Timmo
Have worked with ESFA training programme software for over 25 years. Formerly a senior training consultant for PICS with Pellcomp/Advanced, now available for freelance/contract work.
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Timmo commented,
As per https://guidance.submit-learner-data.service.gov.uk/24-25/ilr/entity/LearningDelivery/field/LearnPlanEndDate, the ZPROG aim planned end date should "not include the end point assessment period". I don't know about Aptem but PICS also has a separate start/planned/actual end dates for the learning 'episode' that are not used for the ILR but can be used to identify overall periods of learning, i.e. including EPA. There are ways of setting up qualification plans in PICS to default the episode PED differently to the ZPROG. The plans can also determine the default durations and PED for each aim within the episode.
As per https://guidance.submit-learner-data.service.gov.uk/24-25/ilr/entity/LearningDelivery/field/LearnPlanEndDate, the ZPROG aim planned end date should "not include the end point assessment peri...
Timmo commented,
The year in which a learner is counted for QAR is always based on the latest of the various aim dates (planned end/actual end/achievement/reported). Their final status only affects whether or not they are counted as an achiever.
The year in which a learner is counted for QAR is always based on the latest of the various aim dates (planned end/actual end/achievement/reported). Their final status only affects whether or not t...
Timmo commented,
"I do where possible try to make my own judgement but very often question myself." Definitely not alone in that!
"I do where possible try to make my own judgement but very often question myself." Definitely not alone in that!
Timmo commented,
PICS has an online help file and this page explains the sometimes complex conditions and calculations in some detail: https://pellcomp.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/POH/pages/2914516999/QAR+Calculations+in+PICSWeb Other pages in the same section of the file explain points relating to each programme. Obviously, it has to be read in conjunction with the official guidance. In short, the latest of several dates is used to determine the year in which a learner is counted for QAR - Planned end, Actual end, Achievement (where appropriate) and date on which the programme/aim completion or withdrawal is first submitted in the ILR. It makes projecting future QAR quite difficult... HTH
PICS has an online help file and this page explains the sometimes complex conditions and calculations in some detail: https://pellcomp.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/POH/pages/2914516999/QAR+Calculation...
Timmo commented,
The PSM guidance is a bit vague and perhaps the most relevant words are to 'use your judgement'. I've put some of the key points in bold: "Data about a learner’s employment status is collected in the ILR to demonstrate how the FE sector is contributing to improving the employability of the learners. This data is also used to monitor funding eligibility and so care must be taken to ensure that employment status records are completed accurately. ... Data about a learner’s employment status prior to enrolment must be collected in all cases when a learner first enrols with a provider. There is no defined time period for “prior to enrolment”, unless defined by the learner’s programme. If there is any doubt as to what should be recorded, you are expected to use your judgement based on the individual learner’s circumstances." An example is given that may apply in your circumstance? "If a learner is employed and has been on holiday or otherwise temporarily away from a job prior to starting a learning aim, they should be classed as being ‘In paid employment’." I've always assumed what they really want to know is whether the programme has helped someone gain (or remain in) a job. I don't think the PSM section on Apprenticeships really changes the above other than it sounds like there was a change of employer to identify so you would need two records?
The PSM guidance is a bit vague and perhaps the most relevant words are to 'use your judgement'. I've put some of the key points in bold: "Data about a learner’s employment status is collected in t...
Timmo commented,
The screen in PICS that captures the PMR can also be used for other learner payments so had to cater for non-integers. However it should be possible to validate for the ILR items and warn or error non-integers on them. I think (but not sure) that Steve is right in saying that there is no rounding, it just removes figures after the decimal point for the ILR file.
The screen in PICS that captures the PMR can also be used for other learner payments so had to cater for non-integers. However it should be possible to validate for the ILR items and warn or error ...
Timmo commented,
Very odd indeed. Only other option I can think of is to create a new file and then not open it at all in Excel before submitting.
Very odd indeed. Only other option I can think of is to create a new file and then not open it at all in Excel before submitting.
Timmo commented,
If you open a csv file in Excel (which instinctively I often do) it can mess with the format even if you keep it in csv - might be worth opening it in Notepad to check the headers?
If you open a csv file in Excel (which instinctively I often do) it can mess with the format even if you keep it in csv - might be worth opening it in Notepad to check the headers?
Timmo commented,
If the achievement end date is in 24/25 it should identify it in that year for QAR. My understanding of the theory is that ESFA merge the ILR data across the years and use the most recent year's data to identify a learner's final position. But worth checking when you get the QAR!
If the achievement end date is in 24/25 it should identify it in that year for QAR. My understanding of the theory is that ESFA merge the ILR data across the years and use the most recent year's da...
Timmo commented,
Hi Frances, they must know what their annual wage bill is. The only question then comes where that hovers around the £3M level rather than being well above or below, to know what the exact current position is. As Steven says I don't know of a way to find out a private company wage bill, but it is their responsibility to declare it in accounts and pay the levy where appropriate. If the CITB pages don't explain the levy principles (I think they are very clear) maybe send them them the gov.uk link which also spells it out. From your side, if the employer is being cagey about their wage bill you could ask how many employees they have - that would give an idea as small companies (e.g. <50 employees) almost certainly don't pay it, whereas large ones (e.g. >250) probably do. In between is mostly where the issue lies. If an employer isn't co-operating at all, then I'd wonder if they are suitable for taking on an apprentice? Either way, I'd say this is for the employer to deal with not the provider - all the information they need is clear and easily available, so if they don't provide accurate (or any) information that is their failing not yours.
Hi Frances, they must know what their annual wage bill is. The only question then comes where that hovers around the £3M level rather than being well above or below, to know what the exact current ...