Weekly Newsletter 28.11.2024

LINKEDIN VOICES

EDUCATION POLICY

Skills England's Success Depends on Guaranteed Independence

Skills England is gaining attention as a crucial initiative in the education landscape; however, former education secretary Damian Hinds has expressed concerns over its prospective structure. If established as an in-house agency within the Department for Education, without the independence of its predecessor, there is a risk of diminishing public trust in technical education standards. Hinds emphasised the importance of institutional independence and employer involvement in setting educational standards.

Ministers are working on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions, etc) Bill, which aims to hand over standards-setting powers to the education secretary. Despite government assurances of Skills England having an independent board, Hinds has called for legislative amendments to ensure true autonomy and a role for businesses in shaping standards.

The government's vision for Skills England as a cross-departmental body is critiqued by Hinds, arguing its positioning simply within the DfE limits its scope. He suggests that placing it in the Treasury or Cabinet Office would strengthen its influence. In response, education minister Janet Daby has attempted to allay concerns, emphasising the board's leadership and direction in maintaining effective operations.

A robust, independent Skills England could signify a transformative step towards a more comprehensive educational framework, bringing together various governmental departments and employers to collaboratively uphold high standards.

EDUCATION POLICY

Labour's Plan to Address NEET Challenges in Youth Employment

Labour's approach to addressing the NEET crisis is a subject of intense focus amid alarming statistics that reveal over 13% of young people aged 16-24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The situation is particularly concerning for young men, with 15.2% classified as NEET, signalling systemic challenges that require targeted interventions. Labour is contemplating strategies to make qualifications and skills more appealing and relevant, crucial amidst the post-18 funding crisis and broader Skills Eco-System challenges.

The complexity of the issue necessitates a holistic approach, recognising the interconnectedness of skills reforms, educational frameworks, and employment opportunities. Mental health support remains a critical factor, with reports such as the AoC's highlighting significant concerns in colleges. Initiatives like the Youth Guarantee aim to ensure sustained engagement of young people in educational and professional activities. However, clarity on apprenticeship levies and funding structures is essential to mitigate existing uncertainties impacting employers' decisions.

Significant changes, such as increases in National Insurance and wage adjustments, are on the horizon. These developments could influence NEET statistics further, emphasising the need for cohesive policy to foster a supportive environment for youth employment and education. As policymakers refine their strategies, the integration of Government Departments will play a pivotal role in facilitating effective responses to the NEET crisis and promoting a robust Skills Eco-System.

EDUCATION SECTOR

Wales Urged to Prioritise Apprenticeship Funding for Economic Growth

The recent publication by the National Training Federation for Wales (NTFW) and ColegauCymru sheds light on the substantial impacts of apprenticeship funding cuts in Wales. According to independent research from the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), these cuts carry significant economic and social repercussions, predominantly hitting deprived communities and essential sectors like healthcare and construction. Emphasising the necessity for sustained investment, the findings suggest that funding apprenticeships is crucial for economic growth and workforce development.

EDUCATION RESEARCH INITIATIVES

EEF Funds Trials to Enhance GCSE Resit Success Rates

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has committed nearly £1.3m to enhance teacher training and trial small group tutoring in over 50 colleges across England, aiming to improve outcomes for GCSE English and maths resit students. This initiative includes a landmark grant of over £1m to charity Get Further, aimed at expanding its tutoring programme in general further education colleges. This programme has seen significant success, with 41% of students who attended at least 12 sessions passing GCSE English, outperforming the national average. In maths, 27% of participating students passed, compared to the national average of 13%.

In addition, the EEF has allocated £198,934 to the Education and Training Foundation's Can-Do Maths CPD programme, intended to boost educators' engagement and students' resilience in maths. Despite some impact, past interventions faced high dropout rates, highlighting the need for further investment in teacher support. Participating colleges will benefit from guidance, resources, and financial support for staff training.

These actions form part of a broader effort to address declining pass rates and socio-economic attainment gaps in post-16 education, emphasizing the importance of literacy and numeracy for future prospects. The EEF initiative is a crucial step towards more effective educational strategies, encouraging colleges to participate and contribute to evidence-based reform in this critical area.

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