This second edition (2009/10) of The hands-on guide to post-16 funding is a reference guide for anyone with an interest in LSC learner- and employer-responsive funding. It covers the national demand-led funding formula, as applied in school sixth forms, further education colleges (16–18 and adult), and other training providers. However, this guide cannot be the authoritative source of LSC information on funding, as that remains with the authors of it, namely the LSC.
This guide is a complementary tool that I hope helps to summarise the workings and implications of LSC funding rates, eligibility and methodology. It should be useful for everyone working in the post-16 learning and skills sector. It contains ten chapters, and the topics covered within each are spread across two pages. This serves two purposes. Firstly, it should make it easier for you to find information (without the need for an index). Secondly, two pages per topic means I have had a volume constraint, which, given the complexity of topic, is probably welcome.
The first edition of The hands-on guide to post-16 funding was published in September 2008 when the demand-led funding methodology was first introduced. This edition has been rewritten for 2009/10 to take account of changes to the rates and guidance, which I have summarised on page 24. I have included new sections on the Qualifications and Curriculum Framework (QCF), Foundation Learning (FL), functional skills, the Learning Aim Database, and new chapters for Apprenticeships, Train to Gain, and the pre-employment programmes being delivered by colleges and training providers in response to the economic recession.
A lot has happened since the publication of the last book. The impact of the recession and restrictions on funding has led to a number of late changes, some of which delayed publication. Plus, whilst writing this book I got married, bought a house and left my role as Director of Planning and Performance at Lewisham College to join the Edexcel Policy and Curriculum team as a Special Adviser on Funding and Performance.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and thank a number of people. At Edexcel: Siân Owen for all her determination, hard work and being the driving force behind the book; Bob Osborne for commissioning a new edition; Trevor Luker and Steve Besley for supporting both me and the project, Andrew Crimp for design ideas, and finally Liam Wynne and his team for all their marketing support. Alex Cook at the LSC for commenting on the draft and putting up with all my questions, and all the other commentators for supporting the project. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my new wife Sarah and my parents, Denis and Sandra Linford, for their uncompromising love and encouragement.
