Half of Foundation Learning participants do not progress

Introduced in 2010, Foundation Learning provides young people aged 14-to 18 – or up to 24 for those with disabilities - with individualised learning programmes to support their progression into further learning or employment.

Funded through the Education Funding Agency, the programme has been used by local authorities to help support young people struggling in school and college to achieve level 1 and level 2 qualifications.

But an Ofsted review of the programme found the average “progression” rates of young people aged 16-to 19 was 50 per cent in 2010/11 and 49 per cent in 2011/12. The review was based on data gathered from inspection visits, reviews of previous inspections and information submitted by providers.

Progression rates varied significantly between areas, but 26 of the 56 providers that submitted data were below the 50 per cent mark.

When compared to the predecessor initiative Entry to Employment, progression rates for Foundation Learning participants had also dropped for more than half of the 48 areas that had collected data.

Ofsted inspectors crtiticised the level of English and maths skills of Foundation Learning participants, and also said the overall quality of the teaching was not good enough. Only three of 41 providers who submitted details offered work experience placements to all learners.

However, Ofsted praised providers’ pastoral support systems, with “excellent” links being forged with outside agencies – such as housing, mental health and substance misuse counselling - that helped young people stay in programmes.

Matthew Coffey, director of learning and skills at Ofsted, said: “Since the full implementation of Foundation Learning provision, the number of learners who go onto full-time education or training, an apprenticeship or employment has been too low.

“To break this pattern, providers must make use of best practice in understanding why some providers are succeeding where others fall short.”

Foundation Learning will be replaced this August by 16-19 Study Programmes, incorporating learning for all levels up to level 3 including A-levels. From September, young people aged up to 17 will be required by law to be in further education, training or employment.

Latest figures (March 2013) show there were 152,000 16- to 18-year-olds not in education employment or training.