ESFA Update further education: 27 April 2022
Published 27 April 2022
Applies to England
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1. Reminder: Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) consultation
We currently have a live consultation on the LLE which is open until the 6 May and would encourage you to respond with your views to help us realise the potential of the LLE.
In 2025, we hope to revolutionise the current student finance system (for levels 4 to 6) by delivering the LLE. Our aim is to have a flexible approach to skills development that meets the needs of learners and employers. The LLE will equal four years of post-18 education study. Learners will be able to use the fund to study flexibly, choosing relevant modules or studying as-and-when they want throughout their life. The LLE is for both further and higher education.
The consultation is an opportunity for everyone to take part in the discussion. Please do get in touch by emailing LLEteam@education.gov.uk.
2. Reminder: business case deadline for adult allocation is 6 May 2022
Allocation statements for adult funding for 2022 to 2023 have now been issued.
If you believe that your data was incorrect and there is an error in your allocation, you can raise a business case by completing the business case template and send it to us using our online enquiry form. Please read the business case section on the 19+ allocations webpage before submitting.
The deadline for submitting your business case is 6 May 2022. Where cases have been received with full information before the deadline, we aim to communicate outcomes end of June 2022. Complex cases can take longer to investigate, where this is the case we aim to communicate outcomes for these cases before 1 August 2022. If successful, changes will be reflected in contracts from the start of the funding year.
3. Information: coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund for schools and colleges
The coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund guidance and online claim form for workforce absences between 22 November 2021 and 8 April 2022 will be available this week.
Further information on the COVID-19 workforce fund is available in our guidance for schools and colleges.
4. Information: the application deadline for the £3,000 incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice has been extended to 20 May 2022
Do you work with employers who hired a new apprentice between 1 October 2021 and 31 January 2022?
If these apprentices had an apprenticeship start date between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022, employers could be eligible for the £3,000 incentive payment for hiring a new apprentice.
Employers must submit an application for each eligible apprentice through their apprenticeship service account.
Applications close 20 May 2022.
Share our resources with employers to support their application:
- how to apply guide including when to apply, steps to take before applying, how to apply and what happens after applying.
- guidance page including eligibility, how the payment can be used and when payments are made.
- how to apply video including a walk through of the steps to take within the Apprenticeship service.
5. Information: Advanced Learner Loans – launch of the 2022 to 2023 application service
The 2022 to 2023 advanced learner loans application service will be available from 23 May 2022 for learners who wish to start eligible qualifications from 1 August 2022 funded with a loan.
Updated Learning and Funding Information letters for 2022 to 2023 are available on GOV.UK.
6. Information: T Level outline content survey- cyber security occupational specialism
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education is looking to introduce a new cyber security occupational specialism for the T Level in digital support services.
The T Level in digital support services is currently in delivery and this occupational specialism will be in addition to the others already available. It will be aligned to the level 3 cyber security technician standard, approved May 2020, and will support meeting the needs of the growing industry.
Complete the survey on the draft outline content. The survey closes midnight on 2 May 2022.
7. Information: IFATE apprentice panel recruitment
Recruitment to join the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education apprentice panel has now opened.
The main purpose of the apprentice panel is to ensure the views of apprentices are represented across the work and governance of the Institute. The panel decides which issues to focus on, and panel representatives attend Institute board meetings to advise and challenge on those issues. They also meet regularly with ministers and other government officials to ensure the apprentice experience is front and centre of new policy thinking.
To apply, apprentices need to complete the expression of interest form and upload a copy of their CV. Closing date for applications is midnight 16 May 2022.