LEARNING INDUSTRY NEWS

• New education and skills bill
  The Education and Skills Bill was published by the Department for Children, Schools and Families on 29 November 2007 and is now at the Committee stage of its passage through Parliament. The Bill contains proposals which mainly relate to England but there are sections which apply to Wales and Northern Ireland.
  
  The Bill introduces a requirement to remain in education or training beyond the current statutory leaving age, and implements the recommendations of the Leitch Review on adult skills.
  
  The Bill contains measures to encourage more young people to participate in learning post-16 and to achieve higher levels of skill and qualification. The Government proposals go beyond the current aspiration so that by 2013, all 17 year olds, and by 2015, all 18 year olds, are participating in some form of education or training. Find out more about the Education and Skills Bill.
• New Connect Website Launched
  Learningline is proud to announce the re launch of the Connect website, to support the careers magazine and advisory service for young people in independent schools and colleges. The new site boasts interactive search facilities for career and occupational information that students and advisors can access. It also contains a new email service for students to request specific career related information to be sent to them either by post or email.
• Learningline Expanding
  Learningline's advice services team has grown to meet the demand for information and advice from adult clients across the South East of England. An additional advisor, plus further administrative support are in place, with at least 2 more trainee advisors on the way to boost the team's capacity.
• Nexstep Essex Successful Ofsted Inspection
  Learningline's Essex Nextstep contractors have been successful with their recent Ofsted inspection. Looking at all aspects of delivery, management and quality, the Ofsted team visited Learningline’s offices to observe a number of interviews with clients as part of the overall inspection.
• New Report on Developments within Careers Education and Guidance
  The new Nuffield Review of 14-19 Education and Training, England and Wales report on careers education and guidance was released on February 14th. "Guidance is the oil that makes the education and training system work effectively for young people. It helps to make sure that learners are on the right courses for them – the courses where they are most likely to be engaged and to achieve their potential and from which they can move on to their chosen destinations in further learning and work."