2. Policy Context Joining up Agendas Responsible Agencies £ Education Skills Employment 5 year strategy for Learners Every Child Matters framework 14-19 Education & Skills Paper Higher Standards: Better Skills for All Paper 14-19 Implementation Plan Education and Inspections Bill Foster Review, Leitch Report, FE White Paper Little Report in to Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities Local Government Act Childrens Services Learning & Skills Council Sector Skills Council Government Office Job Centre Plus Regional Strategic Partnership Regional Development Agency Providers of Learning Connexions Sector Skills Development Agency Learning Skills Network Quality Improvement Agency

3. North East Economic Performance is Poor Below National achievement of level 2 at 19 Higher than National average proportion of 16-18 year olds not in education, employment or training Higher than average rate of worklessness Regional learning and skills issues Higher proportion of young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities than the National average Low levels of literacy and numeracy reflect areas of social deprivation Skill level of adults lower than National average Net importer of students but not graduates Below National achievement of level 2 at 16 Progression to Higher Education lower than National averages Productivity Participation Skills Wages Investment Business start-up

4. 1.The Role of Employers e.g. - Young apprenticeship programme - Train to Gain Is it realistic and sustainable? 2.Qualification Reform e.g. - Specialised Diplomas - Functional Skills Is it radical and relevant ? 3.Information Advice and Guidance e.g. - On line prospectus - Connexion Service Can it reach ALL those not engaged ?

5. 4. Is being not engaged a rational choice? 5.Can you have high aspirations and stay in the North East ? 5.Can further improvement and analysis of education and the learning and skills sector ever address the issues?