The September Guarantee is an offer, by the end of September, of a place of learning to young people completing compulsory education. The Guarantee was implemented nationally in 2007 and was extended to 17 year olds in 2008 to allow those who enrol on one year or short courses further opportunities to engage in learning.
The offer must be one of the following:
- full or part-time education in school, sixth form college, independent learning provider or FE college;
- an apprenticeship or programme-led apprenticeship (this must include both the training element and a job or work placement);
- Entry to Employment (e2e);
- Employment with training to NVQ level 2.
The Guarantee has a number of key elements:
- ensuring all young people in Year 11 receive the information, advice and guidance they need to apply for appropriate post-16 provision;
- making an offer by the end of September, of a place in learning that takes into account the level of provision required by the young person, its location, occupational sector and learning method;
- tracking applications and offers of learning made to young people so that those who have yet to apply for learning, or have yet to receive an offer can be identified and given ongoing support;
- collating and sharing the 'intended destinations' data with partners, so that provision can be planned and commissioned to meet the needs of young people;
- ensuring that there are sufficient, appropriate learning places to meet the needs of young people in the area.
What part should my child's school play in this?
It is essential that young people completing Year 11 and their parents/carers know how to access information, advice and guidance during the summer. This is particularly important for those who have not yet secured a place to continue learning post-16, and for those who change their minds about what they want to do when they get their GCSE results.
Schools should make sure that they communicate this information both to Year 11 leavers and their parents/carers, either in their end of term letter or by other means. This message should:
- remind all Year 11 leavers that they are guaranteed an offer, by the end of September, of a post-16 learning place that meets their needs;
- encourage young people who have not yet secured a learning place to keep in contact with the school and/or Connexions service. It is also important that young people apply for the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) as soon as possible, even if they have not yet found a learning place. This allows the application process to be completed before they begin learning;
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set out the local arrangements for contacting the school careers service, or local Connexions Service during the summer;
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say what support your child's school will be making available to young people on 'GCSE results day'.
