Sector Updates

A selection of updates from the sector this month.

IfL goes self financing

Following the government policy confirmation late 2010, IfL has to become self financing. Lecturers are being asked to pay £68 to retain their membership. What do you think? Please add a comment. More information here.

IfL taking more steps for QTLS status being recognised to teach in schools

IfL is continuing to work on parity of esteem between QTLS and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status). IfL has gained the support for QTLS being recognised for teaching in schools from Lord Boswell, Barry Sheerman MP and former chair of the Education Select Committee and Graham Stuart MP and the current chair of the Education Select Committee. IfL

We watch with interest to see if those with excellent vocational experience will be encouraged to share these skills in schools.

Click for further information.

Qualifications for FE teachers

LLUK is leading the review of learning and skills professional qualifications. The second phase of the review closed on Friday 11 February, 2011. Participants had the opportunity to review LLUK's detailed proposals for updating the qualifications. The proposals will now be amended in light of responses. Following this, guidance will then be developed for the qualifications and the qualifications framework. Click for more information.

LLUK will cease to operate after April 2011 following the review of QUANGO organisations by the current government.

Skills for life strategy – changes to ESOL funding

Significant changes are being proposed to the funding of ESOL, they include limiting public funding to people from ‘settled communities’, limit full free remission to people receiving ‘active benefits’, remove the ‘programme weighting factor’ which will lead to an increase in course fees, end funding for ESOL in the workplace. Are you concerned? What implications does this have for your own practice? Click for more information.

Education Bill

The Education Bill underwent its second reading in the House of Commons on Tuesday. The Bill contains some positive developments for FE including that students from ages 14 and 16 must be provided with ‘independent advice’ on career paths and training options (partly prompted by the very low levels of awareness in schools of apprenticeships), it prioritises funding for first apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds.