Slide 1- RNIB Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET )

1. Slide 1- RNIB Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) Meeting Needs and Making Effective Use of Resources The RNIB College Partnership Programme Kevin Connell RNIB Strategic Advisor

2. Slide 2 - The Model • At least one College Partnership in each LSC region • “Hub” Specialist Centre • Joint Visual Impairment Support Service With Outreach • National network of expertise • RNIB PCET strategy ' Learning to Include’ • Raising levels of participation among blind and partially sighted learners • Raising the quality of local provision

3. Slide 3 - External Factors • Extension of the Disability Discrimination Act • Inclusive learning • Legal obligation to promote equality • Develop capacity in the sector • Funding methodology • Regionalisation • Government desire for partnership with the voluntary sector

4. Slide 4 - RNIB Strategy • RNIB commitment to contribute to the development of the infrastructure necessary to facilitate high quality learning by providing: • Training • Consultancy • Partnership in direct service delivery • Full support from both DfES and LSC • Remaining role for specialist colleges

5. Slide 5 - Benefits For Learners • High quality learning experience locally • Continuing family and community support • Consistent, unified case management • Coherent integrated health/care provision • Access to a wider curriculum • Transport issue?

6. Slide 6 - benefits for Staff and Providers • Direct staff support from qualified specialists • Set and meet high service standards • Contribute to continuous quality improvement • Meet statutary obligations • Fit with LSC Strategy

7. Slide 7 - Business overview • Low Incidence, High Cost • Not cost-effective for all providers • Initial development funding • Self financing in 3 years • Recurrent funding through ALS • Residential, Health/Care costs met locally

8. Slide 8 - Staffing • Specialist joint staff team based in 'Hub' centre • Key Specialist Tutor/Organiser Role • Input from RNIB regional team • Specialist Learning Support Assistants

9. Slide 9 - Specialist provision • Specialist needs assessment • Support for tutors and learners on mainstream programmes • Specialist teaching • Access technology, training and technical support • Adaptation and transcription of materials • Mobility training? • Braille, low vision support • Residential learning environment? • Extended curriculum, independent living • Specialist facilities

10. Slide 10 - How is the service working in the North West • Grade 1 Ofsted inspection report praised the RNIB/LCC partnership • Joint self assessment report grade 1 • Good evaluation by Independent Consultant • Learner perspective informs development of service • 100% staff and learner satisfaction with quality of support

11. Slide 11 - Partnership Progress in Other Regions • North East • Signed strategic agreement with Regional Director of LSC • Newcastle College and Middlesbrough College • Joint strategic management group formed • VI support service co-ordinator appointed • Dissemination event held at Ramside hall for 70 delegates

12. Slide 12 - Partnership Progress in Other Regions (cont) • Yorks & Humber • Park Lane College Leeds • Strategic management group formed • VI support service co-ordinator appointed

13. Slide 13 - Partnership Progress in Other Regions (cont.) • South West • City of Bristol College • Joint strategic management group formed • Seconded VI support service co-ordinator in position

14. Slide 14 - Partnership Progress in Other Regions (cont.) • Planning seminar led by Coventry and Warwickshire LSC • Appointed an LSC consultant to undertake initial scoping and modelling exercise West Midlands

15. Slide 15 - Conclusion • Evidence that partnership works • Blind and partially sighted learners want this support • END