§ Dr. FrancisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action the Government are taking to ensure an easy interface for part-time learners between higher education and(a) further education, (b) community-based learning and (c) work-based learning. [R] [113227]
§ Margaret HodgeWe are working with the Learning and Skills Council and the Higher Education Funding Council for England to streamline the funding route for institutions that deliver both further and higher education. This should allow these institutions to respond more flexibly to the needs of part-time students wishing to progress from further education to higher education.
The vast majority of community-based learning through Adult and Community Learning is part-time and provides mainly first rung provision to encourage adults into further learning, which may lead into higher education.
We are also supporting and promoting Advanced Modern Apprenticeships as a progression route into higher education, and in particular to Foundation Degrees. These can be undertaken in a variety of ways, including part-time and distance learning, while the students remain in employment.