We are writing to explain the arrangements to provide support for employer engagement, work placements and work-related learning through the Norfolk Education Business Partnership Organisation (EBPO) service during 2009/10.

As a result of feedback from a detailed consultation process last term, and assessment of current practice, a decision was made by the 14 to 19 Strategy Group in December to use 2009/10 as a 'transition' year for the delivery of WRL services. This is also in line with a recommendation from the DCSF.

During this year The Exchange will continue to provide the EBPO service to all Norfolk schools and colleges, but with a number of significant changes. These will be agreed with The Exchange this term and schools will be notified of how the changes may affect them before Easter 2009.

During 2009, arrangements for Key Stage 4 students undertaking a subsidised 'block' work experience will remain unchanged. Therefore Year 10 students will still be able to undertake subsidised 'block' work experience this summer term or as Year 11 this autumn.

Students currently in Year 9 will from January 2010 have the opportunity to access a more flexible and prioritised approach to work placements across the county. The subsidised traditional 'block' work experience will not be available for current Year 9 students. We anticipate that this more targeted approach will better meet student and employer needs and address 14 to19 curriculum developments.

New arrangements for work placements will be phased in, which will address the recommendations from DCSF and the employer engagement requirements of the 14 to 19 reform programme.

During 09/10 Norfolk Local Authority (LA) will review and agree arrangements for 2010/11 which may include a tendering process for all or some of the EBPO services.

To determine what this new service should provide, an Employer Engagement task and finish group has been set up to prepare an employer engagement plan. This group will determine an employer engagement entitlement for young people in Norfolk; how to align this work with other employer led activity; how many work placements will be required and when and how funding can be better 'marshalled' to support the service. The group will report its recommendations to the 14 to 19 Strategy Group at the end of March 2009 which will inform what type of EBPO service Norfolk will need to commission from April 2010.

We will keep you informed as this important work proceeds to ensure that there is service continuity particularly at a time when the new Diplomas are being introduced and the demands on employers are increasing dramatically.

The documents below are available on the Norfolk LA 14 to 19 website
www.schools.norfolk.gov.uk/go/14to19

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 well being 2008
info@qca.org.uk

3. Building Stronger Partnerships - Schools, Colleges and Children's Services
Building Stronger Partnerships - Employers
www.teachernet.gov.uk/publications