Study Programme duration

The Rule is they can't do more than 40 hours a week, so compressed programmes are allowed (you probably want to give them 580, not 540 though, innit ;)) provided you don't break that limit. Probably be a bit more audit scrutiny on timetables etc as it's a little unusual.

A potential sub wants to deliver the planned hours of 580 but in 5-6 months, is that okay? I'll make sure we have all timetable evidence on file.

Effectively yes, a 20 week programme would be "capped" at 800 hours, so plenty of wriggle room. If they're starting learners post-christmas, you'll need to be aware of any who have *completed* programmes elsewhere (and, indeed, learners who complete this programme won't be able to be funded elsewhere for the rest of the year).