The ESFA has announced more flexibility in the regular minimum English and maths requirements needed to complete an apprenticeship for people with a learning difficulty or disability who have, or previously had, an Education, Health and Care plan, a Statement of Special Educational Needs or a Learning Difficulty Assessment. This has been announced as part of continuing work to implement the recommendations of the Maynard Taskforce on which AELP was directly represented.
The details are outlined here but in summary allow for an adjustment of the regular minimum English and/or maths requirements to Entry Level 3 Functional Skills where:
- The apprentice has either an existing or previously issued Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan, a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) or a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA).
- The provider has conducted an evidenced assessment demonstrating that even with support, reasonable adjustments and stepping stone qualifications the apprentice is not able to achieve English or maths to the minimum level as a result of their learning difficulty or disability.
- The employer and provider must reasonably expect that the apprentice will be able to successfully achieve all other aspects of the apprenticeship requirements, become occupationally competent and achieve Entry Level 3 in the adjusted subject(s) before the end of their apprenticeship.
- There are no minimum requirements in the framework or standard that are higher than the minimum apprenticeship requirements.
Note that ALL of the above conditions must apply for these changes to take effect. The rules apply to all frameworks and standards, all ages of apprentice, and can be applied to existing apprentices. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the National Apprenticeship Service on 0800 015 0400 or the Business Operations Service Centre on servicedesk@sfa.bis.gov.uk