Widening access to HE through the LLN Val Keeling Riverside College Halton

LLN – a partnership 2 HE institutions (plus Open University) 14 FE institutions Support from: –Connexions –Aim Higher –Learning and Skills Councils –Local Authorities

Courses being delivered from Sept 2007 FD Integrated Practice, Early Years and Young People (3 colleges and Edge Hill University) Year 0 (3 colleges and Liverpool University)

FD Integrated Practice, Early Years and Young People at Riverside College Halton Validated in May students enrolled 8/12 in full time employment

Structure of the programme 1 full day in college 1 day in the work place 8/15 modules assessed in the workplace

Recruitment Late validation Traditionally looking at level 3 students Structure of the course to also encourage students in full time employment.

Profile of the students 7/11 in full time employment 4 work in Nurseries and Childrens centres 3 work with Young People with disabilities in the community 4 come from level 3 courses and placements have been found for them

Payment of fees Halton Borough have funds from the Government’s Transformation fund Fund for up skilling the workforce towards level 6 to encompass issues relating to every child matters

Transformation Fund An additional resource to local authorities and their partners for the training and development of the early years workforce.

How are these students different? Many that are working have an NVQ level 3 Traditionally would not go to University students come from a variety of backgrounds. Allows students to ‘earn and learn’ Employer is paying the fees

07/08 36 students Internal progression Workplace Website

Success of the course Meets the needs of the students Meets the needs of the employers Close collaboration/support between the HEI and other colleges