SurreyFE Response to Every Child Achieving and Thriving (February, 26)

SurreyFE was established in 2023 as an umbrella brand to demonstrate a unified commitment to collaborative working across Surrey’s FE colleges. We welcome the government’s ambition to tackle inequality from early years through to adulthood. Alongside the current Ofsted framework and the Post-16 Skills White Paper, the SEND White Paper creates a significant climate for positive change. However, for this vision to succeed, it must be supported by flexible funding, realistic curriculum goals and a recognition that success is not solely defined by qualifications.

We believe that a learner’s journey is about more than just a qualification; supporting learners from the outset is critical for positive outcomes.

• Belonging: Learners achieve best when they feel safe and connected. Our colleges facilitate this by cultivating a “sense of place” where our most vulnerable students thrive.
• EHCP Reform: The current Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) landscape is overly complex for parents and carers. We advocate for a standardised approach tied to defined support packages rather than vague wording.
• Shared Responsibility: We seek deeper collaboration with families, schools, and local authorities to ensure holistic support. This shared responsibility is essential for creating seamless transitions, particularly for those at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

While we welcome the introduction of “stepping stone” qualifications at Level 1, government must consider:

• The GCSE Barrier: For many learners, achieving a GCSE Grade 4 in English and Mathematics is unsurmountable. We believe colleges are better placed to empower young people with essential life and work skills rather than focusing on Grade 4 as the primary measure of success.
• Holistic Development: Our role is to prepare young people for progression, employment, and independence. Enrichment activities and work placements are vital in fostering ambition and personal growth.
• Active Citizenship: By acknowledging progress throughout the entire learning journey, we enable young people to become active, contributing citizens.

As anchor institutions, we welcome the White Paper’s ethos but highlight the structural requirements needed to fulfil it.

• The Dual Professional Challenge: We celebrate the ambition to invest in SEND and inclusion training. However, policymakers must recognise that many FE teachers are “dual professionals”—industry practitioners who need dedicated time and investment to understand and motivate their learners.
• Local Accountability: A coherent network of services requires strong strategic planning and a robust role for local authorities. We note that shared accountability may be more challenging in areas currently undergoing Local Government Reorganisation.
• Funding Alignment: The ambitions of the White Paper must be matched with appropriate funding and flexibility in curriculum design to be sustainable.

SurreyFE is fully committed to the inclusive approach embedded within our organisations. We recognise the positive impact of young people engaging with their local communities and stand ready to work with the government to build a truly cohesive system.