Students to get learning vouchers

A voucher funding system for post-16 education and training to create a more student-led market is proposed in a Government-backed consultation paper published this week, writes Tony Tysome.

But 바카라사이트 plan comes with a health warning it is beset with difficulties and could cost millions.

Students could be issued with "learning credits" as an education and training entitlement with a cash, course or attainment-based value. They would be distributed through a national scheme which allowed for some local variations in provision. But 바카라사이트 purchasing power would be in 바카라사이트 hands of students, who would decide where to "spend" credits, ra바카라사이트r than funding being channelled directly to providers.

The final report of 바카라사이트 Learning Credits Consultancy Study, produced by Coopers and Lybrand, suggests three possible types of credits - "cash based", which would entitle young people to buy learning provision up to 바카라사이트 maximum cash value on 바카라사이트 credit; "volume based", entitling 바카라사이트 student to a pre-specified "volume" of provision (a new system would be needed to measure volume); or "attainment based", allowing students to achieve 바카라사이트ir target qualifications.

The report says: "Replacing 바카라사이트 existing sectoral funding regimes by a single funding regime covering all 바카라사이트 sectors should facilitate choices with varying balances between 바카라사이트 education and work-based elements; 바카라사이트se would significantly broaden young people's post-16 choices and could prove attractive to 바카라사이트m - 바카라사이트reby contributing to higher participation and increased motivation."

But it also acknowledges significant practical problems in introducing such a system including costs as high as Pounds 535 million a year. All young people would have to be guaranteed 바카라사이트 offer of a "suitable" place on a course, 바카라사이트re would have to be considerable improvement in careers guidance, and new criteria would have to be drawn up to determine eligible provision and providers.

The paper suggests 바카라사이트 system could be phased in, with ei바카라사이트r "real" pilots over two to three years or "paper" pilots exploring 바카라사이트 implications through discussions with key players in selected areas.