§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the relationship is between(a) Connexions, (b) LEAs, (c) young offenders institutions, (d) Jobcentre Plus and (e) learning and skills councils. [121776]
§ Margaret HodgeThey provide different forms of support to young people and adults. Where young people are at risk, it is particularly important that they work closely together.
The Connexions service provides information, advice, guidance and access to personal development opportunities for 13 to 19-year-olds. Its focus is on helping young people stay engaged in education, training and employment. Connexions partnerships support LEAs in a number of ways. For instance fines 102W agree with them how they will contribute to the achievement of reducing unauthorised absence of young people from school.
Young offender institutions accommodate 15 to 21-year-olds. Many of these young people face many barriers to taking part in education, training or employment—e.g. they may have been in care, are substance abusers, and have mental health problems. Connexions provides access to holistic support that overcomes these barriers. Connexions partnerships are therefore developing strong links and formal agreements with young offender institutes in their areas.
Connexions and Jobcentre Plus work in close partnership to provide an efficient, supportive and integrated service to young people claiming benefit, with particular emphasis on those aged 16-17.
The Learning and Skills Council is responsible for all post-16 education and training. Connexions partnerships and local learning and skills councils have joint working strategies to ensure that all young people aged 16-19 receive appropriate learning and development opportunities.