Sub-Contractor Meeting

The Derbyshire Network 10 July 2013

Welcome & Outline of the day

• Welcome & Introductions – Steve Moore

• Quality Update – Norman Mason

• Events and Website – Andrea Cross

• Survey Update – Tina Howe

• 24+ Advanced Learning Loan- Terry Mahoney

• Contract review and future planning – Steve

Moore

Quality News

Norman MasonQuality Team

Events and Website Update

Andrea CrossMembership Manager

Points to cover

Events

• How promoted

• Booking process

• Future dates

• What else?

Special Interest Groups

Membership Fees 2013/14

Website updates – TDN

Survey Update

Tina HoweEmployer and Learner Voice Manager

SurveysSurveys have been developed using Survey Monkey for Learners and Employers for each stage of the learning programme.

• 8-10 Weeks after starting

Initial Leaner and Employer Questionnaire links sent out.• 6-8 months into the programme

Interim Learner and Employer Questionnaire links sent out. • 2 Months prior to completion

Final Learner and Employer Questionnaire links sent out.

As appropriate for all of the above, questionnaires will be completed over the phone and face to face.

Additional questionnaires may be targeted where we identify areas for concern from Learners or Employers.

Issues will be reported to Steve Meadows and Steve Moore so that appropriate actions can be identified and taken to resolve them. Areas of good practice will be feed back and we will look to share this good practice with other Sub-Contractors.

Surveys continued….

So that surveys can be sent out to as many Learners and Employers as possible to obtain their views we need :

1. The ILR to be completed as fully as possible, with the Learners email address and telephone number included.

2. The new Learner Start form, for Apprenticeship and Non-Apprenticeship, to be used and fully completed. It contains a few updates, including an additional box for the employers email address.

It is essential that we can contact the learners and employers, by email or phone, to be able to complete our survey process, but also ready for any SFA surveys that are required from time to time.

Inductions and IAG (Conference feedback)

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

Terry Mahoney and Amanda Ashall

Preparing for the 2013/2014 Funded Contracts

Facilitator name: Steve MooreDate: 10th July 2013

Preparing for the 2013/14 Contracts Year

OBJECTIVE

To ensure a full understanding within the TDN subcontractor provision of the 2013/14 Adult Skills and 16-18 Apprenticeship Funded Contracts with regard to programme choice, learner eligibility, funding requirements and rules, documentation and operational requirements.

To allow Providers to raise queries and development requirements as they entre into the 2013/14 delivery process.

To review performance of the 2012/2013 contract and any issues from its delivery.

What I will cover

• 2012/2013 Contract Performance : Steve Moore

• Contract values and areas for funding 13/14 : Steve Moore

• 2013/2014 Funding Rules : Steve Moore

• Funding Simplification : Steve Moore

• Funding payment system 2013/2014 : Steve Moore

• Growth Opportunities 2013/2014 : Steve Moore

• Achievement Requirements for 2013/2014 : Steve Moore

• Traineeships – Funding Rules : Steve Moore

• Questions

Performance of the 2012/13 Contract

Final 2012/13 Contract Value:

Adult Skills Budget: £2,469,855.00 (11/12: £2,456.889.00)

16-18 Apprenticeship: £234,456.00 (11/12: £105,051.00)

Preparing for the 2013/14 Contracts Year

Discretionary Learner Support: £10,808.00

2013/2014 Contracts

Contract Values 2013/14

Adult Skills Budget: £2,051,435.00

Of which minimum Adult Apprenticeships: £1,339,588

August 2013 to March 2014 : £1,343,881.00 April 2014 to July 2014: £707,554.00

24+ Advanced Learning Loans Facility: £371,434.00

August 2013 to March 2014 : £205,338.00 April 2014 to July 2014: £166,096.00

16-18 Apprenticeships: £258,456.00

August 2013 to March 2014 : £166,290.00 April 2014 to July 2014: £92,166.00

Traineeships: £12,000.00 ?

2013/2014 Contracts

Contract Values 2013/14

Adult Skills Budget Support Funds

Discretionary Learner Support = £10,711

24+ Advanced Learning Loans Bursary = £19,024.00

Total Funds Available in 2013/2014 = £2,723,060.00(2,715,121.00)

2013/2014 Funding Pots

TDN Overall

Contracts

19-23 Apprenticeships

24+ Apprenticeships

(Level 2 only)

Single Qualifications

Employed Learner(Eligibility Rules Apply)

Employability Programmes

(Eligibility Rules Apply)

Access To Apprenticeships

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

Traineeships

16-18 Apprenticeships

Our Criteria for renewing 2013/2014 Contracts and Contract Values

• Success and Timeliness rates for 2012/2013• Level of learning aims passed their planned end dates• Quality audit reports feedback• Current financial assessment• Attendance on mandatory and other support workshops• Timeliness of information and data requests• Learner withdrawal levels• Timeliness of learner withdrawal and change of circumstances notification• Completeness and accuracy of learner and programme information supplied.• Accuracy of Learner Journey Report information• Performance against 2012/2013 Contract values.• Programme SSA delivered.• Return of 2013/2014 Planning Sheets

Essentially your Contract Level for 13/14 will be determined via an assessment of your commitment to and performance in your 12/13 contract.

2013/2014 Contracts

National Contract Values 2013/14Baseline2012/13

Funding2013/14

Indicative2014/15

Adult Skills Budget 2.711 2.467 2.218

Employer Ownership 7 46 73

24+ Loans 0 129 398

OLASS 132 130 130

Community Learning 211 211 211

ESF 175 171 173

Total Teaching and Learning 3,236 3,155 3,202

Learner Support / NCS 250 265 296

Other 503 679 572

Grand Total 3,989 4,099 4,070

Present Carry-In to 2013/14 Contract

Adult Skills BudgetProgramme Carry-In

Total Aug-Mar

Max Contract

Value

Diff. £ Diff% Carry-In Total Apr-

Jul

Max Contract

Value

Diff. £ Diff. % Full Total Carry-In

Max Contract

Value

Diff. £ Diff %

Single Qualifications

£141,663 £673,956 +£532,293 +79% £17,673 £354,838 +£337,165 95% £159,336 £1,028,794 +£869,458 +84%

Programme Carry-In Total Aug-

Mar

Min Contract

Value

Diff. £ Diff% Carry-In Total Apr-

Jul

Min Contract

Value

Diff. £ Diff. % Full Total Carry-In

Min Contract

Value

Diff. £ Diff %

19-24 Apprentices

£141,401

£669,925 +£257,305 +38%

£24,256

£352,716 +£267,946 +76%

£158,608

£1,022,641 +£525,251 +51%

25+ Apprentices

£271,219 £60,514 £283,944

Totals £554,283 £1,343,881 +£789,598 +59% £102,443 £707,554 +£605,111 +85% £656,726 £2,051,435 £1,394,710 +68%

16-18 ApprenticeshipProgramme Carry-In

Total Aug-Mar

Contract Value

Diff. £ Diff% Carry-In Total

Apr-Jul

Contract Value

Diff. £ Diff. % Full Total Carry-In

Contract Value

Diff. £ Diff %

16-18 Apprenticeship

£114,039 £166,290 +£52,251 +31% £32,301 £92,166 +£59,865 +65% £146,340 £258,456 +£112,116 +43%

As at 24/06/2013

Performance of the 2012/13 Contract

Learners On-Programme Aims On-Programme

In Learning (June 13)

Apprenticeships 1262 4894

Single Qualifications - Employed 977 1236

Unemployed 129 183

Totals 2368 6313

Overdue Learners (end of May 13)

Apprenticeships 278 1187

Single Qualifications 86 115

Unemployed 6 7

Totals 370 1309

Withdrawals (YTD @ 24/06/2012)

Apprenticeships 62 247

Single Qualifications - Employed 42 57

Unemployed 21 41

Totals 125 345

2012/13 Contract Success Rates

Success Rates (Workplace) MLP = 68%Provider: The Derbyshire NetworkOverall Performance Total Overall Success Timely Success

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13Expected Leavers 540 559 527 593Achievers 499 538 471 518Success Rate 92.41% 96.30% 89.37% 83.78%

Success Rates (Learner Responsive and Classroom)Provider: The Derbyshire NetworkOverall Performance Total

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13LR Expected achievers 190 426LR Achievers 175 332LR Success Rate 92.11% 77.46%

Overall and Timely Success Rates (WBL) MLP = 53%Provider: The Derbyshire Network

Overall Performance Total Overall Success Timely Success

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13FMWK Learners in Cohort 149 487 288 682FMWK only Achievements 60 331 56 192FMWK only Success Rate 40.27% 67.97% 19.44% 28.15%FMWK or NVQ Achievements 62 337 70 274FMWK or NVQ Success Rate 41.61% 69.20% 24.31% 40.18%

Principles of Funding 2013/2014

• A new simplified funding system is being put into place• You must only claim funding for learners assessed as eligible for funding as shown

in these rules. The detailed eligibility criteria are set out in Annex 1.

• To be eligible to be funded, on the first day of learning a learner must be:aged 19 or older on 31 August within the funding year in question (if the learning aim is not an Apprenticeship), or

• aged 15 or older and have left compulsory education (if the learner is an apprentice or following an Access to Apprenticeship pathway). (the Apprenticeship cannot start until after the last Friday in June in the academic year that they have their 16th birthday)

• You must check the eligibility of the learner at the start of each learning aim or programme.

• You must make sure that all learners who are funded or funded through a Loan have a Learning Agreement (see Annex 1).

• You must make sure that accurate unique learner number (ULN) information is provided to awarding organisations and that all information used to register learners for qualifications is correct. http://www.learningrecordsservice.org.uk/datamanagement/providers-working-with-AOs.htm

Principles of Funding 2013/2014

• When starting learners on a qualification, you must make sure that the qualification for funding appears and is approved for funding on the Learning Aim Reference Application (LARA).

• In the case of Apprenticeships, only deliver and claim for funding for an apprentice on a framework that has been issued in a published Apprenticeship framework document and is available for public funding on LARA on the date that the apprentice starts

• Eligibility for funding is based on the idea that any learner, of any age, must be able to achieve the learning aim or programme of study within the time that they have available. For example, if you know a learner is planning to leave England in three months and the learning aim is planned to take 12 months to achieve, funding cannot be provided.

• The SFA is an ESF Co-financing Organisation.

As well as the Learning Agreement we will require evidence of the following.You must give us an individualised learner record (ILR) field delivery location postcode and this must be in England.

The main principles of providing evidenceYou must hold evidence:

• that the learner exists• that the learner is eligible for funding, and the rate for funding• that the education and training being delivered is eligible for funding• that the learning activity is taking place or has taken place• that the achievement of learning aims is certified, and• of other funding, as necessary, such as job outcomes, learning and learner support.

• You must provide evidence within the following timescales: Evidence that the learner exists and is eligible – by the threshold date for funding Evidence of achievement – within three months of the reported date of achievement.

• The evidence of activity must be based on your own documentation. If a learner withdraws from learning without achieving their learning aim, any claim for funding must only be up to the last point where you can provide evidence that the learner was still in learning.

Principles of Evidence

Principles of Evidence

Learning Agreement

Nearly all evidence will be in the learner’s Learning Agreement. This is fully described the contents of the Learning Agreement in Annex 1.

Confirmation and signaturesYou must record the learner’s and employer’s confirmation.

Learning activity

You must provide evidence of learning reported in the Individualised LearnerRecord (ILR) and recorded in the learner’s Learning Agreement. You can do this through naturally occurring evidence, such as registers, attendance records, reports, records of contact and reviews.

If you do not have any evidence of learning taking place and you have claimed funding, we have the right to make you repay that funding.

Electronic Evidence and SignaturesSee Funding Guidance Page 11

Principles of Evidence

Retention and achievementIf a learner is still in learning or has left and not achieved their learning aim, you must have evidence that learning activity is taking or has taken place.The evidence must be in the Learning Agreement. Other evidence should include Progress Reviews. Learner Tracking, Contact Logs, Registers etc.

If the learner achieves their learning aim, you will not need you to keep evidence of the activity that has taken place.

Individualised Learner Record (ILR)The actual ILR data reported to us is not evidence in its own right. However, as it drives funding it is important that it matches the information contained in the Learning Agreement.

Self-certification by learners

Any self-certification by the learner must confirm both the learner’s details and the details that the learner is confirming.

Principles of Evidence

Poor data that does not reflect underlying records is one of the main causes of aqualified review by Provider Financial Assurance.

You can find Provider Financial Assurance’s standard working papers, including detailed testing schedules, on the SFA website.

http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/finance/financialassurance/auditprogrammes/

Principles of Evidence

Evidence required

As well as the Learning Agreement we will require evidence of the following.

In terms of an Apprenticeship framework (including those funded through a Loan), the last date of actual learning where the apprentice withdraws without achieving the Apprenticeship framework is the date on which the apprentice was taking part in any learning aim that is part of the framework.

You can only claim funding if the apprentice has started that learning aim. In other words, youcannot claim funding if the apprentice has not yet started a learning aim that is part of theframework.

The date that a learner has started a learning aim is the date on which the activity directly related to the learning aim has begun. Induction, prior assessment, diagnostic testing or similar activity is not part of the learning aim and is not treated as the start of learning.

The learner will confirm any benefit and unemployment status in a self declaration.

They will also have to declare any job they get.

We do not expect confirmation of benefit or unemployment from the Department for Work and Pensions or from a Jobcentre Plus office. Similarly, we do not need an employer to confirm when the learner gets a job. If the benefit was related to the learner’s unemployment status, the learner must confirm that they are not claiming this benefit when they get a job.

The learner can still claim benefits not relating to unemployment.Job outcome payments do not apply to the learning aims of learners funded through a Loan.

Evidence of achievement must be:

• a certificate issued by the awarding organisation, or• an Apprenticeship completion certificate issued by the relevant Issuing Authority.

Principles of Evidence

Financial Contributions (Fees)

• You must make all learners, including learners funded through a Loan, aware of your policy on fees and charging.

• You can decide whether to charge fees to learners who are co-funded, and what to charge the fees for. In exceptional circumstances you can use the hardship element of our Discretionary Learner Support (DLS) allocation to cover fees for disadvantaged learners.

• If a learner is fully funded you cannot make an additional charge related to the learning and direct costs of that learner. (Any charges to an apprentice’s employer is up to you)

• You can pass on subscription charges, made by professional bodies to become a member of that organisation, where the learner is 19+

• You can charge fully funded learners or learners funded by Loans if they want to keep materials used in a learning activity outside of the learning environment (for example, artwork, models and food).

Evidence requiredAs well as the Learning Agreement we will require evidence of the following.The learner must confirm that they are aware of your fees and charging policy.

Adult Skills Budget

You must report all Adult Skills Budget provision by using code 35 in the funding model field in the ILR.

All workplace learning must be reported as workplace learning in the learning delivery funding and monitoring fields of the ILR by using code WPL1.

Some units of qualifications are eligible for funding. These units can be delivered as part of the offer for those who are unemployed and entitled to full funding.The SFA also fund units that are within the QCF English and maths qualifications approved for funding through the Adult Skills Budget. These are funded for all eligible learners.

However: You must not deliver units instead of qualifications in order to gain a funding advantage.

Adult Skills Budget

The Innovation Code

The innovation code (the Code) allows training organisations to respond quickly to local employers’ needs and gaps where skills are needed.It does this by allowing you to enrol individuals on a course that does not lead to a QCF qualification.

The Code itself has several learning-aim references, which training organisations can use on their ILR returns to claim funding so they can deliver provision.

There is no formal application process to use the Code,

For more information:

http://qcf.skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/qcf-funding/InnovationCode/

Any provision you deliver through the Code must be designed to respond to local employer or business and learner needs, or to respond to identified employment opportunities.

If a subcontractor wants to use the Code, they must get permission in writing from the lead provider, and the lead provider should monitor delivery.

Adult Skills Budget

Other Potentially Funded Provision

• English and Maths

• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

• Offenders – public prisons

• Offenders – private prisons

Job Outcome Payments

• 50% of the achievement funding if learner leaves without achieving their qualification.

• For purpose of a job outcome the learner must be in a job of at least 16 hours per week and for a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks.

• Job outcome also paid if learner get a job but continues their learning. Remaining 50% achievement paid when qualification achieved.

• If learner is on the Work Programme as well as being funded by ASB, claiming a Job outcome is not affected by the Work Programme.

• Job outcome payments do not apply to learners funded through a Loan.

Adult Skills Budget

Job Outcome Payments• To claim a job outcome a self declaration from the learner is required that

they have stopped claiming benefits related to unemployment.• Claim job outcome funding by reporting employment outcome in

employment outcome field on the ILR. This must be reported within the ILR for the current year in which the learner leaves learning.

To generate a job outcome payment:• The learner must have been unemployed• The learning aim must not be classified as ‘in workplace learning’ on the

ILR.• The ILR filed benefits status indicator must be filled in.• The employment outcome field of the ILR must report that an eligible

job has been gained.

Adult Skills Budget

Breaks in Learning• Available in instances where learner cannot carry on at this time. Reason needs to be

satisfactory.• Learner must inform you that they intend to return.• During the break, funding is stopped and the learner or apprentice is not included in

success rates.• To show a break, the ILR must show that they have left learning via a Code 6 – break in

learning status field in the ILR.• On return you must fill in the original learning start date field in the ILR. Important for

Apprentices as they will have to meet the minimum length rule re total training time for their apprenticeship.

• You must use the funding adjustment for prior learning filed in the ILR to amend the funding you will claim on the learner’s return.

• If the learning aim for the learner is no longer valid when they return, you cannot class this as a break in learning. This limits the length of time that a learner can be on a break in learning.

• Further information on: http://www.theia.org.uk/ilr/ilrdocuments/

Adult Skills Budget

Principles of Apprenticeship FundingTo receive funding you must:

• Be content that all apprentices you claim funding for are carrying out a new job role or if an existing job role that significant new knowledge and skills are required and that an Apprenticeship is the best programme for them.

• That the job allows the Apprentice to gain wider employment experience.

• All new Apprenticeship vacancies must be advertised on Apprenticeship Vacancies (AV) website.

• Only the aims identified in the framework as ‘mandatory’ are funded.

• Individuals who already have a Level 4 qualification are only eligible for funding at a Higher Apprenticeship at Level 5 or above. If over 24 then the loan system is applicable.

Apprenticeships

Access to Apprenticeship• Must have left education and be aged between 15 to 24.• Must have been assessed as being able to fully take part in an intermediate or advanced

level apprenticeship.• Must be defined as either ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEET)

immediately before start date and be eligible for learning support.• All apprenticeship activity must take place within agreed hours as shown in the Learning

Agreement. • Learner must be moved into a full apprenticeship within 6-months• Must of the time on the A2A programme should be in a work placement with the

employer who will take them into the full apprenticeship programme.• When the learner becomes employed, this must be reported on the ILR.• Cannot recruit more than 10% of Apprenticeship starts through A2A pathway.• A2A and full Apprenticeship must be delivered in one continuous programme.• A learner can start any or all of the elements of an apprenticeship framework during

their A2A time.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship Agreement

• Must state that the Apprentice will be carrying out an Apprenticeship in a particular skill, trade or occupation under a qualifying framework.

• The Apprenticeship Agreement can be in the form of a written statement of particulars under the Employment Rights Act 1996 or, a contract of employment or, a letter of engagement.

• Existing and new contracts of employment between the Apprentice and the employer that meet the 1996 act will also meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship Agreement.

Apprenticeships

Employment

1. Wages must be paid by the employer, not by the provider.2. Employers must pay at least the relevant National Minimum Wage. See: https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

3. Provider must not directly employ apprentices purely for the purpose of delivering an Apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Employment HoursAs well as National Minimum Wage, the Apprentice must be:

1. Must be employed for at least 30 hours per week. (16 to 30 only under special circumstances).

2. Not allowed to work less than 16 hours per week.

3. Must agree average hours the apprentice will be ‘at work’ . Usually defined using a contracted number of hours, every week. Must be recorded in the Learning Agreement.

4. If Apprentice is on a agreed working week of between 16 to 30 hours then a record of the circumstances which have led to the reduction in hours needs to be made and be appropriate.

5. Zero hour contracts which do not specify a set number of hours, will be accepted for Apprenticeships only if there is a contract of employment in place between the apprentice and employer but where the working hours are not fixed.

6. Apprentices with an irregular working pattern must use a 4-week rolling average to make sure they keep to the employment hours funding rules.

7. You must make sure that the apprentice can complete all elements of their framework within their contracted hours.

8. Must keep to the SASE requirements that state the apprentice must receive a minimum of at least 280 guided learning hours each year.

Apprenticeships

Recognition of Prior Learning• Learning aims where only assessment is required will NOT be funded.

• A significant amount of new learning and workplace practice must be involved.

• For apprentices funded through a loan the fee set should reflect the skills provision required.

• Any Prior Learning must be recorded on the Learning Agreement.

• The funding adjustment for prior learning field in the ILR must be completed for all elements of the framework not being carried out. This applies to RPL and also exemption on the basis of previously certificated achievement.

Apprenticeships

Minimum Apprenticeship Duration

Apprenticeships

• All Apprenticeships must last a minimum period of time reflected by the SASE Apprenticeship Framework.

• You must not assume a 12 month minimum..

The Apprenticeship should include:• Guided Learning• Assessment• Training• Monitored Workplace Practice

Planned and agreed between the apprentice, their employer and yourself.

Record of Prior Learning in 19+ Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

• You must record the RPL or previously certificated achievement in the initial learning assessment of the apprentice.

• This must show that you have adequately assessed apprentice’s prior learning, achievement and future needs.

• You must determine that the Apprenticeship is still the most appropriate programme for the learner.

• Prior learning can never reduce the programme to less than 6-months• You must record RPL in the Learning Agreement (ILP), including noting how this

affects the planned length of the Apprenticeship.• You must record in the Learning Agreement (ILP) how you have adjusted funding

or, where funded through a loan, adjusted the fee charged.• Except through a loan you must use the funding adjustment field in the ILR.

Minimum Length of 16-18 Apprenticeships

Minimum Length of 19+ Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

• 12 months or more• Must follow SASE Framework requirements• For achievement minimum planned delivery must be 12 months + 1 day• Must ensure that the apprentice is involved in active learning or monitored

workplace practice through their apprenticeship.

• 12 months or more where RPL does not apply.• Must have a recorded minimum planned delivery• Must follow SASE Framework requirements• For achievement minimum planned delivery must be 12 months + 1 day where

RPL is not applied for.• Must not claim funding or loans where RPL or exemption on the basis of

previous qualifications applies.

English and Maths

Apprenticeships

• For all apprentices, you must offer level-2 Functional Skills or GCSE qualifications in both English and Maths to all apprentices who have not yet achieved a level 2 in both English or Maths, whether or not it is included in a framework.

• If the apprentice has previously achieved level 1 qualifications in either or both English and Maths, you need to keep a record of the offer of level-2 study as part of the Learning Agreement.

• If the apprentice takes and achieves a level 1 Functional skills qualification during their apprenticeship and could achieve Functional skills at level 2, you must offer the opportunity to progress.

• You must report these additional Level 2’s in English and Maths as delivered within the Apprenticeship framework. They will be funded as an Apprenticeship aim. The framework achievement will not be dependent on achieving these additional aims and they will not be used when calculating your success rate.

Second Apprenticeships at the same or lower level

Apprenticeships

• Apprentices who have successfully completed an Apprenticeship are not expected to start a second apprenticeship at the same or lower level.

• There are exceptions, e.g. where it might be appropriate for the apprentice to be multi-skilled at the same level..

• For Apprenticeships funded by Loans, their first Loan application does not refer to prior learning. Subsequent Loan applications cannot be for study at the same type and level of qualification or Apprenticeship framework.

In these instances you must record that the repeat or lower-level Apprenticeship is supporting the apprentice in a new job role.

Small and medium-sized enterprises

Apprenticeships

• SME’s with fewer than 10 employees (not including apprentices) may add up to 2 extra funded units to their Apprenticeship. Eligible units for funding can be found on: http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk/Employers/Steps-to-make-it-happen/Units-for-Micro-Enterprises.aspx

• Normal funding rates and rules apply. If an employer contribution applies to the rest of the framework, it will also apply to the additional units.

• Extra funded units do out apply to provision funded by loans.

Funding for Apprentices aged 19 to 24 who have learning difficulties or disabilities

Enhanced funding for apprentices aged 19 to 23

Apprenticeships

• Funding will be available for 19-24 apprentices with a Learning Difficulty Assessment as set out in the ASCL Act.

• Eligible for individuals who have not been available to entre learning before their 19th birthday due to reasons beyond their control and will be funded at the fully-funded 19 to 23 rate as long as they start an Apprenticeship before their 24th birthday.

Examples of reasons are:• Disability• Ill Health• Pregnancy• A custodial sentence• Remanded in Custody

• Being a carer• Significant language difficulties (not ESOL)• The result of a care order• Being detained under the Mental Health Act.

Aimed at supporting learners with a specific financial hardship that prevents them from taking part in learning.

Discretionary Learner Support

There are 3 DLS Funds:• 19 or over and in financial hardship• 20 or over with childcare issues• 19 or over Residential Access Fund

1. Learners who are eligible for support are not automatically entitled to it.

2. Learners funded through Loans can get access to DLS through the dedicated Loans Bursary Fund.

3. 19+ Hardship: provided to support vulnerable and disadvantaged learners and to remove barriers to education or training

4. 20+ Childcare: provides targeted childcare support for learners who are at risk of not starting learning, or not continuing learning, as a result of difficulty getting childcare.

There is a TDN application form for DLS funding. (please note point 1)

Qualifications Funded Through Loans:

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

• Programme of A-levels (including AS, A2 and full A-levels)• Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Access to HE Diplomas• QCF Certificates at levels 3 and 4• QCF Diplomas at levels 3 and 4• Advanced-level Apprenticeship frameworks• Higher Apprenticeship frameworks

Loans cannot be used to fund units of qualifications and awards at level 3 or above, or learning delivered through the innovation code

Learners are entitled to up to 4 Loans, for 4 learning aims or Apprenticeship frameworks, where each loan is for a different category of provision.

Learners will take out a loan for a single learning aim or Apprenticeship framework.

A learner is only eligible for one loan at a time.

Every learner who has previously withdrawn from a learning aim will be given one more chance to access a repeat Loan, taking the potential maximum number of loans to five..

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

The loan can cover all costs and charges for items which a learner cannot complete their course without.

Learners are entitled to up to 4 Loans, for 4 learning aims or Apprenticeship frameworks, where each loan is for a different category of provision.

A learner will be entitled to receive a loan that is equal to, or less than: • The funding rate shown in LARA (for apprenticeships the Loan available is up to 50% of

the rate shown in LARA to reflect employer contribution)• Your fee as shown in your ‘learning and funding information letter’.

The minimum value for a loan is £300

24+ Advanced Learning LoansInformation Needed

You must supply the learner with a ‘learning and funding information letter’ which they will require when applying for the Loan.

The letter must include:

• The UK Provider Reference number (TDN UKPRN)• The learning aim reference number• The title of the learning aim• The name and code of the Apprenticeship framework level and pathway• The learning aim or Apprenticeship framework start date and planned end date• The fee charged to the learner• The maximum amount of Loan available for the learning aim or Apprentriceship

framework as published on LARA.

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

• You must confirm the learner’s ULN number before attendance can be confirmed

• We will be able to see the status of the Loan Application on the Learning Provider Portal

• Once the Loan application has been approved and the learner has commenced, this must be informed to the SLC via the Portal. Should be done 2-weeks after the start.

• An ILR must be completed for the learner. This must match the information filled in on the loans portal

• Confirmation of continued learner attendance must be made to the SLC every 3-months

• If a learner withdraws between the 3-month notification period TDN must be informed immediately so that we can complete a change of circumstances in the learning provider portal.

• Loan funded success rates are calculated in the same way as SFA funded provision

• You must also inform us within 2-weeks of the start date if the learner does not commence.

Payments

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

• Payments will be at a flat rate based on the programme duration.• Loan payments are made over a maximum duration as follows:

AS/A2/A-Level’s : up to 2 years for each separate A-Level QAA Access to HE Diploma : up to 2 years QCF Level 3 Certificate : up to 2 years QCF Level 3 Diploma : up to 3 years QCF Level 4 Certificate : up to 2 years QCF Level 4 Diploma : up to 3 years Advanced Apprenticeship : up to 3 years Higher Apprenticeship : up to 3 years

• Payments are made on a set date each month.• If a learner achieves early then a balancing payment will be made• If a learner withdraws early, then the learner will be responsible for the period in

which they were in attendance only. Future payments will stop.

Additional Information

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

• Detailed information and guidance for the provider is available on:http://www.lpservices.slc.co.uk/

• Learners can get information and guidance from:https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/courses/funding/Pages/24AdvancedLearningLoans.aspx

And

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/loans-for-adults-in-further-education-and-training

Change in Learner Details

24+ Advanced Learning Loans

The following reasons may result in a learner’s details or circumstances changing from the information supplied in their initial application:

• A change in personal details• A change in provider• A change of learning aim or Apprenticeship framework details• A change of Loan amount or the fee you charge• Cancellation of an application• Withdrawal from the learning aim or Apprenticeship framework• Taking a break from learning or suspended or resuming learning

In these circumstances the learner must inform the SLC and the Provider must inform TDN.

If the details or fees of the learning aim or Apprenticeship framework changes, then a new Learning and Funding Information Letter must be produced and issued to the learner.

If a learner changes provider during their programme, they must inform the SLC and be marked as a withdrawal by the provider. The learner will then need to reapply to the SLC for a Loan to continue via the new Provider.

A

Subcontracting

• All subcontractors must hold a valid UKPRN number

• All subcontractors with total funded contracts in excess of £100,000 must successfully pass the Due Diligence Assurance Gateway

• You must successfully complete the Due Diligence Assurance Gateway every year.

• If you fail one more opportunity will be given. If you fail on the 2nd attempt you will be removed from the register.

• In an existing subcontractor fails the register they cannot be part of any growth bid until they have re-applied and are successful.

If any of the following circumstances apply we will not be able to enter into any new subcontracting arrangements or extend existing arrangements…………………….

Subcontracting

If Ofsted rate our Leadership and Management as inadequate

If we or you do not meet Minimum Standards (see: http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/providers/quality/MinimumStandards/

If the outcome of our and your Annual Health Assessment is inadequate.

Contracting

TDN remain responsible for all provision that we have subcontracted.

TDN and our subcontractors must ensure that all learners and employers supported through our subcontracted arrangements know about TDN and our subcontractor’s roles and responsibilities in providing the learning.

The Essential Rules for Subcontractors

Subcontracting

Subcontractors must keep to the Funding Rules

Subcontractors must provide accurate ILR data

Subcontractors must give TDN access to their premises and all documents relating to providing education and training funded by us.

Subcontractors must give TDN sufficient evidence to allow us to: Assess their performance against Ofsted’s Common Inspection Framework Incorporate the evidence they provide into a Self-Assessment report Guide the judgements and grades within our self-assessment report

Subcontractors must always have suitably qualified staff available to provide education and training.

Subcontractors must co-operate to make sure that there is continuity of learning if the subcontract ends for any reason.

The Essential Rules for Subcontractors

Subcontracting

Subcontractors must tell TDN if evidence of any irregular financial or delivery activity arises. This can include, but is not limited to:

Non-delivery when funds have been paid Sanctions imposed on the subcontractor by an awarding organisation An inadequate Ofsted grade Complaints or allegations by learners, employers, people working for the subcontractor or

other relevant parties Allegations of fraud

Not carry out second level subcontracting unless previously agreed. This will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.

TDN needs to complete a ‘Subcontractor Declaration Form to the SFA at least twice during 2013/14

Eligibility for Funding

See Funding Eligibility Criteria and Levels in Hand-out issued

Funding Simplification

Funding Formula RatesFunding Band Programme weighting (PW)

Base (unweighted rate)

Low Medium High Specialist(see the note

below)

Certificate (13 to 24 Credits) £724 £811 £941 £1,159 £1,246

Certificate (25 to 36 Credits) £1,265 £1,417 £1,645 £2,025 £2,176

Diploma (37 to 48 Credits) £1,987 £2,225 £2,583 £3,179 £3,417

Diploma (49 to 72 Credits) £2,573 £2,882 £3,345 £4,117 £4,425

Diploma (73 to 132 Credits) £4,176 £4,670 £5,421 £6,671 £7,172

Diploma (133 Credits or more) £6,602 £7,395 £8,583 £10,564 £11,356

Note: Some specialist provision delivered by certain providers using specialist facilities attracts a higher programme weighting

Funding Formula RatesSmaller Qualifications

Smaller qualifications will be funded at £50 per credit before programme weighting.

Qualifications will be funded at 3, 6, 9 and 12 credit levels only from Jan 2014.

To end of December 2013 funding against credit values will be:• 4 or 5 at the same rate as a credit rate of 3• 7 or 8 at the same rate as a credit rate of 6• 10 or 11 at the same rate as a credit rate of 9

Transitional Arrangements

Learners who started before 2013/2014 will be funded to completion at 2012/2013 rates

Their will be a transitional limit of 3% in 2013/2014 and 6% in 2014/2015

Apprenticeship ComponentProgramme weighting (PW)

Base (unweighted rate)

Low Medium High Specialist(see the note below)

Apprenticeship Element £1,350 £1,512 £1,755 £2,160 £2,322

Funding Formula Rates

For new Apprenticeship Frameworks an Apprenticeship element will be added to the framework’s pathway

An example of a fully funded rate based on a new apprenticeship framework …….

Apprenticeship Component Construction Building – Advanced Level Apprenticeship – Trowel Occupations Rate

Competency learning aim NVQ Diploma in Trowel Occupations (Construction) (QCF) £8,583

Knowledge learning aim Diploma in Bricklaying (QCF) £5,421

Common component Functional Skills English £724

Common component Functional Skills Maths £724

Apprenticeship element £1,755

Total £17,207

All 19+ Apprentices will continue to be co-funded

Funding Formula Rates

Funding Band Programme weighting (PW)Base

(unweighted rate)Low Medium High Specialist

(see the note below)

Awards (3 Credits) £150 £168 £195 £240 £258

Awards (6 Credits) £300 £336 £390 £480 £516

Awards (9 Credits) £450 £504 £585 £720 £774

Awards (12 Credits) £600 £672 £780 £960 £1,032

Award-sized Qualifications

Funding Formula Rates

N + 1 rule still applies For Apprentices a 20% achievement factor will be applied to all funded elements

of the framework The achievement element of 20% will be earned when the learning aim is

achieved or, for competence and knowledge components of Apprenticeships, when the framework is achieved.

The above will apply to all new learner starts in 2013/2014 and for the remaining funding for 2012/2013 starts.

All non-apprentice learners will have a funding cap applied of £4,400 per year

Planned number of days in learning Qualifying number of days

Fewer than 14 days 1

Between 14 and 167 days 14

168 days and greater 42

Qualifying Days for Funding

The National Course Directory

• It is a contractual requirement that we place all our course information onto the directory

• Especially important for programmes delivered for 24+ Learning Loans

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/courses/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.coursedirectoryproviderportal.org.uk/pp/

For Provider Portal see:

For learner pages see:

The National Course Directory

Any Questions Please

Preparing for 2013/2014

Although it is probably about 6.30 p.m. by now!