Break in learning maximum period

I don't believe that there is any hard rule around the length of a break but I am willing to be corrected.

However you should be aware that they would need to return within the funding validity period of their standard/framework and/or component aims otherwise they would need be recorded as a withdraw restart.

Also after approx. 12 months - depending on actual dates they would be considered to be an overdue planned break and would be considered a leaver non-achiever in your QAR

FROM: Qualification achievement rates: apprenticeships specification 2023 to 2024
Overdue planned breaks are identified as those

• that do not have a corresponding restart record in the same funding year
• that do not have a corresponding restart record in the following funding year
• if the planned break was last recorded in the ILR R14 return for funding year 2022 to 2023, they do not have a corresponding restart record in the R04 ILR return of the  funding year 2024 to 2025.

HTH

Phil

The only practical limitation is whether the qualification they're on is due to expire or not. Other than that, there's no limit. You may want to think about other impacts though, such as prolonged breaks affecting your QAR etc. 

Ah yes, that was it, thank you both. It's the QAR that's the main issue.

Much appreciated
Jacky

There was previously a rule where if the learner had not returned prior to the R04 ILR two years after their BIL, they are counted as a withdrawal.