Collaborative Good Practice between Local Authorities and the Further Education Sector. LGA Research Report

In 2010 planning and funding responsibilities for 16-19 year olds will be transferred from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) back to the local authorities (LAs). LAs will have responsibility for commissioning and funding all education and training for young people up to the age of 19, making them the strategic lead for all children's services from 0 to 19. This will create a unified and coherent system for young people aged 14-19 (and 14-25 for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities (LLDD)) at local, sub-regional and regional levels. The Local Government Association (LGA) commissioned the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) to undertake research in order to provide evidence of good practice in terms of collaborative partnerships between LAs and FE colleges where formal and informal relationships were perceived to have contributed to positive outcomes for young people in terms of progression and engagement in education. This paper presents key findings from nine case-study areas. In total 40 semi-structured interviews were conducted (21 at LA level and 19 at provider level) between April and July 2009. The evidence from this research has indicated that the key elements of effective collaboration have influenced the range of educational and training provision, transition support and information, advice and guidance (IAG). IAG which, in turn, have contributed to a positive impact on young people's outcomes. However, while this finding indicates successful collaboration has contributed to planning and enhancing the range and quality of provision and support for transition, there appeared to be less current emphasis on IAG at a time when comprehensive, independent, impartial guidance for young people might be viewed as essential due to the changes in 14-19 education and training provision. A technical appendix is included. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.) [This report was sponsored by the Local Government Association.]