Agenda item

To note the current landscape and experiences of 16–18-year old’s which is impacting on their participation in education, employment, or training. 

To note the range of interventions currently in place to support young people into EET (education, employment and training) and prevent the incidence of NEET increasing.

To comment and discuss accordingly.

Councillor Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, introduced the report. Participation numbers, cohort growth, progress and challenges were all noted.

The background, including statutory duties, and the current position, including participation rates, were highlighted. It was noted that the vast majority of the cohort were in Education, Employment and Training, and it was highlighted that the Y12 and Y13 figures differed. Priorities around NEET were also highlighted.

Members queried why there was a drop off after October. It was highlighted that there was a drop in January due to the small amount of midyear provision being offered, although Oldham College was looking at January starts.

Members highlighted armed forces provision and queried whether this would qualify a young person as being in EET. It was highlighted that organisations such as the cadets would not qualify due to a defined criteria but that those at the military college would qualify.

Members asked how we compare to other areas. It was highlighted that when tracked against statistical neighbours, Oldham performed better against the NEET average for the Autumn term but fell below the average in the Spring term.

Members queried the figures for ‘unknowns’, and asked what the cost of tracing these was. It was noted that the cost was mainly in officer time and wasn’t measured. It was noted that the unknowns were those who do not engage with the Council when chased up.

Members queried the table on page 15, particularly those not ready for work or learning, noting that it was quite a high figure. It was noted that these would be those who had left school but were not yet ready for college. These young people would still be receiving help, and getting read to reengage with the EET system. Members also asked if homeschooled young people were included in the figures and it was confirmed that they were.

Members highlighted the fact that unknowns could raise safeguarding issues. Members were also informed that Oldham was above its statistical neighbours for unknowns.

Members queried the destination attrition rate, asking what work had been done on this. It was noted that work was being done on this and the team were aware of the high drop out rates. A data-sharing agreement was highlighted with work with the post-16 leaders group, made up colleges and the sixth forms along with other stakeholders.

It was noted that transition work is key as are foundational works, and it was noted that it was easier to prevent NEET than getting young people to reengage with the system.

Members queried the funding bids and asked what this would do and how many places it would provide. It was noted that it would provide 530 places, mainly focused around construction.

Members asked about EBacc and MBacc, querying what preparations had been done for the MBacc. It was noted that the MBacc would be rolled out over 10 years and that some preparatory activity in schools had begun.

Members asked about this work in the context of the wider Employment and Skills strategy, and it was highlighted that this was not a huge shift but rather part of a broader set of work. Members also queried when the next careers convention was and it was noted that there had been one in November 2025 which the team was looking to repeat.

Members queried whether the military preparation college was first come, first served, and it was noted that it was and that Oldham didn’t get any priority for it.

RESOLVED: That the report and the recommendations be noted.