Home > News > November 2004 > 11-Nov-2004

LSC review provision for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has launched a comprehensive review of its funding and planning of education and training provision for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

The aim of the review is to produce a national strategy that meets the growing demand for post-16 education and training for learners in this group and to expand the range of options on offer to meet their needs.

The Learning and Skills Council has a statutory duty to fund provision for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LLDD) under the Learning and Skills Act 2000.

The LSC's National Council endorsed the need for this strategic review in March this year and, as a result, a National Steering Group has been established to oversee the work, chaired by Peter Little OBE, formerly Chief Executive of Birmingham Rathbone.

The steering group had its first meeting in July and has begun initial analysis of the associated issues. It includes representation from across the post-16 sector, such as further education colleges, school sixth forms, specialist colleges, work based learning and adult and community learning. Other key agencies and partners include the Department for Education and Skills and Skill, the national bureau for students with disabilities. There will be a structured consultation with learners beginning in January 2005.

The Steering Group has been asked to make recommendations to the LSC National Council on the future planning and funding of provision for these learners. It is scheduled to present an interim report to the LSC in December and a final report in August 2005. Once the final report is presented, there will be a period of consultation with the LSC's partners and stakeholders on its recommendations.

Caroline Neville, LSC Director of Learning, said: "This is an important review. There is an increasing demand for post-16 provision for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities that, under the current arrangements, is not always met.

"We are committed to ensure that provision for this group centres on the needs of individual learners and provides greater opportunities to access education and training across the sector.

"The outcome of the review will enable us to work in partnership with other key agencies and learning providers to build flexible packages of provision that meet the aspirations of these individuals."

The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for planning and funding education and training for over 16 year olds in England, other than in universities.

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