To ask the Minister for the Economy, pursuant to AQW 6571/17-22, for an update on (i) issues that exist within further education colleges regarding capacity and social distancing; (ii) any new delivery models introduced to assist remote learning; and (iii) what steps have been taken to address capacity issues regarding schools’ partnership programmes with colleges.

(i) In compliance with the Framework for Safe Resumption of On-Site Education and Related Activity (Framework Document), which was developed by the Advisory and Oversight Group (AOG) established by the Department, the FE colleges are maximising the number of learners as it is safe to facilitate on-site and delivering virtual learning when social distancing requirements restricts capacity. Current delivery models include a blend of both face-to-face and virtual learning, with the colleges balancing the delivery to take account of the level of the provision, needs of the course and the maturity of the learner. Since 16 October 2020, the NI Executive has introduced a number of additional, time bound Covid-19 related restrictions which require FE colleges to adjust

their delivery models to ensure that they are delivering distance learning to the maximum extent possible, with face-to-face learning taking place when it is a necessary and unavoidable part of the course. These restrictions ended at midnight on 19th November 2020, but will be introduced again at midnight on 26th November 2020 for a further two weeks. When these time bound restrictions end, assuming no further restrictions are introduced, FE colleges will make plans to return to face-to-face onsite delivery for as many learners as it is safe to do so in accordance with the Framework Document.

(ii) A working group has been set up to develop a sector-wide approach to the development and delivery of on-line learning across colleges. This enables the sharing of knowledge and skills between colleges and the adoption, where possible, of standard communication tools such as MS Teams which facilitates the sharing of standard e-learning packages for staff and learners between colleges.

(iii) Department for the Economy officials have met with colleagues from the Department of Education over the last number of months in order to develop a shared understanding of the needs of schools and the pressures and implications for Further Education colleges, and to seek a resolution to these. As a result of these discussions, local solutions between colleges and schools at an individual level have been identified, implemented in many cases, and appear to be working well.