HC Deb 09 February 2004 vol 417 cc1189-91W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of young people between the ages of 16 and 21 years are studying at further education colleges, excluding A-Level and GCSE students. [152691]

Alan Johnson

At the end of 2002, 17 per cent. of young people aged 16–21 in England were studying at further education colleges, excluding A-Level and GCSE students.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the range of further education qualifications. [152688]

Alan Johnson

A full range of qualifications accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and funded by the Learning and Skills Council is approved for use by people under 19, The full list can be accessed through the Department's website at www.dfes.gsi.gov.uk/section96.

The Learning and Skills Council may fund any course for use by persons over the age of 19, but may only make payments to awarding bodies in respect of their fees for qualifications approved under section 97 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. A full list of the qualifications approved under section 97 can be accessed through the Department's website at www.dfes.gsi.gov.uk/section97.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what definition he uses of the terms(a) further education and (b) higher education. [152655]

Alan Johnson

Both further and higher education are defined in statute. The definition of further education is to be found at s.2(3) to (6) of the Education Act 1996.

In essence 'further education' means: a. full-time and part-time education suitable to the requirements of persons who are over compulsory school age (including vocational, social, physical and recreational training), and b. organised leisure-time occupation provided in connection with the provision of such education, except that it does not include secondary education or higher education.

The Act of Parliament which defines courses of higher education is the Education Reform Act 1988. Schedule 6 of the Act describes courses of higher education as:

  1. (a) a course for the further training of teachers or youth and community workers;
  2. (b)a post-graduate course (including a higher degree course);
  3. (c) a first degree course;
  4. (d) a course for the Diploma of Higher Education;
  5. (e) a course for the Higher National Diploma or Higher National Certificate of the Business and Technician Education Council, or the Diploma in Management Studies;
  6. (f) a course for the Certificate in Education;
  7. (g) a course in preparation for a professional examination at higher level;
  8. (h) a course providing education at a higher level (whether or not in preparation for an examination).

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on Sure Start badged higher education and further education courses. [152686]

Margaret Hodge

The Sure Start Unit does not badge any qualifications but works with the sector and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority to agree the acceptable list of qualifications. As part of the Government's drive to improve the level of qualifications and contribute to the development of the Early Years sector workforce, the Sure Start Unit worked with universities and employers to create in September 2002 the Early Years Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree (EYSEFD): a new, vocational higher education qualification at level 4 that leads to a new level of professional practice known as the 'Senior Practitioner'. The DfES, on behalf of the sector, formally recognises whether universities have met the Statement of Requirement for EYSEFD. There are now 44 universities and 96 affiliated colleges across England who offer the EYSEFD.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make a statement on the successor arrangements to academic review for directly funded higher education provision in further education colleges. [152510]

Alan Johnson

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 February 2004,Official Report, column 657W.

Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the process is for accessing funds in the Higher Education Innovation Fund. [152641]

Alan Johnson

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has invited higher education institutions to apply for funds from the Higher Education Innovation Fund. Guidance published on 9 December 2003 asked for applications to be submitted to HEFCE by 25 February. Assessment of applications will be complete in May and successful applicants will have clear access to funds from August 2004.