Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Director of Children’s Services providing an update on Post 16 Education & Skills in Hampshire alongside the Skills & Post 16 Education Act.

The committee received an update from the Director of Children’s Services on Post 16 Education and Skills (see Item 8 in the Minute Book).

Members heard how the Hampshire Skills (Post 16) system was the largest single area further education system in the UK, noting that colleges are independent Corporations or Trusts, outside local authority regulation. There are currently 35,200 funded 16-19/25 places at Hampshire based providers, 977 of which are high needs and 89% in a further education college.

The committee noted that the LA had a duty to support transition, post 16 and participation in education, employment and training (EET). An overview of participation and attainment was provided, followed by an introduction to the new level 3 technical qualifications, T-levels. These had been developed with employers and have replaced other level 3 technical qualifications such as BTEC or OCR Nationals. Members noted the impact of the recent Skills & Post 16 Education Act.

In response to questions, members found that:

·         Young people experiencing vulnerability such as living in relative poverty are provided additional support in relation to post 16 education and skills.

·         Ofsted inspect the courses available for the cohort, rather than assessing the range or need of the courses available.

·         There are difficulties in advertising opportunities, many of which are not voluntary roles or employment. ‘Apprenticeship Hubs’ have been created as an attempt to solve this issue.

·         All available pathways should be shared with young people and the new T-levels should have the same weight placed upon them as other options.

·         T-level placements are the responsibility of the college and they check them for safety and supervision.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Children and Young People Select Committee note the contents of the report.