FRAMEWORK FOR EXCELLENCE - A TOOL FOR THE FUTURE

Roger Marriott, director of quality and evaluation
for the LSC

Roger Marriott, director of quality and evaluation for the LSC, writes:

"The horizon is changing. Leitch identified that Further Education (FE) will lead the way in providing the skills that this and the next generation require. There will be greater choice in training and students and employers will be increasingly expected to invest in their learning.

"The Framework for Excellence takes forward the FE White Paper themes, including the economic mission of FE, greater focus on employability and on user needs and choice. As well as focusing on performance assessment it also plays a key part in supporting the development of the improvement strategy, personalisation, workforce development and the drive towards self regulation.

"A new quality and performance assessment framework is needed to allow learners and employers access to information on quality so that they can make informed decisions about the training they choose. The Framework will enable the development of self regulation within the sector, underpinned by rigorous and robust assessment of quality. These objectives have the support of a substantial part of the sector including Ofsted and the Quality Improvement Agency, as well as providers.

"We are taking account the views expressed by the sector in the consultation and working with our partners on a publication - due mid February - which will set out our response and policy for taking forward the Framework. The initiative is on target and moving forward. It will be up and running in colleges and work-based learning providers from the summer of 2008. More information can be found at www.lsc.gov.uk/ffe including news, when it happens, on the full pilot due to start in the summer with around 100 providers."