Following the ESFA’s response to the subcontracting consultation, it extended the deadline from 31 December 2020 to 31 January 2021 for the following:
- 16 to 19 provision only: requests to continue with existing “distance learning” arrangements in 2021 to 2022
- 16 to 19 provision only: requests to continue with “whole programme subcontracting” arrangements in 2021 to 2022
- excluding ESF provision and local authorities: cases made to the agency if providers do not think they can reduce their subcontracting
As a response to Covid-19 pressures, it has delayed publishing the follow-up document to the consultation response. When it goes ahead, the publication will set out further detail of what it expects from providers in relation to each reform proposal, including the requests to the agency set out above. Further information will be provided regarding what should be included in the request, where this should be sent to, and by when. The ESFA has removed the deadline of 31 January 2021, and new timelines will be published in the follow-up document.