Countdown Issue 907

“We are seeing a move to longer, higher level and more expensive. We are seeing an upgrading of apprenticeships” – the rot starts at the top. I was just thinking how to start Countdown this week and the tweet pops up on my phone as the Secretary of State talks to the Education Select Committee. Higher level means upgrading – no wonder we are in such a mess at level 2, we don’t even have the Secretary of State’s support or understanding as to what quality means. I am not going to get into the

Countdown Issue 906

Happy New Year everyone – and what a year ahead of us! Having just come back from 2 weeks off I was describing the feeling to the Northern Network, who I met in Leeds today - it is like waking up from a very heavy night (eg at the AELP conference) feeling ok but a bit wobbly and then slowly recalling what happened and what was said!! As I ran through with the networks all the aspects of work AELP is doing with AEB, Functional Skills, Traineeships, Apprenticeships etc it was a slow reawakening

Countdown Issue 905

So this is the last Countdown before Christmas and a couple of weeks off – I can feel the sighs of relief. It is always so hard to know what to write about each week at the moment as there is so much – I know it is hard to believe but I have halved the number of things I was going to write about! I hope everyone has an amazing Xmas and New Year and you are able to recharge ready for what is likely to be an equally exciting 2019. Thank you to everyone who sent me messages following last week’s

Developing Spelling using Phonics

Effective in September 2019, the revised English Functional Skills will require a significant shift in the teaching of spellings using Phonics as a basis for skill development. This webinar will provide a basis for the development of Phonics use with learners and an introduction to resources that will support teaching.

Successfully Delivering an Apprenticeship for New Providers - Nottingham

This event is for new providers who are offering apprenticeship provision and want to further their understanding about quality assurance and quality improvement and what the Ofsted Inspection Handbook says about newly funded provider monitoring visits. We will also examine some of the key challenges for new providers. It is not about the mechanics of how to apply to be an apprenticeship training provider or funding but about quality.

Health, Social Care and Early Years Sector Forum

It’s another action packed agenda for this meeting! Along with the usual updates from AELP and our kind sponsors NCFE, we will be hearing from Skills & Education Group on the development of new sector qualifications, NHS England are attending to give an update on the Level 4 Continuing Healthcare Trailblazer group, an update on the Early Years Trailblazer group and updates from Skills for Care and Skills for Health!