Collaborative Approaches to 14-19 Provision - Communities and ...

14-19 PATHFINDERS: THE SECOND YEARemployers representatives had not borne much fruit. There was somewhat stronger employerengagement in the South-West where the employment base is somewhat more clearlydefined, although here, as in the East, the work-based learning route remained weak.314. Discussions have begun on the implications of 14-16 development for post-16provision and it is anticipated that this will be taken on in the second year of pathfinder.However, it was argued, convincingly, that the key early objectives involved establishing andstrengthening collaborative cultures and structures and working hard to broaden thecurriculum at 14-16.315. Throughout our visit considerable concern was expressed about the sustainability ofdevelopments. The pathfinder had balanced subsidies for provision with wider developmentactivities, and schools had been prepared to take on some of the costs of provision, but therewas anxiety that this may have to be cut back. These concerns were exacerbated by the twoyearspan of funding for the Phase Two pathfinder areas, which will reduce the fundingavailable in the middle of two year programmes and at the point a second Year 10 cohortwould be due to start.98