Home Archived FE news at a glance Back FE news at a glance 10th April 2015, 1:00am Tes Editorial Share FE news at a glance https://www.tes.com/magazine/archive/fe-news-glance-0 Copy Link AoC attacks `expensive, failed’ employer projectA government scheme to give employers control of skills funding has been attacked as an “expensive, failed project” by the Association of Colleges. An evaluation of the first round of 36 projects under the employer ownership of skills pilot says that “unrealistic” targets were set (bit.lyBISemployer). Recruitment of students to training was only just over a third of the number expected. Martin Doel, chief executive of the AoC, said: “We hope the next government learns lessons from this expensive, failed project, which was based on unsubstantiated assertions and unrealistic assumptions rather than hard evidence.”ATL urged to condemn `political contempt’ of FEDelegates at the ATL teaching union’s annual conference have backed a motion attacking the “demise” of FE colleges. The motion, proposed by Niamh Sweeney, a sixth-form teacher from Cambridgeshire, calls on the union to condemn the “political contempt” shown to the sector, to lobby alongside other groups to boost FE’s profile and to conduct research into the value of FE. Delegates in Liverpool also backed a motion calling for an investigation into increased workload in the sector and another calling for a “significant pay rise for FE professionals”.Ofsted gives Lewisham second inadequate gradeLewisham Southwark College has become the first FE college to be graded inadequate by Ofsted twice in a row. The London college, formerly known as LeSoCo, was first graded inadequate in a report published in January last year after an inspection in November 2013. The latest report, published last week after a visit from Ofsted in February, says the college has not made enough progress in improving weaknesses highlighted by the previous inspection. It says that teaching, learning and assessment are improving too slowly, too few learners experience good teaching, and attendance and punctuality is poor.157 Group launches video to animate 16-year-oldsA new animated video setting out the education and training opportunities available to young people at 16 has been launched. The video, by the 157 Group of colleges and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers, explains the different options and where learners can find more information (bit.ly157animation). Lynne Sedgmore, executive director of the 157 Group, said it was important for young people to make informed decisions about their future. “The choices they make at 15 or 16 impact on whether young people are well-prepared to go on to higher education, to secure an apprenticeship and to build a successful career,” she said.UCU welcomes Labour’s zero-hours commitmentThe University and College Union has welcomed a commitment from the Labour Party that workers on zero-hours contracts would have the right to regular employment after 12 weeks. The union, which is campaigning against so-called “casualisation”, said the extent of the practice in the FE sector would “shock” many students and parents. Its research shows that 61 per cent of colleges have teaching staff employed on zero-hours contracts. UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: “People on zero-hours contracts are unable to plan their lives on a month-by-month or even week-by-week basis.” Want to keep reading for free? Register with Tes and you can read two free articles every month plus you'll have access to our range of award-winning newsletters. Register Log in Keep reading for just £1 per month You've reached your limit of free articles this month. Subscribe for £1 per month for three months and get: Unlimited access to all Tes magazine content Exclusive subscriber-only stories Award-winning email newsletters Subscribe now Read more Weekly round-up: Ofsted grades and teacher pay fears Tes Editorial • 25th April 2024 Weekly round-up: Capita loses Sats and GCSE fears Tes Editorial • 18th April 2024 Reception Baseline Assessment: what you need to know Gráinne Hallahan • 3rd April 2024 Weekly round-up: Teacher pay drop and school moves Tes Editorial • 28th March 2024 Recent Most read Most shared 5 tips for your teacher CV and cover letter Leadership 26 April 2024 Keeping Children Safe in Education: how things may change Analysis 26 April 2024 Schools with RAAC can defer Ofsted for rest of academic year News 26 April 2024 Teacher levelling-up payments: all you need to know News 25 April 2024 Why every school should (not) use setting Teaching & Learning 24 April 2024 Keegan: I’ll look at how we can fund teacher pay rise News 24 April 2024 One-word Ofsted judgements work for no one but the DfE Analysis 25 April 2024 How to ensure children are emotionally ready for school Teaching & Learning 25 April 2024 Heads: DfE failure to scrap Ofsted grades ‘deeply disappointing’ News 25 April 2024
