Replies
No one has replied to this post.
This Par is missing for the change document but the other changes relating to BIL where OTJ training is unable to take place in any calendar month may account for this policy change where we now have to meet the minimum policy requirement over the apprentice’s actual duration, Par.80.3 seems to confirm this and allows for early completion.
80.3. If the apprentice has spent less than the minimum policy requirement (over their actual, shorter, duration) on off-the-job training, then the apprenticeship is not valid and all funding is at risk of recovery.
The change document does confirm that the ESFA have confirmed that the policy change re active learning every calendar month will apply to new starts and to existing learners on programme on 31 July 2023.
After rereading it looks like a bigger change that first though.
My question to ESFA:
---
Ok thanks, so just to confirm, if a learner starts 1st August 2023 onwards, and complete after their expected end date, but do more off-the-job training than the minimum, yet less than was planned, we don’t need a supporting employer statement?
However for starts prior to 1st August 2023, if they complete after their end date, do more off-the-job training than was planned, yet less than delivered, we do need a supporting employer statement?
---
ESFA's answer:
---
Daniel, I can confirm that the 23/24 Funding Rules will only apply to apprenticeships starting between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, if the apprentice started in a previous year, then they would follow the relevant funding rules.
I hope this helps, Daniel.
---
Daniel Dowson
Planned versus actual off-the-job
Edited
Hi,
I've just noticed a slight change in the funding guidance re actual v planned OTJ. In 22/23, if a learner completed late, did more than the minimum OTJ, but less than the planned, we collected a statement from the employer confirming such (in line with 22/23 P54).
In 23/24, rule 79 states:
"At the end of the practical period, if the training has been delivered over a shorter duration (e.g. 14 months compared to 18 months) AND the actual volume of off the-job training hours delivered is less than the original volume of planned hours agreed with the employer, the provider must produce a statement to summarise the following information"
Therefore, it appears now that if a learner completes late, does more than the minimum OTJ but less than the planned, a statement is no longer required.
Have others picked up on this with the same interpretation, and if so, are you applying only to new starters, or also to existing learners?
Thanks,
Daniel