Management Systems for Additional Learner Support

JISC infoNet were partnered with AoC NILTA in a project led by JISC TechDis in 2006 to investigate the use of information systems in FE colleges to support the claiming of funds for Additional Learner Support (ALS).

Background

The Learning Skills Council (LSC) analysis of college claims for additional funding for students identified significant differences between colleges across England in the amount of funding claimed in order to support students with additional learning requirements.

In response JISC TechDis commissioned AoC NILTA, working with JISC infoNet to carry out case studies at five colleges across the country focussing on the systems, both computerised and paper, and the processes supporting those systems that provided the accountability for each college's claim for ALS funding.

Methodology

JISC infoNet provided guidance on Process Review techniques and were instrumental in carrying out the first case study with AoC NILTA, who subsequently carried out a further four case studies. The five colleges surveyed were chosen for both a regional variance and to include colleges of varying size and type/specialism.

Once all five colleges had been visited and a review of their processes and systems had been completed, JISC infoNet facilitated a one-day workshop on 11 May 2006 at the JISC TechDis offices at the Higher Education Academy, attended by representatives of the five colleges, JISC TechDis and AoC NILTA, to review the findings and to identify examples of good practice, common needs and requirements and common problems faced by the colleges.

Outputs

A report to the LSC including a list of recommendations agreed during the workshop was completed. A brochure summarising the key findings was launched at the AoC Conference in March 2007 and was sent to all colleges.

The report, brochure and the five case studies are available for download from the JISC TechDis website: http://www.techdis.ac.uk/getALSsystems