II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKH3
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The purpose of this competition for Lot 4 “Full qualifications” is to invite bids to create and deliver new intensive and flexible Maths Functional Skills Qualification courses targeted at adults 19+ who have not previously attained a GCSE Grade 4/C or Level 2 maths qualification.
In line with the Department for Education definition, Functional Skills qualifications should enable the learner to develop confidence in using mathematics and provide a foundation for progression into employment or further technical education and develop skills for everyday life, where the skills gained can be applied to solve mathematical problems. The purpose of Level 1 and Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics qualifications is to demonstrate a sound grasp of mathematical skills at the appropriate level and the ability to apply mathematical thinking effectively to solve problems successfully in the workplace and in other real-life situations.
Experience shows that skills providers in general commit 100% of their adult education budget in the Autumn term or risk reductions in subsequent years. ECC will encourage successful bidders to link with other Multiply providers from other Lots over time to encourage bite size learners from other Lots to progress to full qualifications throughout the year, particularly outside of the Autumn term.
Multiply in Essex is keen to fund additional Maths Functional Skills Qualifications at NVQ 1 and NVQ 2 under this Lot. This aims to help adults to progress in learning and employment.
Consideration would be given to funding additional Maths Functional Skills Qualifications at Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3, although bidders would need to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate how these courses would generate exceptional impact and align with Multiply outcomes.
Functional Skills Qualifications should be accredited by a recognised national awarding body. To avoid duplication with Adult Education Budget (AEB) funding qualifications, these should begin throughout the academic year, rather than at the standard September start.
Expected duration of training courses is up to 55 guided learning hours.
Learners will be expected to sit an examination at the end of the course to quantify their learning and provide them with certification as proof of their new skills.
Examinations should be administered and certification awarded by a recognised, independent, national awarding body; the cost of which should be covered by the grant funding applied for.
Examinations can be conducted via in person or remote (online) invigilation. Accessibility considerations need to be made as appropriate for learners.
This Lot will fund only one Maths Functional Skills Qualification per learner at each qualification level. Grant funding will not cover resits for failed exams; any resit taken would need to be funded by alternative means.
Learners will not be permitted to be enrolled if they are already enrolled in another Maths Functional Skills Qualification course, whether funded through Multiply or not.
Only substantive learning will be accepted for this tender and will be recorded in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). Substantive learning (formal or informal) is learning being delivered in two or more hours.
Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that Multiply training / learning will not be subject to Ofsted inspections in Year 2 (2023-2024).
Outreach activities (a.k.a. non-substantive learning) should not be recorded in the ILR. Instead, contact details (name, address, email, phone number & date of birth) should be collected from those engaged to enable follow up and marketing at a later date.
Potential learners that are not ready for Maths Functional Skills Qualifications should be referred to bite-size Multiply provision under other Lots.
Where required, ECC will initially facilitate the introduction between multiply providers to discuss options as described in 3.3 and 3.16. Information about other Multiply providers and partners will be provided to successful bidders by ECC.
ECC require the providers’ written confirmation that their organisation has obtained personal data and image sharing consent from learners taking part in associated Multiply in Essex courses, before sharing that learner personal data and/ or images with ECC. Providers will obtain consent by means of their choice (paper or digital format) however this should mention that this information will be shared with ECC.
Bidders should ensure that learners receive appropriate support during their course, including Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG).
Bidders are expected to have staffing and a delivery base in Essex or alternative local facilities to target and deliver provision to the businesses and residents of Essex. Online provision is an accepted method of delivery however, this must be part of a blended digital offer including virtual classroom, access to a tutor, learning and additional support.
Learners supported by this funding must reside or work in Essex (i.e. the area defined as political Essex and not including Southend-on-Sea or Thurrock).
We particularly welcome provision targeting key levelling up areas captured in the Levelling Up Essex White Paper: Basildon (Housing Estates); Rural Braintree; Harlow; Tendring: Canvey Island; Colchester (Housing Estates).
Grant Agreements shall not exceed 12 months.
Service Providers should act in accordance with the Southend Essex and Thurrock (SET) Safeguarding Adults Guidelines. This details the process of how to report incidents and safeguard vulnerable adults. Service Providers should also be aware of and implement procedures around reporting domestic abuse, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and other forms of hidden harm. Service Providers must have their own safeguarding policy which should be kept updated.
The maximum cost per learner for this requirement (Lot 4) is £17.50 per guided learning hour.
Bidders may bid above a minimum value of £10,000 and up to a maximum of £100,000 in this mini competition.
Minimum number of learners for this mini competition is 11.
II.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion: Quality
/ Weighting: 100
Price
/ Weighting:
0
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No