January Network Meeting Starts The Year With Key Updates For Providers

Devon & Cornwall Training Providers Network (DCTPN) welcomed more than 80 training providers and stakeholder organisations to our January network meeting in Plymouth at Foulston Park.

Delegates enjoyed a fabulous breakfast with plenty of time for networking with colleagues, before settling down to an agenda jam-packed with the latest hot topics from across the post-16 education, skills and training sector.

Delegates heard from the Department for Education (DfE), Tony Skeel, Prevent Lead for the South West, Cheri Fayers and a first-hand account of a recent Ofsted inspection under the new regime from network members Accountancy Learning.

Ros Aala and Jenna Mayne shared their recent experience and gave a helpful insight into the process, which only came into being late last year following a national review into how inspections are carried out. 

Training providers had ample opportunity to ask questions from the DfE with queries around future funding streams, the planned introduction of  levy flex to enable employers to access modular training, and the recent consultation into Post-16 level 3 and below pathways.

Many providers voiced concerns about the planned changes and how they may negatively change the FE landscape and current provider offer, specifically the introduction of V Levels and the impact these may have on current BTEC programmes, which are so popular with employers and learners alike. 

Delegates also heard from SW Prevent Lead, Cheri Fayers, who provided a comprehensive update on the latest threat levels across the region and gave a timely reminder of what to do should an organisation or individual have concerns.

Providers have a statutory obligation to ensuring that they have a Prevent Strategy in place and Ofsted do look at this as part any inspection as it is a safeguarding requirement under the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015. Lots of questions from the floor on this highly sensitive topic, all handled with sensitivity and clarity from Cheri. 

The event closed with an opportunity for delegates to network, fostering positive working relationships. The FE sector is a complex and competitive space but DCTPN members recognise the benefit of working collaboratively and to that end enjoy working across an environment that is mutually supportive and partnership-led. 

If you are delivering post-16 education, training and skills across the south west and would like to find out more about the network and how your organisation can get involved please contact us – we would love to hear from you.