schools commissioning us for plan (ILP), in addition to our flexible students on a horticulture and forestry and sometimes substance misuse. Our key question is, how do you make it work alternative provision. For the post-16 “drop in” support service. course could receive up to 75 per cent. students presented with a range of in practice? And how do you fund it? study programme, additional learning Our growth in post-16 numbers from What needs to change at policy level barriers to learning, including anxiety, The simple answer from an FE support funding is allocated from our 20 in 2014-15 to 96 in 2017-18 reflects is the amount of funding uplift available low income, and limited literacy and perspective is to pay careful attention to prime Education and Skills Funding the impact the welfare team has had for all young people with additional numeracy skills. how support is allocated on an individual Agency provider and local authority on our retention strategy. In the past support needs, not just those with the Our response was to build a strong learning record and not just go through high needs top-up funding (where academic year, 96 per cent of service right postcode or sector skill, or those welfare team, under the theory that a the motion of adding “x hours” in tutorial support funding is more than £6,000), users reported that the welfare support eligible for top-up funding through their holistic package of support can improve and enrichment support without the which is agreed at the local authority they received had a positive impact on education health care plan. FEWEEK.CO.UK EDITION 271 @FEWEEK FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 13 Experts Steve Smith How we made virtual reality Project manager, outside of the classroom part of our students’ learning learning, Preston’s College, Preston

After a poor Ofsted inspection, This is the difference I think they scanning software to design their own produces e-portfolio evidence using 3D and beauty said: “that’s fantastic, we Preston’s College worked out how have made to our formative assessment. football boots and shirt tops for a group objects and virtual images. With more can use that!” Another teacher from technology could boost student and assessment. They could project and investment in industrial hand-held auto vehicle said: “that’s really useful to staff performance, says Steve Smith Reflection and review is more rotate their design and show a person scanners, any learner could link their show how oil affects the skin and hair compelling wearing their top in 3D. It was just a work to CAD CAM and 3D printing. and why it’s important to wash your Everyone knows what 360-degree Learners in performing arts are whole step beyond what they thought For instance, hairdressing students hands correctly”. Thus a model that had footage is – it’s everywhere, from continually on the move – how can was possible, and it stimulated them could design and prototype their own spent too much time sitting on a shelf in intrepid Go Pro users wrestling great fleeting movements be captured to to explain their products in greater range of styling equipment, or civil a classroom ended up reaching across whites to “twerking” on the world’s evaluate how they use their space and depth, which, in turn, improved their engineering learners could convert their three curriculum areas. highest peaks. Our role, as educators, interact with each other? By placing a assessment grades. architectural structural designs into however, is to go beyond entertainment 360-degree camera in the middle of a three-dimensional models. It stimulates teachers to change what and use technology to create a distinctive set of dancers or actors, they can look “It was a step It’s also re-energised our teaching they do learning experience. At Preston’s College at the footage and set any angle of view staff. We hold our AR and VR resources we think we have worked out how to do to show how they move through space beyond what centrally, although teachers can book it – on a small budget. and relate to one another. They can Expensive resources are better used them out and use them inside and After our last but one Ofsted visit our “freeze-frame” to look at their backs or they thought and shared in new ways outside the college. The skill-set is college dropped to a grade 3. We were three-quarter views – any angle that is We bought our first mobile 3D modest so CPD effort is minimal (but we criticised for not providing enough inaccessible in practice. The clarity and was possible” scanner for £399 and practised on an always give help when needed!). formative assessments for our learners richness of information astonishes and expensive plastic model of hair follicles and needed to provide more “stretch and stimulates learners to reach beyond Students have value-added and skin dermis layers, placing the 3D The key to it all challenge” for our more able ones. The what they thought was possible. workplace skills object on a free platform. We used free Technology needs to be an answer college made a variety of improvements We have encouraged learners to software to “layer” information on the to a specific problem: in our case how and following our last inspection in Learners can now create and publish use 3D scanners and 360-degree object to give a fuller explanation of the we improved formative assessments October last year we became a strong their own AR and VR resources cameras to create resources and subject. and stimulated learners to exceed their grade 2 college. Our augmented reality that were almost impossible just widen their skill-set to annotate and We’d seen its potential for teaching personal expectations. Having a clear (AR) and virtual reality (VR) work was two years ago publish what they make. Imagine the in biology but on a professional objective will make it easier to see what definitely part of the picture. Our sport tech learners used impact on employers when a learner development day, teachers from hair difference, if any, AR and VR can make. 14 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 FEWEEK.CO.UK Bulletin

Colin Davey David Turner

Performing and production arts Assistant principal for quality and subject leader, Plymouth College Movers & HE, Walsall College

Start date January 2019 Start date October 2018

Previous job Shakers Previous job Performing arts lecturer, Exeter College Director of quality and HE, Walsall College

Interesting fact Interesting fact Colin was born with a vocal defect that meant he couldn’t speak Your weekly guide to who’s David exhibits collections of his photos at regional galleries until after undergoing surgery and speech therapy, aged five. Now new and who’s leaving and events as an adult Colin specialises as a vocal coach

Dr Philip Wright Richard Brennan Simon Ashworth

Director general, Joint Assistant principal for Future ready skills commissioner, Council for Qualifications curriculum, Walsall College West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Start date March 2019 Start date December 2018 Start date January 2019

Previous job Previous job Previous job Chief executive at Textile Services Association Assistant principal for curriculum, Warwickshire College Group Chief policy officer, AELP (remains in post)

Interesting fact Interesting fact Interesting fact Philip trained as a marine biologist studying seaweed in the UK The first band he was in was called ‘The Great Naked Guitar Last year, he led a UK delegation to share best practice and and USA Scandal’ and he was the guitarist create new commercial partnerships around apprenticeships in the USA

If you want to let us know of any new faces at the top of your college, training provider or awarding organisation please let us know by emailing [email protected]

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Get in touch. Contact: [email protected] or call 020 81234 778 CONFERENCE PARTNER STRATEGIC PARTNER HEADLINE PARTNER CONFERENCE SPONSORS

Excellent venue, inspiring speeches, great networking opportunities and fabulous gala dinner! FE WEEK ANNUAL APPRENTICESHIP CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2019

ICC, BIRMINGHAM | 27-28 MARCH 2019 REGISTER TODAY AT FEWEEKAAC.COM KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDE

KEITH SMITH HMCI AMANDA SPIELMAN SIR GERRY BERRAGAN Director, Apprenticeships, Her Majesty’s Chief Chief executive ESFA Inspector, Ofsted Institute for Apprenticeships

2019 HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE:

Unmissable plenary Connect with over 60 Select from over 70 in-depth Celebrate at our glitzy gala sessions with keynotes leading suppliers within and practical workshops dinner and FE Week & from leading figures our exhibition covering a range AELP apprenticeship of topics awards evening

For sponsorship & exhibition enquiries visit AAC is brought to you by feweekaac.com or email [email protected]. Early bird exhibition rates available. 16 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2019 @FEWEEK EDITION 271 FEWEEK.CO.UK

Headline sponsor

AELP MEMBER RATES £240.00 + VAT EARLY BIRD RATES PRIOR TO: 18 FEBRUARY 2019 (30% OFF) ICC BIRMINGHAM FRIDAY 29 MARCH PRIOR TO: 1 MARCH 2019 (15% OFF)

New & improved venue NON-MEMBER RATES £355.00 + VAT 20 workshop sessions EARLY BIRD RATES PRIOR TO: 18 FEBRUARY 2019 (30% OFF) Essential policy and delivery updates PRIOR TO: 1 MARCH 2019 (15% OFF) Great networking opportunities GROUP BOOKING DISCOUNTS Sponsored by NCFE, the event repeats the successful format of BOOK TWO OR MORE PLACES AND THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNTS APPLY: last year when apart from a brief introduction and general policy TWO BOOKINGS: 15% update by Mark Dawe to welcome delegates, it will offer a series THREE BOOKINGS: 22% FOUR BOOKINGS: 30% of workshops across one day to enable providers to drill down FIVE BOOKINGS: 40% SIX BOOKINGS: 50% into subjects to enable more effective and high quality delivery. 20 workshops mean that there will be something for everyone, so we’re confident that a trip to the attractive surroundings of the ICC venue in Birmingham will be one worth making. book now Visit: aelpspringconference.org.uk

Spot the difference FE Week Solutions Sudoku challenge To WIN an FE Week mug

How to play: Fill in all blank squares making sure that each Spot five differences. First correct entry wins an FE Week mug. Turn the paper around to check if row, column and 3 by 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 Email your name and picture of your completed spot the difference to: [email protected]. your answers match - but no cheating!

Difficulty: 6 1 5 Easy Easy Difficulty:

9 4 8 6 2 7

4 8 7 6 1 2 9 3

2 4 5

9 5 2 8 7 3 1 6 4

6 3 1 5 9 4 2 7

3 6 9 8

1 4 8 3 2 9 7 5 6

3 6 5 7 8 1 4 9

2 8 3 2

2 7 9 4 6 5 3 8 1

7 2 8 8 9 4 2 5 7 6 1

3

7 2 6 1 3 8 5 4

2 4 9

5 1 3 9 4 6 8 2 7 4 6 1 8 5 9 5 3 6

1 9 7 Difficulty: Medium Medium Difficulty:

8 6

1 7 6 2 8 5 4 3

4 6 7 2 9 9

5 4 9 6 3 7 8 2 1

3 2 8 1 4 9 5 7

8 9 4 6 2 6

8 3 1 9 5 4 2 6 7

7 9 5 8 6 2 1 4

3

2 6 4 3 7 1 9 5 8

7 6 2 1 8

9 5 2 7 1 6 3 8 4

6 1 3 4 2 8 7 9

6 5 9 1 3 5

4 8 7 5 9 3 6 1 2 1 6 4 8 7

Solutions: See right Last Edition’s winner: Chris Rowland