Chris Roberts commented, 28 January 2025 19:33

For SP we ask for the usual birth cert, passport, DL, and arc/brp card if the learner hasn’t been here 3 years. However a lot of school leavers don’t have any ID so we use the PLR if they show a previous relationship to a school. Would never photocopy and keep ID on file, just reference what you have seen on the enrolment form. Thanks

1. ID Evidence - Apprenticeship/Study Programme

For SP we ask for the usual birth cert, passport, DL, and arc/brp card if the learner hasn’t been here 3 years. However a lot of school leavers don’t have any ID so we use the PLR if they show a ...

Chris Roberts commented, 27 January 2025 11:09

We would normally take a letter from a GP, social or probation worker to prove the residency. Alternatively could you not use a birth cert? Long residence A person who, on the first day of learning, has lived in the UK half their life or a period of 20 years or more, has an eligible residency status. Learners may be able to prove this status via a confirmed entry date from Immigration Control, verified by the Home Office. Alternatively, they may provide evidence that they have been living in the UK for the period in question. This should ideally be from an official and independent source. Examples could include a signed letter on headed paper from someone in a leadership position at the school they attended, a letter from their GP, wage slips or a P45/P60. Providers funding learners under this category should obtain enough evidence to assure themselves beyond reasonable doubt that the learner was living in the UK for the necessary period.

1. Learner Eligibility

We would normally take a letter from a GP, social or probation worker to prove the residency. Alternatively could you not use a birth cert? Long residence A person who, on the first day of learning...

Chris Roberts commented, 24 January 2025 16:28

How old is the learner and what funding model is it?

1. Learner Eligibility

How old is the learner and what funding model is it?

Chris Roberts commented, 02 January 2025 13:52

Exemptions There are 2 exemptions to the condition of funding: students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and an EHC plan, who are assessed as not able to study towards either GCSE or stepping stone qualifications students with overseas qualifications that are established as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or above Students with SEND When a student with SEND does not hold a GCSE grade 9 to 4 or equivalent qualification in maths and/or English, it is important they have every opportunity as others do to study towards a level 2 English and/or maths qualification. There is a wide range of approved qualifications under the condition of funding that should enable this in most cases and institutions should make every effort to enable students with SEND to study towards these valuable qualifications. Students with SEND who have achieved a GCSE grade 3 or equivalent qualification in maths and/or English should be capable of improving their GCSE grade with the right teaching and support. When a student is not able to study towards a GCSE, institutions should support them in studying towards a Functional Skills or a stepping stone qualification. There are a range of qualifications available for students from entry level upwards. Institutions can enrol a student on a course for up to 3 years, or longer if the student is in learning to age 25. This range of qualifications gives institutions scope to offer the student opportunities to progress to the appropriate level in maths and English. There are a small number of SEND students with an EHC plan who are not able to study towards any qualifications. These students can be exempt from studying qualifications, but institutions should still include appropriate literacy and numeracy in their programme at an appropriate level. Institutions must consider all exemptions on a case-by-case basis. There is no blanket exemption for whole institutions. Assessments for exemptions must be authorised by an appropriate professional in the institution, such as the head of SEND or student support. The assessment should be structured and documented. We do not expect to give further detailed advice on the format or on who should carry out the assessment. This is for institutions to decide. We will monitor exemptions from the data that institutions submit rather than on an individual basis. Institutions should keep evidence that justifies their decision that a student is exempt. This information must be available to auditors appointed to test the use of ESFA funding and to Ofsted inspectors. We expect institutions to use the flexibilities available to tailor programmes to enable each student to improve in maths and/or English to the best of their ability. Institutions should recognise and record students’ progress and achievement.

1. Guidance: Condition of funding - Post 16

Exemptions There are 2 exemptions to the condition of funding: students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and an EHC plan, who are assessed as not able to study towards eit...

Chris Roberts commented, 17 December 2024 14:55

Id be really careful with this, we got told off for this in an SP audit for using remote delivery. The auditor would not accept any online delivery hours when they were going through the electronic attendance records for the sample of learners. 

1. Functional Skills Face to Face delivery - Level 1 Study Program

Id be really careful with this, we got told off for this in an SP audit for using remote delivery. The auditor would not accept any online delivery hours when they were going through the electronic...

Chris Roberts commented, 06 December 2024 10:40

I think the fog in Sheffield has clouded my mind or maybe I'm just getting old. In that case we have recorded them correctly then, thanks all. 

1. COF/GCSE Exemptions Query

I think the fog in Sheffield has clouded my mind or maybe I'm just getting old. In that case we have recorded them correctly then, thanks all. 

Chris Roberts commented, 05 December 2024 14:57

Rule Name Field Values Error Message EngGrade_04 EngGrade=5| GCSE English qualification grade must be 'NONE' MathGrade_04 MathGrade=5| GCSE maths qualification grade must be 'NONE'   The learner with both 5s errors out when you add in the MCF and ECF code 3 (3: Learner has met the GCSE maths condition of funding as they hold an approved equivalent UK qualification) States the grade must set as "None"

1. COF/GCSE Exemptions Query

Rule Name Field Values Error Message EngGrade_04 EngGrade=5| GCSE English qualification grade must be 'NONE' MathGrade_04 MathGrade=5| GCSE maths qualification grade must be 'NONE'   Th...

Chris Roberts commented, 20 November 2024 14:48

There are older templates in use but the best way to get them set up for your own learners is to use PDSAT's. What contracts do you need? Here are the 22-23 if that helps Free Downloads: Latest ESFA Audit Working Papers and Guide – Professional Assessment  

1. ESFA/DfE Audit Working Papers

There are older templates in use but the best way to get them set up for your own learners is to use PDSAT's. What contracts do you need? Here are the 22-23 if that helps Free Downloads: Latest ESF...

Chris Roberts commented, 20 November 2024 14:29

Hi Ceri  You can get the 23-24 working papers by using the sampler tool in PDSATs.  ILR data: provider data self-assessment toolkit (PDSAT) - GOV.UK Thanks 

1. ESFA/DfE Audit Working Papers

Hi Ceri  You can get the 23-24 working papers by using the sampler tool in PDSATs.  ILR data: provider data self-assessment toolkit (PDSAT) - GOV.UK Thanks 

Chris Roberts commented, 06 November 2024 14:38

I'll always recommend PICS which is a great system. Advanced have now acquired BKSB and Smart Assessor too which makes it very easy for the 3 platforms to talk to each other. 

1. New eLMS system

I'll always recommend PICS which is a great system. Advanced have now acquired BKSB and Smart Assessor too which makes it very easy for the 3 platforms to talk to each other.