Issue - decisions

RESOLVED: (i)         That the good progress made on delivering the 14-19 Curriculum Reforms and the high regard in which the work of the York Partnership is held be noted, and that the strategic approach to continuing developments set out in the 14-19 Plan be endorsed.

                        (ii)        That the good progress made within the local authority and with Sub-Regional Partners, on the 16-19 Funding Transfer, and the opportunities and challenges it presents be noted, and that the authority’s approach to the changes at sub-regional and regional levels be endorsed.

                        (iii)       That approval be given for the Council, as the largest employer in the area, to build on existing development work and play a leading role in developing an enlarged apprenticeship programme for young people in the City; this to include (at a time when employment opportunities are restricted by the economic recession) encouraging partner organisations to offer places themselves as well as the creation of new apprenticeship places across the Council.

                        (iv)       That the Director of Children’s Services be requested to work with the Head of HR in developing a strategic action plan to increase apprenticeships across the Council in every area and department, taking into account the need to include LACs (Looked After Children) as a priority group, reduce NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training) and ensure sustainability; progress on the resulting work to be reported to the Executive Member for Children & Young People’s Services at six monthly intervals and the programme of work to be widely publicised and accessible to young people via the Internet.

REASON:      To ensure that progress towards the 2013 learner entitlements and the development of provision necessary to deliver RPA in York can be maintained, that the local authority is in a position to assume new statutory responsibilities associated with the post-16 funding transfer, and that the key apprenticeship pathway is made more widely available for young people in the City.