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Additional Learning Support Funding Arrangements from 2003/04
A NIACE response to the LSC Draft NIACE Response to LSC Draft Circular: Additional Learning Support Funding Arrangements from 2003/04
Published: August 2002
In general NIACE welcomes this second consultation document and feels it is an appropriate document to send out for further consultation. There are only a few minor points which NIACE wishes to make.
Paras. 17 and 31:
NIACE understands the decision not to refer in detail to other legislation. However, in its remit to represent those learning and working in adult and community education, it does feel that these providers are in a special position. They have up until now, unlike further education, not had any specific additional support funding but, from September 2002, will be subject to the new regulations beings implemented by DDA Part 4. Many LEAs and providers are concerned about their readiness to comply with this new legislation and they wish to be assured that any new funding procedures will be in place in time for them to fully understand them and implement them so that they can comply with their new duties in regard to disabled learners.
Para. 74:
NIACE welcomes the possibility of the Council supporting mechanisms for pooling of equipment. This is particularly relevant for small adult education providers who would not be able to maintain a store of specialist equipment themselves. NIACE also believes there needs to be a similar central point to which they can turn for additional staffing. For example while a college is likely to be in touch with specialist dyslexia support tutors this is unlikely to be the case for a small adult education provider. However, it is important to recognise that there will be additional costs involved in such pooling - for example, contacting the centre, arranging for delivery of the piece of equipment etc. and these need to be reflected in additional support funding.
Para. 86:
NIACE welcomes the steps taken to look at improving the funding mechanisms for small groups and appreciates that this might take some time. However, it is concerned as to how adult and community education providers will apply for support for small group work in the meantime. Much ACL work with people with learning difficulties involves small group work and there will need to be some way of staff claiming additional support for these learners from 2003.
Para. 92:
NIACE appreciates the reasons stated for not making allowances for in year adjustments. However, learners following adult classes have often been out of learning for some time and are often unaware of the particular difficulties learning might bring to them. It is often very difficult to predict in advance the kind of adjustments they might need. This is particularly true for learners in certain under-represented groups, for example learners with mental health difficulties. Moreover, NIACE feels that it especially difficult for a small provider to respond to difficulties which appear half way through a course from its own resources. While large colleges have sufficient funds to reallocate some of their provision this is not always the case for institutions with a small number of learners.
