ENTITLEMENT FUNDING FOR POST-16 EDUCATION PROVIDERS

<p>That this House opposes the decision to reduce Young People's Learning Agency entitlement funding for all post-16 providers; notes that entitlement funding is currently used to provide essential tutorial and enrichment activities such as sport, drama, dance, music, extra-curricular subject-based clubs, provision of health education and access to professional counselling; further notes that this policy represents a funding cut of approximately 12 per cent. for sixth form colleges; further notes that, unlike schools and general further education colleges, sixth form colleges frequently have no other provision from which to subsidise a cut in 16 to 18 funding; is concerned that this reduction in funding for tutorial time will have a negative impact on students, leading to a narrowing of their educational experience and holistic learning and development and an increase in drop-out rates; is further concerned about the effect this cut will have on staff morale and the possibility that it could lead to staff redundancies; and calls on the Government to reconsider its decision to reduce funding for tutorial and enrichment activities.</p>