Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009

Commentary on Sections

Part 3: the Young People’s Learning Agency for England

Chapter 2: Main Functions

Miscellaneous

Section 71: Research, information and advice

211.Section 71 gives the YPLA the power to carry out research relating to any matter relevant to any of its functions. This is likely to include, for example, collating and analysing regional research and intelligence to support local education authority 14 to 19 partnership plans and 16 to18 commissioning plans.

212.It enables the Secretary of State to require the YPLA to provide information or advice, and gives the YPLA the power to provide information or advice to the Secretary of State, in relation to any of its functions.

213.The YPLA will have the power to provide information to any person designated by the Secretary of State. This will, for instance, enable the YPLA:

• To provide local education authorities with analysis of provider performance covering all types of provision they will be required to secure under their new powers conferred upon them under this Act (see Part 2 of this Act).

• To inform local education authorities about the type and extent of the support their learners are receiving.

214.In order to carry out these functions, the YPLA must establish systems for collecting information designed to secure that YPLA decisions are made on a sound basis.

215.The YPLA may also secure facilities and services for providing information, advice or guidance about education, training or connected matters including employment.