Reforming further education in England

The paper - New Challenges, New Chances - along with associated detailed documents on the Informal adult and community learning consultation and on Further Education loans, invites responses to a wide-ranging overview of proposals for change - covering everything from literacy and numeracy provision through to higher education, but surprisingly not the National Careers Service.
NIACE will issue an initial response shortly, but urges all its members and supporters to begin preparing their own responses in advance to the Department's deadline of 21 October 2011 (or 20 September for proposals concerning higher education).
There are nine key areas for consultation set out in New Challenges, New Chances:
        Vision for the FE landscape and shape of the sector
        Introducing Level 3/4 loans and sharing responsibility for investing in skills
        FE college and training provider freedoms and flexibilities
        Simplifying the funding system
        Teaching, learning and qualifications
        Review of Informal Adult and Community Learning
        Review of literacy and numeracy provision for adults
        Delivering higher education and skills
        Deregulation and devolution
In September, NIACE is also holding:
1. Related policy seminars
7 September - Policy Seminar on the HE White Paper (P.M.)
13 September - Teaching and Learning and Qualifications
19 September - FE Funding and Landscape
2. Seminars to support learning providers and other organisations develop their responses to the Informal Adult and Community Learning consultation. NIACE's initial response to the review of Informal adult community learning (IACL).
Extra Links:
Informal adult community learning – online survey. Individuals can have their say about the future of informal adult community learning, by responding to a new NIACE online survey by 31 October 2011, as part of the government's review of informal adult learning. Find out more about 'New Challenges, New Chances' and about responding to the consultation.