LSIS to close by August 2013

The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS) has initiated a managed exit after the government announced plans to cease funding it by next August.

On a phased basis beginning from March 2013, LSIS will wind down the delivery of courses, training conferences and other support, including the provision of grants direct to providers.

The group expects to announce specific dates next year on when its programmes and services will cease.

Rob Wye, chief executive of LSIS, said: “It is our aim to provide the planned high quality support and services we have already committed to at least until the end of this financial year, and in some cases through to the end of the academic year. It is vital that those who are committed to improvement activities over this period are not impeded in achieving their goals.

“For a significant proportion of the improvement services that LSIS has delivered so successfully for the sector over the last four years, it is expected that these will end completely by August 2013. We will also be exploring alternative destinations for our programmes and activities, so that the sector may continue to have expertly trained leaders and governors, continued support for teaching and learning, and assistance with its own improvement.”

Chair of LSIS, Dame Ruth Silver, said: “LSIS has accelerated the drive for excellence. Providers who have benefited from our support have demonstrated that improvement is possible. We know that those colleges and providers supported by LSIS improved by at least one grade in their next inspection. Consequently, the sector has leaders who are better equipped to face the challenges ahead and governors who are clearer about the role they must now play. Practitioners tell us that having been supported by us they now are able to provide a more tailored and effective approach to teaching which better meets learners needs

“The recent Ofsted Chief Inspector’s report made it clear that more is now expected of providers across the sector. I am confident that because of the work of LSIS they are now better able to respond to these expectations. It is my aspiration that other organisations will now work with us to secure the future of services that the sector will continue to need.”

Natalie Thornhill