We are updating you on arrangements to provide support for employer engagement, work placements and work-related learning through the Norfolk Education Business Partnership Organisation (EBPO).

The Norfolk 14-19 Employer Engagement Task and Finish Group met twice during the spring term to determine the shape of the EBPO service for Norfolk for 2009/10. The decisions made by that group are being used to inform the following:

1.	New Student Work Placement arrangements
2.	A streamlined, county-wide approach to Health and Safety/Insurance
3.	The Norfolk 14-19 Employer Engagement Strategy and Commissioning Plan for 2010/2011
4.	A Norfolk Recognition and Reward Scheme for employers who engage with the 14-19 agenda

The Norfolk 14-19 Strategy Group have agreed a transitional contract with The Exchange until 31 March 2010. This contract reflects the new approach agreed and will focus on three key programmes

	Programme 1 - A framework to support economic wellbeing
	Programme 2 - Student Work Placements
	Programme 3 - Professional Development Placements

The specification for Norfolk's EBPO service for 2010/11, is currently under development and the contract for this work is likely to be offered through a process agreed by the 14 to 19 Strategy Group later this year. From April 2010 the new contract will be in place and should provide a seamless transition of this service to schools.

The new student work placement arrangements are being phased in from April 2009 to March 2010. The new approach recognises the increased requirement for Employer Engagement in the 14-19 reform programmes, and therefore the additional demands on employers, as well as the many different ways in which work-related learning can be delivered.

The 14-19 Strategy Group and the Employer Engagement Task and Finish Group decided that any subsidised traditional 'block' work experience will not be available for current year nine students as stated in our previous letter. It is expected that schools will prioritise work placements for those young people for whom a placement is a requirement of their course. Where schools consider work placements would benefit young people on general qualification programmes or to support their personal development needs this will still be possible.

As indicated in the Service Level Agreement issued by The Exchange the cost of each placement will be £60. The Exchange will also be working with schools and the new Local 14 - 19 Operational Partnerships (LOPs) to offer a range of Employer Engagement services and activities in support of the Framework to support Economic Wellbeing.

The Exchange will be contacting schools and partners with further details on each of the three programmes available and are very keen to discuss with schools and all partners how they can best provide EBPO support.

Funding to support Economic Well Being including all aspects of work-related learning and enterprise education is included in the Dedicated School Grant (DSG) received by all Norfolk schools.

We will write again to all partners in the Autumn Term giving further details on the shape of the EBPO service as the EBPO commissioning plan is agreed.

Mike Hodkinson Norfolk LA
Sally Youll Norfolk LSC

The documents below are available on the Norfolk LA 14 to 19 website: www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk

1.	Initial guidance and support for LA's and 14 to 19 Strategic Partnerships on the planning and commissioning of Education Business Partnership Services and work-related learning opportunities www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19
2.	Career, work-related learning and enterprise 11-19 A framework to support economic wellbeing 2008 info@qca.org.uk
3.	Building Stronger Partnerships - Schools, Colleges and Children's Services Building Stronger Partnerships - Employers www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications
4.	The Work-Related Learning Guide (Second Edition) NEW www.teachernet.gov.uk