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Ofsted warns over provision for school leavers Ofsted warns over provision for school leavers
(35 minutes later)
Too many courses for school leavers in England are not up to scratch, the watchdog Ofsted is warning. Too many courses for school leavers in England are not up to scratch, education watchdog Ofsted is warning.
Poor provision is stopping teenagers finding a job or apprenticeship or considering going on to university.Poor provision is stopping teenagers finding a job or apprenticeship or considering going on to university.
They say it is "simply not enough" to keep teenagers in education until 18 if they fail to leave with decent qualifications and experience.They say it is "simply not enough" to keep teenagers in education until 18 if they fail to leave with decent qualifications and experience.
Instead, this will delay an "inevitable fall" into becoming "Neet" - not in education, employment or training.Instead, this will delay an "inevitable fall" into becoming "Neet" - not in education, employment or training.
Figures show that nearly 1.18 million 16 to 24-year-olds are classed as Neets and in addition to this, the number of people whose whereabouts are unknown is rising, inspectors said.Figures show that nearly 1.18 million 16 to 24-year-olds are classed as Neets and in addition to this, the number of people whose whereabouts are unknown is rising, inspectors said.
The education inspectorate's annual report on further education (FE) and skills said "too many learners were not progressing from their prior attainment to a higher level of study to meet educational and career aspirations".The education inspectorate's annual report on further education (FE) and skills said "too many learners were not progressing from their prior attainment to a higher level of study to meet educational and career aspirations".
It says providers and employers should work together to ensure that their education and training leads to secure employment.It says providers and employers should work together to ensure that their education and training leads to secure employment.
The report urges the government to ensure there is a reliable system for tracking young people as they move between different types of education and training.The report urges the government to ensure there is a reliable system for tracking young people as they move between different types of education and training.
It says local councils should be given powers to make sure they are given full information by schools, academies and colleges on youngsters who drop out of their studies.It says local councils should be given powers to make sure they are given full information by schools, academies and colleges on youngsters who drop out of their studies.
The Ofsted report warns:The Ofsted report warns:
The Ofsted report comes as research suggests young people face a "postcode lottery" in gaining careers advice. Funding changes
Research by the National Careers Council shows wide differences in the availability of information and guidance across England.
Ofsted's director for further education and skills, Lorna Fitzjohn, said: "As the participation age for education and training rises to 18, it needs to be acknowledged that the 18 to 24 age group could fast become the 'new Neets'.Ofsted's director for further education and skills, Lorna Fitzjohn, said: "As the participation age for education and training rises to 18, it needs to be acknowledged that the 18 to 24 age group could fast become the 'new Neets'.
"It is simply not enough to keep young people in education and training longer if they still fail to gain meaningful qualifications and experience that will help them achieve their career goals. Instead, all this will do for many is delay their inevitable fall into the Neet category."It is simply not enough to keep young people in education and training longer if they still fail to gain meaningful qualifications and experience that will help them achieve their career goals. Instead, all this will do for many is delay their inevitable fall into the Neet category.
"This is why we need clear and combined action by the government, local authorities and employers to overcome these failures.""This is why we need clear and combined action by the government, local authorities and employers to overcome these failures."
The Ofsted report comes a year after new funding scheme was introduced for FE in England.
Since September 2013, colleges have been funded for students' programme of study rather than by the individual qualifications taken. A programme of study includes qualifications, maths and English study and work experience.
'Low Neet rate''Low Neet rate'
Gill Clipson, deputy chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: "The move to programmes of study and away from colleges being funded by qualification is a fundamental change.
"So too is the requirement for all young people to continue to study maths and English if they have not reached an acceptable standard at school.
"The intention is right but, as this is such a fundamental change, it is not surprising that there has been variable implementation particularly since the Ofsted fieldwork for this report took place even before the first full year of implementation was complete."
A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The number of young people Neet is at its lowest level since consistent records began.A Department for Education spokeswoman said: "The number of young people Neet is at its lowest level since consistent records began.
"And it is encouraging that this report by Ofsted shows our plan for post-16 education is already having a positive impact just two terms after coming into effect."And it is encouraging that this report by Ofsted shows our plan for post-16 education is already having a positive impact just two terms after coming into effect.
"The report shows positive early signs that schools and colleges are entering young people for more rigorous qualifications."The report shows positive early signs that schools and colleges are entering young people for more rigorous qualifications.
"In fact, the latest figures show that the numbers of those over the age of 17 taking GCSEs in English and maths are rising, giving thousands more the vital knowledge and skills demanded by employers.""In fact, the latest figures show that the numbers of those over the age of 17 taking GCSEs in English and maths are rising, giving thousands more the vital knowledge and skills demanded by employers."