§ Baroness Maddockasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have to expand the provision of 14 to 16 year-old education in further education colleges. [HL2435]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandThere is already extensive provision of vocational education for 14 to 16 year-olds in further education colleges.
In February, the Secretary of State announced further funding for the "Increased Flexibility for 14 to 16 Year-Olds" programme in 2004–06. This will enable over 2,000 schools and about 300 colleges to continue to collaborate over the provision of high-quality vocational learning for about 90,000 pupils. In May, Ministers will be announcing details of the new young apprenticeships programme for 14 to 16 year-olds, which will involve many colleges and is scheduled to begin in September 2004.
In the medium to long term, Ministers will take account of the recommendations of the 14 to 19 working group when deciding the most effective provision for vocational education for 14 to 16 year-olds.