The 14-19 implementation plans both nationally and locally include a commitment to offer, by the end of September 2008, a suitable place in post-16 learning to all young people completing compulsory education.  This is known as the September Guarantee.

This policy supports the transition for young people from compulsory education to post-16 further education or work-based training, which we are all aware is a critical time. The majority of young people make a successful transition but too many remain at risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) or dropping out at an early stage.

Implementation of the Guarantee means that secondary schools require a clear process for ensuring that young people have an offer to at least 2 years further education when they leave compulsory education.  This is crucial to continuing to raise level 2 and 3 attainment levels as well as overall participation rates.  This will form part of the progression measure being developed for schools and help the County prepare for the Government’s proposals to raise the participation age to 17 in 2013.

The Guarantee is measured on the basis of a suitable offer of learning. This work must start early; waiting until it is known who has not engaged in post-16 learning happens too late to influence key decisions  It is also an opportunity to re-engage young people who for a variety of reasons are no longer motivated at school and/or may need a different type of learning environment.

We would like all schools in the County to take the following steps:

• Support every young person to secure by June 2008 an offer of a full or part-time education place at a school sixth form, FE college or Apprenticeship provider. Ideally the offer should be based on an agreed start date before the end of September 2008.
• Work closely with Connexions to focus on young people with additional needs such those with low aspirations, little family support, missing school, facing barriers through a learning difficulty or disability (LDD), teenage parents, and young carers.
• Help young people to ensure that the offer is appropriate to their individual needs.  That means it must be at the right level; geographical location; occupational sector and learning method.
• Use and receive applications for post-16 learning using the County’s comprehensive Xplore on-line directory and application process.

In Northamptonshire, we have elected to use XPLORE as the agreed mechanism for capturing information about year 11 choices and destinations. If for any reason your school is not using XPLORE alternative, robust arrangements will need to be put in place that capture the destinations of all young people before they leave school. We would recommend that such approaches are discussed with your local 14-19 Area Manager. The information will need to be shared with Connexions.

Thank you for your continued support with the County’s 14-19 work and area-based plans.