Ofsted warns over Neet risk of new study programmes
Laura McCardle
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Low-quality study programmes are increasing young people's chances of dropping out of school and training post-16, a report has warned.
In its Transforming 16 to 19 Education report, Ofsted warns that too many training providers are failing to adapt their programmes to meet the individual needs and aspirations of young people, causing them to lose interest and drop out.
The report, based on an evaluation of how effectively schools and training providers implemented the new 16 to 19 study programmes, also found the careers guidance offered by schools and providers to be weak, giving young people little insight into the pathways available to them.
The aim of the programmes, introduced in September 2013 after the education participation age was raised to 17 the previous month, is to help 16- to 19-year-olds achieve qualifications that provide clear progression routes into further education, employment or training.
As part of this, schools and training providers are required to match provision with the individual needs of young people, including prior attainment and career aspirations.
To address the problems, Ofsted has recommended that schools and training providers work closely with local employers to ensure their programmes lead to secure employment.
In addition, Lorna Fitzjohn, director of further education and skills at the inspectorate, wants local authorities to be given powers to ensure all schools provide full information about the destination of pupils post-16, including those who drop out of education or training.
She also wants the government to develop and manage a system for tracking young people as they move from school into further education or employment in a bid to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neet).
Fitzjohn thinks it is vital that the government takes steps to tackle the issue before the participation age is further raised to 18 in 2015.
She said that without action, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who are Neet will only grow.
Fitzjohn said: “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.
“I urge all parties involved in providing education and training post-16 to consider Ofsted’s findings and work together to make sure that all young people are given the skills and experience they need to achieve their aspirations.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “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. 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."