14-19 and Skills Funding Agency areas

If you have heard bits and pieces about the changes as the LSC dismantles but are not quite sure of the details, this page lays out the key areas. 

There is a dedicated TSNLA (Third Sector National Learning Alliance) phone line to support third sector organisations with any queries regarding the switch over from the LSC to the SFA etc – 01225 792500.  See here for the March 2010 TSNLA bulletin on the new bodies, including presentations on the Skills Funding Agency, Young People's Learning Agency and local authorities. 

The LSC work is now split into 3 main areas:

• Young People's Learning Agency and local authorities (14-19 or 25 for those with disabilities).  The YPLA regionally oversees this work delivered by local authorities - e.g. FE colleges.  Local authorities will work in clusters (e.g. Norfolk, Suffolk and Cams) to share best practice.  In about 5-7 years time it is envisaged that the YPLA will be disbanded as local authorities will be able to fully deliver this work themselves.  See here for the third sector section of the YPLA website.  If you would like to receive e-mail bulletins direct from the third sector support branch of the YPLA please email Cheryl Turner.  All news alerts/updates can also be accessed via that above website.
• Skills Funding Agency (19+). Train to Gain will sit here.  Emphasis will be on performance management of contracts rather than any wider partnership management roles also delivered previously by the LSC. Unless organisations are planning to bid for the predominantly regional, multi-million pound contracts, third sector organisations will have to position themselves to be able to deliver as sub-contractors under (national) Prime Contractors (the people holding these large contracts) like A4e or TNG.  The Norfolk Unites Directory has been set up to support third sector organisations to effectively and efficiently engage in this process.
• National Apprenticeships Agency, as labelled (see our Apprenticeships section for more info).

Norfolk County Council 14-19 work and 'LOPs'

For third sector organisations, there is perhaps more potential to contribute directly with the 14-19 work than the SFA, as this will sit in local authorities.  Schools each have 'alternative provision pots' for 'non-mainstream educational activity'.  See here for details of the new Norfolk County Council 14-19 structures along with details of dedicated third sector leads.  Local Operational Partnerships are where geographical clusters of schools, colleges and work based learning providers work on 14-19 issues.  If you feel you would like to engage in this process, you can approach your local LOP in terms of you possibly attending as a third/voluntary and community sector representative or even just in terms of being on the circulation list for minutes.  See here for LOP areas and contacts.  See here for the Norfolk County Council 14-19 webpage and here for the Department of Education website for further relevant information.

The three key areas of opportunity for third sector providers in 14-19 partnership work are:  Foundation Learning; ESF (European Social Fund) and; what was known as 'Adult Safeguarding' (includes Neighbourhood Learning in Deprived Communities, Family Learning, Wider Family Learning and Personal and Community Development Learning (PCDL) - the PCDL element is the Norfolk Learning for Life Network).   By registering on the Norfolk Unites Directory we can also ensure specific news items reach you.