The cost of managing and administering the Greater London Authority’s adult education budget may soon reach almost £6 million.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan (pictured) was criticised by college principals in 2019 after he took control of the AEB for the capital but announced plans to top-slice £3 million of it annually to hire and pay the wages of over 50 new bureaucrats to dish out the fund.
New agenda papers for an AEB mayoral board meeting that was set to take place on July 8 have now revealed that expenditure for the job has hit £5.5 million.
The increase has in part been put down to “newly introduced corporate overhead charges”.
The breakdown also includes funding for staffing, the authority’s Learner Survey pilot and main rollout, AEB Roadmap work (including stakeholder consultation), legal services, provider audits, and research and evaluations.
Additionally, if endorsed by the board, an extra £302,500 will be used to outsource AEB procured compliance checks which will be funded from the unallocated funds, increasing the administration budget to £5,814,380.
The increased costs come despite the GLA dishing out less funding than anticipated as colleges and training providers struggle to spend their allocations (click here for full story).
FE Week asked the GLA for details of the new corporate overhead charges and the reason why they needed to outsource procured provider compliance checks, but the authority failed to respond at the time of going to press.
The GLA’s annual AEB allocation it receives from central government totals £360 million.
Its management and administration costs are controversial because it siphons funding from frontline learning to cover the wages of its own administrators, as well as external consultants.
At the time that the original administration cost was revealed by FE Week, London South East Colleges chief executive Sam Parrett said it was “shocking and hugely disappointing that this has been allowed to happen and divert £3 million from this underfunded sector to pay for administrative officers”.
Apprenticeship sector leaders have attacked a new funding rule concerning apprentices’ learning difficulties assessments, slamming it as “totally wrong”.
The new rule, due to take effect from August, would mean providers will not be able to assess apprentices for funding for any learning difficulties as a standard part of enrolment.
“Providers must not put apprentices through a generic needs assessment, where there is no prior assumption of need, to solely result in a need being found and payment requested,” the rules, published last Friday, state.
ESFA ‘should be focusing on treatment not prescription’
Independent provider Learning Innovations Training Team, based in Yorkshire, has hit out at the ESFA for “perhaps being cynical” by implying assessments were being used to claim unnecessary payments.
Director Jay Luke says the agency “fundamentally mistrust and suspect the sector”.
Until now, many providers ran the assessments as part of their enrolment process, to identify barriers to learning, for example, being disorganised.
Providers could apply for a monthly £150 for learners with additional needs from the Learner Support Fund, to cover costs such as extra tutor time or supportive software.
Association of Employment and Learning Providers chief executive Jane Hickie warned the ESFA has got it “totally wrong” with this rule change.
Jane Hickie
She says if it wants to ensure the £150 is being used correctly, “it needs to check there is robust supporting evidence at that point of the provision.
“From an auditing perspective, the agency should be focusing on the treatment, not the prescription.
“The end result will be poorer outcomes and the disadvantaged being further disadvantaged.”
Chris Quickfall, chief executive of Cognassist, which provides digital assessments to identify learning needs, has criticised the rule change.
He was only diagnosed with dyslexia when he got to university and called the change “an attack on learners with hidden needs and an attack on social mobility”.
Sector groups have warned the rule could even go against their duty to identify needs and make reasonable adjustments for their learners under the Equality Act.
Providers are also concerned that not being allowed to run these assessments as a matter of course could conflict with Ofsted guidance providers must establish apprentice’s starting point.
An Ofsted spokesperson said initial assessment should “make sure a learner is on the right programme, can quickly acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to make progress, and has appropriate support”.
As such, “it is clearly best for learners if a specific learning difficulty or disability has been diagnosed at the outset.
“The ESFA guidance appears to be addressing situations where that has not happened, and a learning support need is identified during the course of the programme.”
Apprentices ‘highly value’ the assessment
Herefordshire-based Riverside Training, like Learning Innovations, has made its learners sit Cognassist’s test to identify any barriers to learning. Head of essential skills Lara Latcham says learners will come from school without additional needs having been diagnosed.
Luke says it “makes sense to screen all learners at the outset,” instead of identifying needs if they become clear, or relying on assessors who may not have the skills to do so.
Jay Luke
Up to one-fifth of Learning Innovations’ learners and little under one-third of Riverside’s have additional needs identified through the Cognassist test.
Apprentices “highly value” the assessment, Luke argued, as tailoring delivery more accurately “improves the effectiveness of apprentices and thus their value to the employer”.
But without the assessment, Latcham believes it will increase their dropout rate because “we don’t know what we’re working with. We’re working blind.”
Learners will feel “discouraged” because “they feel they’re not getting the support” and may leave the programme.
Latcham would “understand” if the ESFA was phasing out the funding for post-16 and making all schools do the test instead, but worries: “A lot of the people we’re working with have been failed by the education system.
“They’ve come out with no maths, no English, and haven’t been able to go to further education, so they’ve taken the apprenticeship route. And now we’re making it difficult for them to achieve in even that route.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said the rules were still in draft “so we can receive comments/feedback from the sector prior to implementing version 1 of the rules in August.
“Over the next week we will continue to collate and take on board feedback around all the funding rules update, as well as speaking with provider representative bodies.”
The elite of the country’s apprentice employers, providers and sector leaders were honoured at the FE Week-AELP Annual Apprenticeship Conference Awards on Thursday.
Twenty-three winners across different apprenticeship routes were recognised, and there were additionally awards for SEND, diversity, special recognition, outstanding contribution, promoting apprenticeships and overall apprentice provider and employer awards.
Shane Mann, awards organiser and managing director of FE Week publisher Lsect, said: “The quality of the overwhelming number of applications from across the sector was, as always, very high.
“But tonight’s awards recognised and celebrated the very best work by apprentice employers and providers.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners and thank our amazing judging panel, sponsors and partners. We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Providers have been ‘beacons’ through ‘extraordinary year’
Acacia Training was named apprentice provider of the year, while the large apprentice employer of the year gong went to Merseyside Police, with Pendennis Shipyard Ltd being handed the small employer honour.
The employer, provider and individual awards for outstanding contribution to the development of apprenticeships went to Health Education England, Bridgwater & Taunton College, and Performance Through People Training chief executive Rob Colbourne, respectively.
Association of Employment and Learning Providers chief executive Jane Hickie, who co-hosted the event with Mann, said in this “extraordinary year,” she liked to think: “Our award winners have all been beacons of best practice throughout the pandemic.
“Means of training delivery have had to change, often with limited or no additional funding support, and yet we have a new generation of apprentices stepping into the skilled vacancies that employers are keen to fill.
“In my view, this year’s winners are truly exceptional.”
Special recognition awards were handed to apprentice advocate Anthony Impey and Coca-Cola European Partners HR business partner Sharon Blyfield.
Impey, a serial entrepreneur, has “ploughed and invested his transformative abilities into the centre of the apprenticeship and skills sector,” said Mann.
He has served as apprenticeship policy chair at the Federation of Small Businesses and as chair of the government’s Apprenticeship Stakeholder Board.
That is in addition to implementing local apprenticeship strategies, including his time as chair of the GLA Apprenticeship Advisory Board. He also led the development of Investors in People’s apprenticeship quality mark.
Blyfield, an AELP board member, made “outstanding efforts” with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners during the pandemic “to minimise the negative impact on the prospects of young people, especially among under-represented groups,” Hickie said.
She pushed ahead with business outreach programmes and creating a virtual application masterclass video for the Sutton Trust’s summer work experience programme.
Blyfield also “spearheaded” a drive on equality, diversity and inclusion among AELP’s members.
Awards were judged by ex-ministers and sector leaders
The judges for the awards included Hickie, former skills minister Anne Milton, UCAS’ director of strategy John Cope, Health Education England’s national programme manager for apprenticeships Jane Hadfield, and City & Guilds’ director of policy Patrick Craven.
The event was run in partnership with VTCT, BCS the Chartered Institute for IT, One File, Skills and Education Group, City & Guilds, and ILM.
The window for colleges to opt into the second year of the 16 to 19 tuition fund has been delayed.
A message from the Education and Skills Funding Agency was issued this afternoon stating that the process for 2021/22 will not start until after colleges return in September.
The original plan was to allow colleges to opt-in from this month until September.
The delay was blamed on “complications with the digital development of the opt in process to provide a more user-friendly experience.
“We will provide details of the policy approach and how the opt in process will work in advance of the autumn term opening,” the message promised.
Comes after delays to AEB, bootcamp and traineeship tenders
A £96 million tuition fund was announced last July for 2020/21, after colleges were originally excluded from the government’s catch-up plans.
The money was earmarked to be spent on small tuition groups of around three to five students to study English, maths and other courses where learning has been disrupted.
Colleges told FE Week in November they had spent it on hiring extra study and pastoral staff, as well as beefing up mental health support for students.
The government revealed in June it had set aside £222 million to extend the programme for another year, with an expectation it would deliver 700,000 courses a year, with a special focus on English and maths.
The application process delay comes after the results of tendering for the national adult education budget were delayed twice from an original release date of last month.
Previous job: Executive director of corporate services, University of Sheffield,
Interesting fact: In 2017, she was named female chief information officer of the year by Computing Magazine.
Ali Hadawi, Board of Trustees, AQA
Start date: July 2021
Concurrent job: Principal, Central Bedfordshire College
Interesting fact: Ali says he came to the UK as an international student and got stuck. He came from the ancient city of Babylon.
Cat Draper, Principal, Kidderminster College
Start date: May 2021
Previous job: Interim principal, Kidderminster College
Interesting fact: She once went to a tea party with the Dalai Lama.
Ben Blackledge, Board member, WorldSkills Europe
Start date: September 2021
Concurrent job: Deputy chief executive, WorldSkills UK
Interesting fact: He would secretly love to take part in the cooking competition at WorldSkills, as he’s always harboured a secret desire to be a chef.
Julia Howe, Principal, Weymouth College
Start date: September 2021
Previous job: Interim principal, Weymouth College
Interesting fact: She suffered from kidney disease at an early age and discovered that she had three kidneys.
Neil Calvert, Principal, The Cooperative College
Start date: July 2021
Concurrent role: Vice chair of governing council, University of Derby
Interesting fact: He previously worked as a headteacher, has given evidence in Parliament and once lectured at Western Kentucky University.
The education select committee has endorsed the appointment of Dr Jo Saxton as chief regulator of Ofqual.
Saxton, a former academy trust boss and policy adviser to Gavin Williamson, was quizzed by the committee on Tuesday.
The MPs’ report states the five-year role has a salary of up to £135,000. Five people applied for the role, with three interviewed and two candidates “found appointable”.
The committee “agree” Saxton is “appointable for the post”. But they want “reassurance that qualification standards will be maintained and that employers, institutions and learners will continue to have confidence in them”.
They add: “We will hold regular accountability hearings to examine this issue. A strong leadership team must work with the chief regulator to take Ofqual forward.”
The committee were divided on her appointment down party lines – with six Conservative MPs backing her while three Labour MPs voted against.
Saxton will be replacing the interim chief regulator Simon Lebus in September.
Setting a self-imposed deadline (x2) & missing it is not good, this message isn’t particularly helpful either @ESFAgov – providers are desperate to know the AEB outcome. How can providers plan? How can providers deliver provision from August? Do they need staff & premises or not? pic.twitter.com/MH6TQ4OGky
However, when that day came, the announcement was put off to an undetermined time.
Now it seems the agency cannot even give a deadline for when the results will be issued.
The AELP’s chief policy officer Simon Ashworth, who tweeted the ESFA’s latest message, also wrote: “Setting a self-imposed deadline (x2) and missing it is not good, this message isn’t particularly helpful either.
“Providers are desperate to know the AEB outcome. How can they plan? How can they deliver provision from August? Do they need staff and premises or not?”
Bids for a slice of the £73 million AEB funding initially up for grabs in 2021/22 opened in February and closed in March.
An emergency services volunteer and a carer who juggled looking after her disabled sister with studying are two of this year’s BTEC Awards winners.
The eleventh annual awards were held today, virtually for the second year running, and recognised 19 winners across the swathe of BTEC subjects and centres.
Awarding body Pearson’s senior vice president for BTEC and apprenticeships Cindy Rampersaud said it had been “another extraordinary year for learners, tutors, teachers, colleges and schools.
“The hard work and commitment demonstrated by our award winners, all of whom have achieved great things during a time of unprecedented disruption, is extraordinary and I am proud we are able to celebrate their achievements.”
The ceremony was co-hosted by sports presenter Gemma Care, and presenter of the United View, YouTube influencer and BTEC ambassador Flex.
Young learner ‘shone through’
The winner of the young learner and business and enterprise learner awards is Lily Carcaterra from Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group, who has been juggling caring for her disabled sister with studying for a level 3 extended diploma in business.
Caracterra
Pearson says she “shone through as a person of great strength,” who advocates for her classmates and even found time for work experience.
“Powered by the determination to build a bright future through sheer hard work and academic achievement, she is independent, empathic, high-achieving, resilient and remarkable,” the awarding body said.
Another of the honourees today is Jamie Smith (name changed for confidentiality reasons) from East Surrey College.
He has won adult learner of the year after standing out to the judges with his dedication to become a public servant, exemplified through his work as an emergency service volunteer and his work on the student-led donation drive at a local food bank.
His teachers call him “outstandingly calm,” with a “compassionate disposition too”.
BTECs ‘are a game changer’
A number of winners were from BTEC centres around the world, including creative media learner of the year Tiago Bastos from Portugal and performing arts learner of the year Wilbert Kapinga from Tanzania.
Department for International Trade skills specialist Jonathan Ledger paid a “huge congratulations” to the winners, adding that: “For me, BTEC qualifications are a game changer. They change lives and they help people improve and contribute to business and society in a big way.”
In addition to the award winners, the ceremony also included the 2021 Showstopper Challenge, a chance for students to showcase their performing talents.
Performances this year came from Bishop Challoner Catholic College, Jackie Palmer Academy, Clevedon School, and D16 Performing Arts College.
Clevedon School won an audience vote on their performances.
There was also an honorary award for Pearson’s outgoing president for global online learning and the UK Rod Bristow for his support for BTECs.
The judges of the awards included Rampersaud and her Pearson colleagues Jane Baker, vice president, higher education qualifications; Derek Richardson, vice president and senior responsible officer for quality services and governance; Claire Riddle at vice president, marketing, BTEC and apprenticeships; as well as Shane Mann, managing director of FE Week publisher LSECT, and Kasim Choudhry, Thinkfest national director.
The full list of BTEC winners
BTEC Art and Design Learner of the Year – Lily Robinson from Kirklees College
BTEC Business and Enterprise Learner of the Year and Young Learner of the Year – Lily Carcaterra from Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group
BTEC Child, Health and Social Care Learner of the Year – Aliyah Black from South West College
BTEC Construction Learner of the Year – Joseph Kizhakechethipuzha from Dudley College of Technology
BTEC Creative Media Learner of the Year – Tiago Bastos Nunes from ETIC, Portugal
BTEC Engineering Learner of the Year – Dean Hargreaves from Blackpool and The Fylde College
BTEC Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Learner of the Year – Caitlin Tohill and Caoimhe Tohill from St. Patrick’s College
BTEC IT and Computing Learner of the Year – Rey Poh from Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College
BTEC Land-Based Learner of the Year – Kira Newey from NPTC Group
BTEC Music Learner of the Year – Rowan Scourfield from The Priory School
BTEC Performing Arts Learner of the Year – Wilbert Kapinga from Braeburn International School Arusha, Tanzania
BTEC Public Service Learner of the Year and Adult Learner of the Year – James Smith from East Surrey College
BTEC Science Learner of the Year – Jacob Cook from Bristol Free School and Sixth Form
BTEC Sport Learner of the Year – Megan Piechowiak from Jumeirah English Speaking School, UAE
BTEC College of the Year – Abingdon and Witney College
BTEC International Centre of the Year – IVS Alliance, Netherlands
BTEC School of the Year – The Bourne Academy
BTEC Teacher of the Year – Eren Büktel from TED Atakent High School, Turkey
BTEC Tutor of the Year – Nathan Smith from Chichester College Group
Shane Chowen has been appointed as the new editor of FE Week.
He will take the reins in August from Nick Linford, who is returning to writing FE funding and data blogs, publishing technical guides and expanding his workshops and webinars.
Chowen is currently the East and West Midlands area director at the Association of Colleges. He previously worked as head of policy and public affairs at the Learning and Work Institute and as a policy officer at the Institute for Learning.
He is also a former vice president for FE at the National Union of Students and was a governor at Capital City College Group until May 2021.
Chowen will take over as editor of FE Week ten years after its launch in 2011.
He said: “It’s an enormous privilege to be leading FE Week in to its second decade and I’m really excited about joining the team at such a critical moment for our sector.
“I’ve been a passionate champion for FE throughout my career and FE Week’s role in bringing the sector breaking news, expert analysis and inspiring features has never been more important.”
Linford said: “FE Week launched ten years ago and after more than 350 editions, I will be handing over the editorial reigns to a well-known figure in the sector.
Nick Linford
“My focus will return to writing FE funding and data blogs, publishing technical guides and expanding the workshop and webinar offer that I have been running since 2007, when a Director at Lewisham College.
“I’m very confident FE Week under new leadership will continue to go from strength to strength. I wish Shane the best of luck.”
And Shane Mann, managing director of FE Week’s publisher Lsect, added: “FE Week will celebrate its 10th Birthday in September. Nick has been instrumental in FE Week’s success over the past ten years. His energy and tenacity have helped FE Week become the leading news provider in the FE & Skills sector.
“Shane will have the opportunity to help shape and grow FE Week as it enters its next decade. I have known Shane for almost 15 years. I’ve always been struck by his passion for the further education sector. I can’t wait to see what Shane does with FE Week. It’s going to be another exciting decade for FE Week.
“I look forward to working with Nick as we continue to invest in and grow our broader organisation.”
