Posted by The SCL Education Group on 29.01.16
The Department for Education (DfE) has unveiled a detailed report spelling out Education Funding Agency (EFA) 16 to 19 subcontracting arrangements for the first time. The Skills Funding Agency has published its subcontracting data for years, but yesterday (January 28) was the first time the EFA followed suit.
The largest lead providers by student numbers subcontracted were Central College Nottingham (930), South Essex College of Further and Higher Education (835), Weston College of Further and Higher Education (797), NCG (730), and Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation (516).
When asked why it subcontracts the provision, deputy principal and chief executive of South Essex College Anthony McGarel said: “We work with skilled collaborative partners that are specialists in their field, these partnerships have been extremely successful for many years. “Working alongside the best local providers, on targeted curriculum areas, reduces unnecessary course duplication and provides more choice for young people in Essex.”
One of its subcontractors was Surrey-based SCL Education and Training Ltd. SCL, which had the most learners among all subcontractors, dealt with four lead providers — South Essex College (633 learners), Jancett Childcare and Jace Training (38 learners), Access to Music (344 learners) and Bromley College (39 learners).
Lewis Field, director at SCL, said they ran courses from level one to level three in sports and active leisure, and also provided GCSE maths and English as well as Functional Skills. He said they were in discussion with the EFA about becoming a lead provider, when asked why they operated as a subcontractor.
A South Essex College spokesperson told FE Week it had subcontracted with SCL for three years. She said that “the work they’ve done has been amazing”.
This piece first appeared in FE Week on Monday, February 1st. You Can view the original piece here.
