NUS celebrates a 'learners' FE Bill'
The National Union of Students (NUS) today (21 November 2006) welcomed the Further Education and Training Bill, saying that it was a 'step forward for learners across the country' and a 'real achievement for The National Union'.
This legislation has been secured as a direct result of an organised, student led, campaign that has been met at the top with enthusiasm and commitment.
The Bill offers a radical attempt to address the age-old problem of how to increase learner voice in further education, by securing in legislation the right for students to be consulted. Further details of this will be set out in guidance in the coming months.
NUS Vice-President (Further Education) Ellie Russell said;
"Today, learners across the country say thank you to the government for listening. For years NUS has argued and lobbied that learners should be at the heart of their education provision. Whist many we have spoken to have had good intentions, only this government has taken on board the views of students to make this a 'learners' FE Bill'.
The modernising FE aspects of the Bill will be a central plank on the road map to self-regulation. They will provide learners with the tools to shape their learning experiences. Combining this with the inclusion of legislation to ensure learner voice is heard and that principles are adequately qualified has resulted in a Bill with learners at its heart."
She added:
"However, putting learner voice in primary legislation is only the first step. We look forward to taking this forward with FE colleges across the country, the DfES and the LSC to ensure this Bill makes a real, tangible difference to the quality of the learning experience."
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