Agenda item

(1)       Mr Forward introduced a report which provided an overview of the performance of the Adult Education and KEY Training services which were now managed together as a single business unit.  The report also identified some of the major challenges and opportunities which had been met in the last 3 years and other challenges which were anticipated. 

(2)       Mr Forward highlighted the challenge of the likely downward pressure on funding for post 19 skills.  Although the details of funding and the impact on Kent were not available he identified the challenge as one of maintaining both universal and targeted services if funding was reduced.  Information on funding should be available in next 4 or 5 weeks.  When this information was available it would be circulated to Members.

(3)       The Chairman, on behalf of the Committee, thanked staff in the Adult Education unit for their work on delivering services to a high standard in a challenging environment.  

(4)       In response to a question on the reduction in people using KEY training services in Maidstone, Mr Forward explained that in Maidstone this training was school based around the young apprentice programme.

(5)       It was suggested that the reduction in fees for adult education for the over 60s and also free provision for the deaf should be highlighted.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.