Overview

The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 is a UK Act of Parliament that significantly reformed apprenticeships, education, and children's services in England and Wales. It established several new bodies to oversee these areas, including the Young People’s Learning Agency for England and the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).

Description

Apprenticeships

The Act introduced a new framework for apprenticeships in England and Wales, defining standards and procedures for issuing apprenticeship certificates and frameworks. It established the Chief Executive of Skills Funding as the English certifying authority for apprenticeships.

Education and Training

The Act outlined the duties of local education authorities (LEAs) to provide suitable education and training for those over compulsory school age, including support for employee study and training. New entitlements to education and training were established for 16 to 18 year-olds in England.

Children's Services

The Act made provisions for improving children’s well-being through cooperation between different agencies, introducing Children’s Trust Boards. It also established new arrangements for children’s centres and introduced requirements for inspecting them and reporting on them. The Act also covered safeguarding children and set targets for improving their welfare.

Regulatory Bodies

The Act created Ofqual to regulate qualifications and assessment arrangements, and the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) to oversee curriculum development and quality in education. The act also created the School Support Staff Negotiating Body (SSSNB) to negotiate pay and conditions for school support staff in England.

Government Spending

The Act led to increased government spending on education and training, with funding secured through several new bodies. Exact figures for the overall increase in spending are not provided in the act text.

Groups Affected

• Apprentices: The Act significantly impacts apprenticeship standards, requirements and certification.
• Employers: New responsibilities were introduced regarding employee study and training, and participation in apprenticeship schemes.
• Students (16-18 and 19+): The Act creates new entitlements and learning opportunities, particularly for those aged 16-18 in England and those over 19.
• Local Education Authorities (LEAs): Increased responsibilities for providing education and training to young people and those with learning difficulties.
• Schools and Further Education Institutions: Changes to inspections, complaints procedures, and the provision of education and training.
• Qualifications Awarding Bodies: Subject to Ofqual’s regulations and oversight.
• School Support Staff: New negotiating body (SSSNB) to determine pay and conditions.
• Children and Young People: Changes to safeguarding, welfare, and provision of education and training.

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