Issue - meetings

This report presents York Learning’s strategic / business plan for the academic year commencing in September 2017.

Resolved:                     That the York Learning Strategic Service plan 2017/18 be considered by the Executive Member and approved subject to any suggested changes.

Reason:                        To provide sound governance for York Learning Services.

The Executive Member considered a report presenting York Learning’s strategic and business plan for the academic year commencing in September 2017 which formed a key part of the governance arrangements for the service. The Head of York Learning was in attendance to provide an update and answer questions.

It was noted that the plan had been signed off by the Children, Education & Communities Policy & Scrutiny Committee on 19 September 2017 and that the performance targets 2017/18 were still subject to change; they would be presented to the same Committee in due course. It was also explained that the increase of the turnover for the 2017/18 academic year was attributed to the bigger number of students eligible for the high needs support grants as well as introduction of Level 3 and Level 4 loan-funded provision that proved popular among learners. 

In response to the Executive Member’s question, the reasons for the low apprenticeship success rates were clarified:

·        a small number of apprenticeships available which implied higher statistical drop-out percentage;

·        York provision that was focused on health, social care and childcare courses attracting people with low qualifications, for which the outcomes and retention rates were low nationally;

·        the requirement to achieve English, Maths and ICT qualifications alongside a vocational qualification.

The Executive Member was appreciative of the work undertaken, particularly in the areas of job fairs and collaboration with East Riding and it was

Resolved:                     That the York Learning Strategic Service plan 2017/18 be considered by the Executive Member and approved subject to any suggested changes.

Reason:                        To provide sound governance for York Learning Services.