Over the last few months and in the light of both national and local developments, the 14-19 Strategy Group has considered various possibilities for Norfolk's 'Next Steps' in meeting the challenge of the 14-19 Reform. These have been discussed both in Area Learning Boards and in meetings with education and training leaders as well as with employers and economic development officers.

The 14-19 Strategy Group has decided that from September 2009 Area Learning Boards will be superseded by formalised local 14-19 partnerships. These will implement 14-19 reform at a local level on behalf of the County 14-19 Strategy Group. Given the strength of existing consortia arrangements that have developed informally, often in response to the requirements of the Diploma Gateway, the 14-19 Strategy Group is confident that a smooth transition will be possible.

Indeed, the 14-19 Strategy Group believes that a more robust and responsive 14-19 'system' for Norfolk is within sight and this will ensure that the three goals of 14-19 Reform - that contribute to Norfolk's Children and Young People's Plan - are given due prominence :

	To ensure that all young people participate in education or training until at least their 18th birthday; that stretches and challenges them to achieve their potential and enables them to go on to FE/HE or skilled employment
	To give young people the knowledge and skills that employers and the economy need to prosper in 21st Century
	To close the achievement gap so that all have an equal opportunity to succeed, irrespective of gender, race, disability or background.

This letter sets out some of the practicalities that will be involved in making the transition over the next few months. The process is being led by Gordon Boyd, 14-19 Director, and Norfolk's 14-19 Development Team on behalf of the 14-19 Strategy Group. The timescale is attached as Appendix One.

Stage 1: Methodology for accrediting 'Local 14-19 Partnerships'

It will be necessary to ensure that all High Schools, Special Schools and Pupil Referral Units belong to a local 14-19 partnership. The six Colleges and relevant Work Based Learning Providers need to be full members of appropriate partnerships and in some cases they will belong to several. Conversations with existing partnerships/consortia will explore how they provide appropriate coherent geographical coverage and acknowledge natural 'travel to learn' patterns.

Accreditation of local 14-19 partnerships will be against a simple 'health check' that the strategic group of the local partnership will undertake with Gordon Boyd and the 14-19 Development Team. This is attached as Appendix Two. Also attached (as Appendix Three) are the outline Terms of Reference for a Norfolk local 14-19 partnership.

An annual review of local Partnership working will become an element of the 14-19 'progress check' and planning process and this will ensure that the three goals of 14-19 Reform mentioned above continue to be given high priority.

Stage 2: Providing 'management capacity' for accredited Local 14-19 Partnerships

Once accredited, discussion will take place with each Local 14-19 Partnership to allocate Local Authority 14-19 Collaborative Funding to provide 'management capacity'. Those funded to provide such 'management capacity' will

	work closely with the local partners to develop the full range of 14-19 reforms
	work in partnership with the County 14-19 Development Team.

The level of funding for each Partnership will be calculated using the proxy of Year 10 learners on the combined rolls of the High Schools and Special Schools in the Local 14-19 Partnership. Gordon Boyd will discuss with the strategic group of the Partnership whether the funding will best

	either be used to employ a 'partnership manager'. In this case, the funding might be used to cover part or all of the costs of an existing employee. If a new appointment is to be made, the Local 14-19 Partnership and the 14-19 Development Team will collaborate in the appointment process.
	or be used to provide for the Partnership with a given number of 'days per week' of 'partnership manager' time.

The 14-19 Strategy Group has still to decide whether contractual arrangements should be held by the Local Authority or by one of the institutions in the partnership. Regardless of the outcome of this discussion, those appointed to provide 'management capacity' will have common elements in their job descriptions, will have an accountability to the local partnership and to the County 14-19 team and will work as full members of the combined leadership and management teams of the relevant local 14-19 partnership. They will be based locally, preferably in one of the partner organisations.

For further details about the transition process, please contact Gordon Boyd, 14-19 Director, at Norwich Professional Development Centre on 01603 433276.

Thank you for all that you and your colleagues are already doing to make 14-19 Reform a reality for Norfolk's young people.