Rob WilliamsonSGI Co-ordinatorConnexions Kent & MedwaySt. Michael’s houseSt. Michael’s RoadSittingbourneKent ME10 3SWTel: 01795 412251robwilliamson@connexionskentandmedway.co.uk Presentation Nine: The Area Prospectus and CAP, afternoon session.

Agenda

• History of Kent & Medway involvement in Area Prospectus and online applications

• Evaluation 2007-2008

• What makes it work in Kent

Kent and Medway

• Two authorities

• Grammar schools

• Kent largest UK local Authority, broken down by LSC into 10 Planning Forum Areas

• 23 Local Children’s Services Partnerships

Medway

• 2003 strategic review of Medway

• Paper prospectus and paper monitoring of September Guarantee led to:

• VIS electronic prospectus and online applications pilot 2005-2006

• Live online applications in Medway and in three Kent planning forum areas 2006-2007

2007-2008:

• Medway Area prospectus and online applications provided by VIS. Managed by the Local Authority.

• Kent Area Prospectus supplied by S-cool and Managed by Connexions

Challenge created by switch of prospectus supplier

• Six months to populate Area Prospectus to meet September 2007 deadline

• No online application software at time of winning contract

• Keeping momentum

• Two systems across Kent and Medway

Evaluation 2007 – 2008

5 Planning Forum 40% of Year 11 cohort

Key findings:

Learner interaction• Introduction to website best done in a structured session in

school• Introduction part of a broader CEG programme • Attention given to selection of passwords• Support available at key times• Access to the internet• Learners must have access to their online accounts at the

earliest point at which local providers are accepting applications

Consistency

• From providers, schools and PAs regarding how to apply• Course information

Training

• Must be thorough and ongoing

Software shortcomings

• Where to begin?

Learner Feedback 2007-2008

• 61% of learners thought that as a result of kentchoices4u.com they were more aware of their post 16 options

• 75% thought it had been easy or very easy to apply online

• 66% of learners preferred to apply online

Learner Feedback 2007-2008

They liked:

• drafting applications online

• the ability to send applications to more than one provider

• Information being in one place, but where critical of the quality of information by some providers

• and some thought it was a safe method of applying

Usage 2007-2008

• Area prospectus over 55,000 hits

• 4300 learners applied online – 61% of total eligible

• 78% activated their online accounts

• 3647 offers received online

• Learners made on average 1.6 applications

• 82% of learners with an offer only held one offer

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10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

% of Yr 11 who have applied online by area - May 08

Dover, Deal &Sandwich

62

Gravesend 53

Medway Valley 54

Shepway 46

Thanet 79

% of total cohort 61

1

Impact on September Guarantee and NEETs

• By July 08, 98% online application schools offer detail captured compared to 37% from paper application schools

• Evaluation report to be revisited when November NEET stats established

Comparison NEET totals Oct 07 & Oct 08

AreaNEET numbers 16-18

NEETnumbers 16-18

Numberincreases/decrease

In Period Oct-07 Oct-08  

Ashford 170 143 -27

Canterbury 259 299 40

Dartford 204 182 -22

Dover 263 150 -113

Folkestone 222 177 -45

Gravesend 267 214 -53

Maidstone 383 413 30

Swale 431 325 -106

Thanet 395 290 -105

Tonbridge 173 232 59

  2767 2425  

2008 -2009

• 7 Planning forum areas and one consortium involved

• 60% or Kent Year 11 (11,300 learners)

Usage 3rd Nov 08 to date

• 14,170 hits• 4607 unlocked their accounts• 673 learners have made an application

Comparison of hits 3- 20th Nov 07-08 & 08-09

What makes it work in Kent?

• A clearly defined rationale

• Buy in at senior and local level

• Consultation

• Impartiality

• Customer care

Senior buy in

• Strategic Partnership• Kent County Council, Connexions & L.S.C.

• College Principals• Work Based Learning• Steering Group• County NEET strategy

Local buy in:

Strategy of gradual roll out across Kent, via Planning Forums requiring buy in of every school within that area.

• Planning Forums – Head teachers

• Operational forums – Deputies

• Teaching staff

Consultation

• Software development

• Work with FE colleges

• Work with schools

• Work based learning providers

Impartiality

Our role is to reflect their practices, not impose a new centralised system.

• Schools control their area of the Area Prospectus, their application processes and timetable

• Positive impact on quality of application process

Customer Care

• Area Prospectus Team (4 membersof staff)• Local• Training

• Area events• individual • ongoing training

• Limited admin support• Telephone support

A possible vision for Kent

A secure platform with flexible services supporting primary school learners through to key stage 5

• Interoperability

• Single sign

Challenges 2008-2009

• Logistics of over 60% Yr 11 eligible for online applications

• Engaging remaining areas• Cross border issues• Engaging learners on fringes mainstream education• Embedding online applications/ September

Guarantee into school and Connexion’s work practice and other NEET strategies