NEW DEAL FOR LONE PARENTS (NDLP) - NEW DEAL FOR PARTNERS (NDP) - Revised April 2007 Operational Guidelines for Contracted Providers of ...
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NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
NEW DEAL FOR LONE PARENTS
(NDLP)
NEW DEAL FOR PARTNERS
(NDP)
Operational Guidelines
for Contracted Providers of
Pre-employment Training Courses
Effective from April 2003
Revised April 2007
April 2007 1NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
CONTENTS
Paragraph(s)
Introduction 1
NDLP Background 2–5
NDP Background 6
Opportunities for Lone Parents and Partners 7 - 10
Eligibility (NDLP) 11
Eligibility (NDP) 12
Sexual Orientation Discrimination Legislation 13
Referrals to Pre –Employment Training Courses 14 - 17
Attendance 18 - 20
Claims for On - Programme Fees 21 – 23
Claims for Output Related Funding (ORF) 24 - 26
Training Premium 27 - 31
Travel 32 - 36
Childcare 37
Flexible Attendance 38 – 39
Funding 40 - 45
General 46 – 48
Essential Skills 49 – 61
Page(s)
Annex A – Approved Pre-employment Training Courses 23 - 27
Annex B – Claims Timetable 28
Annex C – Eligibility Criteria 29
Annex D - Contribution to Childcare Costs 30 – 33
Annex E – List of Forms 34
April 2007 2NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
NEW DEAL FOR LONE PARENTS (NDLP)
NEW DEAL FOR PARTNERS (NDP)
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR CONTRACTED PROVIDERS
OF PRE-EMPLOYMENT TRAINING COURSES
Introduction
1. These operational guidelines are designed to detail the
procedures to be followed by contracted providers in the
delivery of approved Pre-employment Training Courses to
New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP)/New Deal for Partners
(NDP) participants. They form part of the contractual
agreement with the Department as set out in Clause 3 of the
contract.
NDLP Background
2. New Deal for Lone Parents (NDLP) is part of the
Government’s ‘Welfare to Work’ initiative which was first
introduced in July 1998 to help lone parents move from benefit
dependency into employment.
3. Following the transfer of responsibility for the NDLP
programme in it’s entirety from the Department for Social
Development (DSD) to the Department for Employment and
Learning (DEL) on 31 October 2005, DEL now has policy and
operational responsibility for the delivery of the NDLP
programme through the network of Jobs & Benefits
offices/JobCentres throughout Northern Ireland.
4. NDLP is a voluntary programme which aims to encourage lone
parents to improve their prospects and living standards by
improving their job readiness, and by taking up or increasing
paid work. The programme is open to lone parents in receipt
of Income Support and/or certain other Social Security
benefits, as well as lone parents not in receipt of benefit who
are not working or working less than 16 hours per week.
5. Lone parents are advised of the NDLP programme when
attending mandatory Work-focused Interviews (WfIs) carried
out by Personal Advisers in their local Jobs & Benefits
office/Social Security Office. Those who express an interest in
April 2007 3NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
participating are referred to a New Deal Personal Adviser
(NDPA). NDPAs are based in Jobs & Benefits offices
/JobCentres throughout Northern Ireland. The NDPA will
conduct a series of interviews with the lone parent in order to
draw up an Action Plan aimed at finding suitable employment.
Lone parents are also advised of current job vacancies
available through their local Jobs & Benefits office/JobCentre.
NDP Background
6. New Deal for Partners (NDP) is a voluntary programme and is
one part of the Government’s Welfare to Work initiative. It is
aimed at reducing the number of households where no one
works by encouraging unemployed partners of benefit
claimants to become economically active. NDP aims to help
partners to find work or improve their employment prospects. It
can also help partners already working part-time to increase
their hours. NDP also provides access to vocational training
for those seeking work to enable them to update previous
skills or gain new skills.
As with all New Deal initiatives the primary purpose of NDP is
to help partners into employment. This should always remain
the focus of the programme, with the objective of helping the
partner find work at the earliest opportunity. However, it is
recognised that some partners may require a period of
vocational training in order to equip them with relevant skills to
compete effectively for available jobs.
In the April 2003 budget it was announced that the New Deal
for Partners would be enhanced and revised from April 2004
to support the introduction of Work focused Interviews for
Partners. The enhanced programme provides the same level
of support and programme provision that is currently available
to lone parents within the NDLP programme. The enhanced
NDP programme has been available nationally from 12 April
2004.
NDP is open to all eligible partners. The eligibility groups for
NDP are partners of claimants who are in receipt of any of the
following benefits:
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
• Income Support (IS);
April 2007 4NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
• Incapacity Benefit (IB);
• Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA);
• Carer’s Allowance (CA);
• Partners of people in receipt of Pension Credit, who are
not working or working less than 24 hours a week;
• Either member of a working couple in receipt of Working
Tax Credit, who is either not working or working less than
16 hours a week.
NDP is a voluntary programme and the claimant’s benefit is
not affected if the partner chooses not to take part in the
programme or leaves the programme.
Opportunities for Lone Parents and Partners
7. Where a lone parent/partner is not immediately ready to take
up employment e.g. lack of skills or qualifications or has been
out of the labour market for some time and requires some
training before being in a position to apply for employment, the
NDPA will advise them of the help available through the
NDLP/NDP programme.
8. The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), in
conjunction with the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
(QCA), maintains an approved list of pre-employment training
courses lasting up to 13 weeks which are available to
NDLP/NDP participants. Funding is based on actual
attendance and there is provision for flexible hours of
attendance, where this can be accommodated by the
Provider, and where it may be more suited to the lone parent’s
domestic responsibilities. All courses are accredited by
nationally recognised Awarding Bodies and lead to the award
of a certificate. A list of NDLP/NDP approved pre-employment
training courses is attached at Annex A. Only those courses
approved by the Department are eligible for funding.
9. While participating in approved pre-employment training
courses within NDLP/NDP, lone parents/partners continue to
retain their entitlement to benefits for the duration of the
course.
10. NDLP/NDP can also provide financial assistance to lone
parents/partners who are interested in undertaking NVQ
April 2007 5NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
courses as adult students through the Further Education
College network or advice and guidance in self-employment
followed by, where appropriate, up to six months financial
assistance to test trade a business idea. NDLP/NDP
participants may also attend a local Core Gateway course
where this would be beneficial. Core Gateway provides
essential skills assessment, assistance with application forms,
CVs and interview techniques. Participation is on a voluntary
basis. Lone parents/Partners may also participate in any of
the options within the New Deal for 18 to 24 year olds or New
Deal 25+. NDPAs located in each Jobs & Benefits office/
JobCentre can provide advice or further information on any of
the above.
Eligibility (NDLP)
11. Lone parents are eligible to participate in NDLP if they:
• are aged 16 years or over; and
• have a dependant child under 16; and
• are not working;
• or are working less than 16 hours a week and
• Are not an asylum seeker(unless they have exceptional
leave to stay or have refugee status)
Entry to NDLP is available only through the New Deal
Personal Adviser based in the local Jobs & Benefits
office/JobCentre.
Eligibility (NDP)
12. Partners are eligible to participate in NDP if they are partners
of benefit claimants who are in receipt of either:
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA);
• Income Support (IS);
• Incapacity Benefit (IB);
• Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA);
• Carer’s Allowance (CA);
• Pension Credit (PC) ( who are not working or working less
than 24 hours a week); or
April 2007 6NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
• Working Tax Credit, and the partner is either not working
or working less than 16 hours a week.
Sexual Orientation Discrimination Legislation
13. The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 have been brought in to
meet the requirements of the European Union’s Framework
Employment Directive.
Sexual orientation discrimination is discrimination against
people because they either have, or are perceived to have, a
particular sexual orientation. It is unlawful to discriminate
against people because they are homosexual, bisexual or
heterosexual. The legislation also covers individuals who are
treated less favourably than others based on incorrect
assumptions about their sexual orientation and individuals who
are treated less favourably because they are associated with
people of a particular sexual orientation.
Providers of Vocational Training
It is unlawful for people who provide training to help prepare
others for employment to discriminate against them in relation
to such training. This includes access to training, refusing
training, terminating training or subjecting a trainee to
harassment. Training in this context also includes the use of
facilities for training and practical work experience provided by
an employer for people who are not that organisation’s
employees.
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has
responsibility for enforcing the Employment Equality (Sexual
Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and the
Commission’s advisory team can provide general advice and
guidance to employers, New Deal Providers and others on
recommended good practice under the new legislation. The
booklet Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Northern Ireland –
A Summary Guide, provides useful information.
The regulations and other publications can be viewed in full on
the Equality Commission’s website www.equalityni.org
April 2007 7NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
Referrals to Pre-Employment Training courses
14. When a lone parent/partner expresses an interest in
undertaking a training course in order to improve their job
prospects, the NDPA will discuss with them the range of pre-
employment training courses available locally and agree on
the most suitable training course.
15. The NDPA will contact the Training Provider by telephone to
arrange an interview for the lone parent/partner. The NDPA
will issue the lone parent/partner with an introductory letter,
NDLP1, which will name the training course/vocational area in
which the lone parent/partner is interested. This letter will be
given to the Training Provider by the lone parent/partner.
16. Where the lone parent/partner subsequently starts a pre-
employment training course the Training Provider must
complete Start Notification Form NDLP2 and send it to the
NDPA who referred the lone parent/partner. If the lone
parent/partner fails to start, or leaves before completing the
course, a Leaver/Failed to Start Form NDLP10 must be
forwarded to the NDPA immediately. A NDLP10 must also be
forwarded to the NDPA when a lone parent/partner completes
the training course. Copies of Start Notification and
Leaver/Failed to Start Forms must be retained by the provider
for audit purposes.
17. Lone parents/partners may undertake a maximum of 13
weeks pre-employment training within NDLP/NDP. This may
consist of either one 13 week course or two or more, shorter
courses not exceeding 13 weeks in total.
Attendance
18. Participants on pre-employment training courses are usually
expected to attend 5 hours per day (excluding meal breaks)
five days per week i.e. 25 hours per week. On-programme
fees are not payable for any period(s) of absence, regardless
of the reason, and participants do not have any entitlement to
holiday leave, other than statutory holidays when the Training
Provider’s premises are closed.
19. A facility for flexible attendance is available where this better
suits the needs of the lone parent/partner and can be
April 2007 8NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
accommodated by the Training Provider, with on-programme
fees payable on a pro-rata basis. (see paras 38-45)
20. The Training Provider must keep a detailed record of
attendance on form NDLP9, which must be completed each
day the lone parent/partner attends the training course. This
form must be signed weekly by both a representative of the
Training Provider and the participant. All original NDLP9
forms must be retained by the Training Provider for audit
purposes.
Note: It is no longer necessary to forward NDLP9 forms to
Supplier Services with each four-weekly claim for fees.
Claims for on Programme Fees
21. Pre-employment training courses within NDLP/NDP are
funded by way of on-programme fees plus an Output Related
Fee (ORF) for successful achievement of a full qualification,
as evidenced by a copy of an original certificate issued by the
awarding body.
22. The funding bands shown (up to 13 weeks) represent the
maximum funding payable for each course based on 5 hours
per day attendance, (excluding meal breaks) five days per
week i.e. 25 hours per week. Where this method of delivery is
employed, the daily on-programme fee is £16 per day with
output related funding of £50 (2 week course), £100 (4 week
course), £150 (6 week course), £200(8 week course) or £325
(13 week course). A course within the funding band ‘up to 6
weeks’ would therefore attract maximum on-programme fees
of £480 (30 days x £16) plus £150 for successful achievement
of the full targeted qualification. Where the qualification is
achieved in a shorter time fees are payable only for actual
days attended, although the output related funding payable
remains at £150.
23. Training Providers must claim their fees four-weekly in arrears
on form NDLP8 (Rev) which should be forwarded to Supplier
Services Branch. The claim must be received by Supplier
Services Branch, Lesley Buildings, 61 Fountain Street, Belfast
BT1 5EX in line with the claim calendar, i.e. normally within 10
working days of the claim period ending. A schedule of claim
periods is attached at Annex B.
April 2007 9NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
Claims for Output Related Funding (ORF)
24. As form Monday 8th May 2006 the approval of Output Related
Funding (ORF) as detailed in paragraphs 21 and 22 is the
responsibility of NDPAs in the Jobs & Benefits
office/JobCentre rather than Supplier
Services Branch (SSB). ORF is only payable on successful
achievement of the full targeted qualification. Training
Providers must complete Part A of form ND55 (Approval of
Output Related Funding), attach a copy of the participant’s
original certificate of achievement and forward both to the lone
parent/partner’s NDPA in the Jobs & Benefits office/
JobCentre. (Form ND55 is available on the Extranet).
25. On receipt of the ND55 and the copy of the certificate the
NDPA will complete Part B of the form and return it to the
Training Provider informing them of the outcome of the
request for ORF approval. Part B of the ND55 will be returned
to the Training Provider within 5 working days from the date of
receipt of the ND55. Once approval for ORF has been
confirmed the Training Provider should submit their claim for
ORF to Supplier Services Branch in accordance with the
claims schedule at Annex B. ORF must be claimed within 6
months of the lone parent’s completion date on the pre-
employment training course.
Note – Where a lone parent/partner has completed more than
one Pre-employment Training Course during a period of up to
13 weeks, the Training Provider must complete a separate
ND55 for each course and enclose a copy of the appropriate
qualification certificate with each ND55.
26. While delivery of pre-employment training courses will be
predominantly in-house there may be occasions where a
period of employer based training is considered appropriate as
an additional element of the training provision. Before
considering any employer based training Providers must
discuss the implications with the NDPA.
Training Premium
27. NDP participants and NDLP participants who are in receipt of
Income Support, or any of the benefits listed in Annex C are
entitled to a Training Premium of up to £15 per week. Training
April 2007 10NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
Providers are required to administer these payments and
subsequently claim reimbursement from the Department
together with a 7½ per cent administration fee on total
amounts paid. Training Premium is not payable for any day
on which the lone parent/partner is absent.
Eligibility
28. To qualify for the Training Premium the lone parent/partner
must:
(i) be participating in NDLP/NDP; and
(ii) undertaking an approved pre-employment training
course of up to 13 weeks.
Details
29. The Training Premium is £15 per week where attendance on
an approved pre-employment training course is for a minimum
of 2½ hours per day for 5 days per week. Where attendance
is less than 5 days in any week Training Premium will be
payable at the rate of £3 per day for each day attended.
Training Premium is not payable in respect of any day
which the lone parent/partner attends for less than 2 ½
hours or any periods of absence e.g. sickness, holidays
or periods when the Provider’s premises are closed.
Payment Procedure
30. Training Providers must arrange payment of Training
Premium to NDLP/NDP participants on either a weekly or
fortnightly basis in arrears. The method of payment i.e. bank
credit, cheque or cash and frequency of payment must be
agreed at the outset with the lone parent/partner. Training
Providers should arrange to recoup payments of Training
Premium on a four-weekly basis, along with claims for provider
fees, on Form NDLP8 (Rev). In addition an administration fee
of 7½ % of the total Training Premium paid to each
NDLP/NDP participant may be claimed along with each claim
for provider fees.
April 2007 11NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
31. A dated receipt, signed by the participant acknowledging
payment of the Training Premium, must be obtained and
retained by the Training Provider with detailed attendance
records for audit purposes.
Travel
32. While attending pre-employment training courses, NDLP/NDP
participants are entitled to travel expenses. Travel costs must
be met by the Training Provider and are not recoverable from
the Department.
33. Travel costs should be based on the return travel between
home and where pre-employment training takes place.
34. Where public transport is used the total costs incurred must be
reimbursed.
35. Where public transport is available and the participant uses his
or her own transport to travel to and from the training location,
the Training Provider should reimburse the cost of using public
transport or the private transport mileage rate of 25p per mile,
whichever is cheaper.
36. If no public transport is available and the participant uses their
own transport, he/she should be reimbursed travel costs by
the Training Provider, at a rate not less than the private
transport rate of 25p per mile.
Childcare
37. A contribution to the costs of childcare, ranging from £35 to
£140 per week depending on the category of childminder
(registered or family), the number of children to be cared for
and the type of care required (all day or out-of-school hours)
may also be payable to participants. Training Providers are
required to make these payments to the childcare provider and
claim reimbursement from the Department. Application and
payment procedures are detailed in Annex D.
Flexible Attendance
38. The facility of more flexible attendance arrangements is
available where this better suits the needs of lone
April 2007 12NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
parents/partners and can be accommodated by the Training
Provider.
39. The approved list of courses which attract funding for up to 13
weeks has been converted to a daily basis.
Consequently a 2 week approved course will attract funding
up to a maximum of 10 days, a 4 week course up to a
maximum of 20 days, a 6 week course up to a maximum of 30
days, a 8 week course up to a maximum of 40 days and a 13
week course up to a maximum of 65 days. Training Providers
may structure courses flexibly to meet participants’ needs
subject to a minimum attendance of 2 (two) hours per day and
may deliver an approved 10 day course over a period not
exceeding 10 weeks, an approved 20 day course over a
period not exceeding 20 weeks, an approved 30 day course
over a period not exceeding 30 weeks, an approved 40 day
course not exceeding 40 weeks and an approved 65 day
course over a period not exceeding 52 weeks.
Note: Training Premium is payable only for days on which a
lone parent/partner attends for a minimum of 2½ hours (see
paras 26-30).
Funding
40. Total hours attended should be aggregated for each
NDLP/NDP participant within the relevant claim period with a
day’s fee (£16) claimed for each 5 hours attended, excluding
meal breaks. Any hours not claimed for within the claim
period should be carried forward and added to hours attended
in the following claim period e.g. during claim period 1,
28 March 2005 to 24 April 2005, a lone parent following an
approved 2 week (10 day) course attends 3 hours per day on
3 days each week of the four week claim period giving a total
of 36 hours attended. Claim may be submitted for 7 days fees
(36 hours divided by 5 hours) at £16 per day with 1 hour
carried forward to be claimed with actual hours attended in the
next claim period.
41. At the end of the participant’s attendance on the pre-
employment course any additional hours attended which do
April 2007 13NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
not fit within a 5 hour band may be claimed at £3 per hour e.g.
participant’s total attendance on a 10 day approved course
totals 43 hours: claim may be made for 8 day’s fees x 5 hours
x £16 (£128) plus 3 hours x £3 per hour (£9) giving a total of
£137.
42. The approved maximum hours of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 325
may only be claimed where the lone parent/partner actually
attends for the relevant maximum hours. Where participants
successfully achieve the targeted qualification in a shorter time
only the actual hours attended may be claimed. No fees are
payable for any periods of non-attendance or for periods
when the Training Providers premises are closed e.g.
public holidays. Output related fees of £50, £100, £150,
£200 and £325 will continue to be payable in respect of
appropriate qualifications gained, regardless of the number of
hours attended, within the maximum limits.
43. Detailed attendance records must be maintained and signed
by participants on form NDLP9, which must be retained by the
Training Provider for audit purposes.
44. Where this flexible delivery method is employed, Training
Providers remain responsible for the re-imbursement of travel
expenses. Assistance with childcare costs will be payable up
to the maximum daily rate for each day where attendance is
on a 5 hour per day basis but will be limited to half the
appropriate daily rate where attendance at pre-employment
courses is less than 5 hours in any day. NDLP participants
will qualify for receipt of Training Premium for attendance of
2½ hours or more on any day.
45. Training Providers may, of course, continue to offer approved
courses on a 5 hour per day, 5 day per week basis where this
is appropriate.
General
46. Claims for on-programme fees, output related funding,
essential skills bonus, reimbursement of childcare payments
and reimbursement of Training Premium payments should be
submitted to the Department’s Supplier Services Branch four-
weekly in arrears on form NDLP8 (Rev). Output Related
Funding (ORF)/Essential Skills Bonus (ESB) can only be
April 2007 14NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
claimed after confirmation of approval has been received from
the NDPA on form ND55 Part B.
47. The Department, in conjunction with the Qualifications and
Curriculum Authority (QCA), regularly reviews the list of
approved pre-employment training courses in order to
increase the range of opportunities available to lone
parents/partners. Training Providers may submit applications
for additional vocational qualifications, which are classed as
such on the National Qualifications Framework, to be included
on their approved list. These should be forwarded to New
Deal Branch for consideration, clearly indicating the proposed
funding band for the course(s).
48. Where Training Providers choose to pay individual participants
additional payments for attendance, successful completion of
targeted qualifications etc, they should be aware that these
may have adverse implications on the amount of benefit
payable to the participant by the Social Security Agency.
Training Providers considering such additional payments
should discuss any such proposals, in advance, with the local
SSO.
Essential Skills
Background
49. Essential Skills (previously known as basic skills) are “the
ability to communicate by talking and listening, reading and
writing; to use numeracy; and the ability to handle information”
(DEL Essential Skills for Living 2002).
Poor essential skills can have a significant impact on
individuals and can close many doors to a full life. Research
indicates that 24% of the population in Northern Ireland, aged
16 – 65, perform at the lowest literacy level increasing to 36%
among unemployed adults.
People with poor essential skills are:
• up to 5 times more likely to be unemployed or out of the
labour market;
• more likely to have children with poor Essential Skills;
• more likely to have housing problems;
April 2007 15NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
• more likely to suffer depression;
• less likely to be in good health;
• less likely to be involved in public life, a community
organisation or to vote; and
• over represented in prisons and young offenders
institutions.
Poor literacy and numeracy skills have therefore serious
consequences for the individual, the family, society and the
economy.
There are very few jobs now that do not require literacy and
numeracy skills to a greater or lesser degree. For some jobs
the need for essential skills may not be obvious, such as
assembly work or stacking goods, but these could involve e.g.
following directions to a site, filling in rotas and timesheets,
programming machinery, giving and receiving messages. A
school cleaner may need to read instructions to operate a floor
polisher, to accurately mix a cleaning solvent with water in the
right proportions and to understand health and safety warning
signs on a container of corrosive liquid.
As computers play an increasing part in many job roles, it is
necessary that people can read and follow on-screen
instructions and give the required responses. This may mean
choosing and pressing the right key or actually typing in words
and phrases. Poor essential skills hinder people’s access to
ICT facilities both at work and in the home. As well as literacy
and numeracy skills most jobs require good skills in talking
and listening. These oral communication skills are a priority in
any work which involves dealing with people.
The Moser Report ‘Improving literacy and numeracy – A fresh
start’ placed an emphasis on the role of New Deal in
addressing essential skills deficiencies – “The New Deals
have provided the best opportunity for years for unemployed
adults who need help to improve their basic skills”.
Current Arrangements
50. Within NDLP/NDP Pre-employment training provision lone
parents/partners can access an approved essential skills
qualification(s) in literacy and/or numeracy at the appropriate
level.
April 2007 16NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
New Deal participants are also encouraged to take up adult
education courses which may be available through FE
Colleges or local community organisations. Participation on
such courses is voluntary and does not form part of New Deal
provision. Details of the availability of adult education courses
may be obtained from the Education and Guidance Service for
Adults (EGSA) telephone 028 9024 4274 or Learndirect
telephone 0800 100 900.
Identification
51. NDPAs will aim to identify those participants who require
assistance with their essential skills needs by using a range of
information sources to look for indicators of essential skills
needs including;
(a) Existing Records
e.g. lack of qualifications; low levels of achievement of
qualifications; premium funding in Jobskills; special needs
endorsement code.
(b) Personal Details Form – Completion
A Personal Details Form is completed by the participant in
the Jobs & Benefits office/JobCentre and can be the first
indicator that a person may have essential skills needs.
(c) New Deal – Essential Skills Toolkit
An Essential Skills ‘Toolkit’ has been developed for use by
NDPAs. This provides background information on
essential skills, outlines the essential skills standards and
identifies barriers to addressing essential skill needs. The
aim of the ‘Toolkit’ is to develop NDPAs’ awareness of
essential skills so that they can:
- identify indicators that a participant may have
essential skills needs;
April 2007 17NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
- discuss essential skills needs with the participant in
the context of their job interests and past experience
so that he/she can see the benefit of addressing
his/her essential skills needs;
- make an early referral of the participant to Core
Gateway to have an assessment of the level of the
essential skills needs carried out; and
- ensure that the essential skills needs of the
individuals are addressed early in New Deal.
(d) Other Information
e.g. client disclosure; probation service report;
performance at initial interview with NDPA.
Any indicators of essential skills needs will be examined fully
by NDPAs at any interview where such information might
come to light. The participant will be encouraged to address
an essential skills need in order to gain maximum benefit from
his/her participation on New Deal.
The participant will be guaranteed full confidentiality and
his/her agreement sought on disclosure of essential skills
needs prior to referrals to Core Gateway or NDLP/NDP pre-
employment training course provision.
Referral to Core Gateway
52. The NDPA’s role is to identify indicators of essential skills
needs, NOT to assess the extent of the need. The
assessment of essential skills needs will be carried out by a
Core Gateway Provider using appropriately qualified staff.
The Core Gateway Provider will be in a better position to
provide maximum help if it is indicated in advance that the
participant is likely to have difficulties with essential skills
needs.
Where indicators of essential skills needs have been identified
during Gateway the information will be passed to the Core
Gateway Provider to enable an assessment to be undertaken
during Core Gateway. Where the assessment confirms an
April 2007 18NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
essential skills need this will be recorded on the Action Plan by
the NDPA and passed to the Provider, together with a copy of
the individual’s assessment results, (Section 1 of the
individual’s Core Gateway Progress Report (NDG17)) to
facilitate the tailoring of provision to meet the participant’s
identified need. This will be carefully explained to the
participant by the NDPA and his/her agreement obtained on
the disclosure of information to Core Gateway Providers and
NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Training Course Providers.
Essential Skills Tutors
53. In order for Pre-employment Training Course Providers to
deliver essential skills training courses, Providers must:
• use tutors with an approved qualification(s) as specified
by DEL.
• have approval by Programme Management &
Development Branch to deliver one or more of the
essential skills course(s) listed at para 57;
NOTE: Providers who do not currently have approval to
deliver essential skills qualifications should apply to
Programme Management and Development Branch, stating
which essential skills qualification(s) listed in para 57 of the
Operational Guidelines they wish to deliver.
Applications should be e-mailed to Eilish Armstrong at
eilish.armstrong@delni.gov.uk or forwarded in writing to Eilish
Armstrong, Programme Management and Development
Branch, Room 103, Adelaide House, 39/49 Adelaide Street,
Belfast BT2 8FD.
Essential Skills Training
54. Participants identified as requiring intensive help with essential
skills and assessed accordingly by tutor during Core Gateway
will be able to avail of essential skills training through the
NDLP/NDP pre-employment training provision.
Essential Skills Training Incentives
55. As well as retaining their entitlement to any benefits in
payment and Training Premium, participants will be eligible for
April 2007 19NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
an additional payment of £10 per week (£2 per day) for a
maximum of 6 weeks (30 days), while they follow an essential
skills qualification or qualifications in either literacy and/or
numeracy at the appropriate Level i.e. Entry Level 1, 2, 3,
Level 1 or Level 2. Participants will also receive one bonus
payment of £100 which is payable only once, whether an
Essential Skills qualification is achieved in one area of need
i.e. (Literacy or Numeracy) or both areas of need (Literacy
and Numeracy).
Essential Skills Training Providers will be responsible for the
payment of the financial incentives and will reclaim amounts
paid from the Department together with an administration fee.
NDPAs will refer eligible participants to the Provider in the
normal way. Referrals will be annotated as follows
“Participant is eligible to receive Essential Skills Incentive
Payments”; this will alert Providers to the need to instigate
incentive payments to the participant if training on essential
skills commences.
Qualifications
56. Only the qualifications detailed below will be accepted by the
Department for essential skills funding purposes. The
essential skills qualifications approved for funding purposes
are:
• Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 Essential Skills in
Literacy/Numeracy, awarding bodies – CCEA, City and
Guilds and NOCN.
• Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates in Essential Skills –
Communication and Application of Number. Awarding
bodies CCEA and City and Guilds.
The level of Entry Level Certificate to be delivered i.e. Entry
level 1, 2 or 3 should be appropriate to the individual
participant’s ability and certificates must be awarded by one of
the above Awarding Bodies.
NOTE: Progression to the next level of essential skills
qualification will not attract further incentive payments.
Payment of Essential Skills Incentives
April 2007 20NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
57. Providers will be responsible for the payment of the financial
incentives and will reclaim amounts paid from the Department.
The £2 per day will be paid in arrears to participants. The
Provider and the lone parent/partner will agree the frequency
and method (e.g. cash, cheque, bank credit) of payment.
The Provider will pay the £100 bonus payment to the
participant following receipt of the certificate of achievement of
the qualification(s) and an approved ND55 Part B completed
by the NDPA.
The Provider must retain dated receipts signed by the
participant acknowledging payment of all essential skills
incentive payments (or in the case of BACS payments, retain
appropriate records) for audit purposes.
Claims
Payments
58. Providers should arrange to recoup the payments of Essential
Skills Incentives on a four weekly basis on claim form
NDLP8(Rev).
Essential Skills Bonus payment
59. As from Monday 8th May 2006 the approval of an Essential
Skills Bonus payment is the responsibility of New Deal
Personal Advisers (NDPAs) in the Jobs & Benefits
office/Jobcentre rather than Supplier Services Branch. An
Essential Skills Bonus payment will be payable when a lone
parent/partner achieves a targeted Essential Skills
qualification as evidenced by a copy of the original certificate.
60. The Training Provider must complete Part A of an ND55
(Essential Skills Bonus approval) which should be
forwarded to the lone parent’s/partner’s NDPA in the Jobs &
Benefits office/Jobcentre along with a copy of the Essential
Skills certificate of achievement.
61. On receipt of the ND55 Part A and the copy of the certificate of
achievement the NDPA will consider the request for approval.
The NDPA must complete Part B of ND55 and return the form
to the Training Provider to inform them on the outcome of the
April 2007 21NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
request for approval. This form will be returned to the Training
Provider within 5 working days from the date of receipt of
ND55. Once approval of the Essential Skills Bonus payment
has been confirmed the Training Provider should submit their
claim for payment to Supplier Services Branch in accordance
with the claims schedule at Annex B. Essential Skills Bonus
payments must be claimed within 6 months of the lone
parent’s completion date on the Essential Skills pre-
employment training course.
Administration Fee
62. An administration fee of 7½ % is payable in respect of weekly
incentive payments made to participants and should be
recouped on a four weekly basis on claim form NDLP8(Rev).
An administration fee of 7½ % is also payable iro each bonus
payment.
April 2007 22NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
ANNEX A
FUNDING BAND – UP TO 2 WEEKS (10 DAYS)
OUTPUT RELATED FUNDING - £50
AWARDING QUALIFICATION AWARD NO.
BODY
OCR Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (New CLAIT) 100/4945/9
" Level 1 Certificate in Text Processing (Full Award) 100/1691/0
City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Computerised Accounts 100/5621/X
City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Computerised Accounts 100/5622/1
City & Guilds Entry Level 3 Certificate in Using ICT (Start IT) 100/3777/9
Funding Band 1 week – ORF £25
Hospitality Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service 100/5377/3
Awarding Body
* Hospitality Introductory Certificate in Customer Service 100/3211/3
Awarding Body (Service Sector) Level 1
* Hospitality Introductory Certificate in Selling Level 1 100/3171/6
Awarding Body
* Hospitality Introductory Certificate in Hospitality Conflict 100/2697/9
Awarding Body Handling Level 1
* Hospitality Introductory Certificate in Hospitality Customer 100/2750/6
Awarding Body Service Level 1
* Hospitality Introductory Certificate in Hospitality Selling Level 100/2751/8
Awarding Body
*CIEH Award in Food Safety in Catering 100/5897/7
All Qualifications marked with * will receive
funding of 2 days (10 Hours) ORF - £10
April 2007 23NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
FUNDING BAND – UP TO 4 WEEKS (20 DAYS)
OUTPUT RELATED FUNDING - £100
AWARDING BODY QUALIFICATION AWARD
OCR Level 1 Diploma for IT users (New CLAiT) 100/4946/0
" Level 2 Certificate for IT Users (CLAiT Plus) 100/4947/2
"
" Entry Level 3 Certificate in Preparation for 100/1004/X
Employment
" Entry Level 3 Certificate in Job Seeking Skills 100/1006/3
" Entry Level (3) Cert. in Using ICT 100/2972/2
" Level 1 Certificate in Career Planning 100/1165/1
" Level 2 Certificate in Career Planning 100/1166/3
" Level 2 Cert. in Text Processing (Full Award) 100/1693/4
City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (full award) 100/1380/5
City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Computerised Accounts 100/3765/2
BCS Level 1 Cert. for IT Users (ECDL Part 1) 100/1536/X
(full award)
EDI Level 2 Certificate in Retail Operations 100/2878/x
April 2007 24NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
FUNDING BAND – UP TO 6 WEEKS (30 DAYS)
OUTPUT RELATED FUNDING - £150
AWARDING QUALIFICATION AWARDS
BODY
OCR Level 2 Diploma for IT users (CLAiT Plus) 100/4948/4
" Level 1 Certificate in Book-keeping 100/1304/0
" Level 3 Certificate in Text Processing (Full Award) 100/1701/X
" Level 2 Diploma in Text Processing 100/1694/6
City & Guilds Essential Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (Numeracy) 100/1437/8
" Essential Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (Literacy) 100/2231/4
" Essential Skills Level 1 Cert. in Communication 100/4198/9
" Essential Skills Level 1 Cert. in Application Of Number 100/4200/3
" Essential Skills Level 2 Cert. in Communication 100/4199/0
" Essential Skills Level 2 Cert. in Application of Number 100/4201/5
CCEA Essential Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (Numeracy) 100/3295/2
" Essential Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (Literacy) 100/3294/0
" Essential Skills Level 1 Cert. in Communication 100/4205/2
" Essential Skills Level 1 Cert. in Application Of Number 100/4203/9
" Essential Skills Level 2 Cert. in Communication 100/4206/4
" Essential Skills Level 1 Cert. in Application Of Number 100/4204/0
NOCN Essential Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (Numeracy) 100/3297/6
" Essential Skills Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (Literacy) 100/3296/4
EDI Level 2 Certificate in Health & Social Care 100/5868/0
" Certificate in Retail Level 3 (Progression) 100/2879/1
April 2007 25NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
FUNDING BAND – UP TO 8 WEEKS (40 DAYS)
OUTPUT RELATED FUNDING - £200
AWARDING QUALIFICATION AWARD
BODY
OCR Level 2 Certificate for IT Users (CLAiT Plus) 100/4949/6
BCS Level 2 Cert. for IT users (ECDL part 2) (full award) 100/2920/5
City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in cleaning Science 100/3090/6
EDI Level 2 Certificate in Business Admin. – (Organisations 100/5214/8
& People)
April 2007 26NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
FUNDING BAND – UP TO 13 WEEKS (65 DAYS)
OUTPUT RELATED FUNDING - £325
AWARDING QUALIFICATION AWARD
BODY
OCR Level 3 Diploma for IT Users (CLAiT Advanced) 100/4950/2
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma for IT Practitioner (Software 100/1464/0
Development)
" Level 2 Diploma for IT Practitioner(System Support) 100/1587/5
" Level 3 Advanced Diploma for IT User 100/1382/9
April 2007 27NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
ANNEX B
NEW DEAL TIMETABLE
2007/2008
NDLP/NDP Pre-Employment Courses
CLAIM WEEK WEEK ENDING TO BE IN SUPPLIER
PERIOD COMMENCING SUNDAY SERVICES BY FRIDAY
1 26/03/2007 22/04/2007 04/05/2007
2 23/04/2007 20/05/2007 01/06/2007
3 21/05/2007 17/06/2007 29/06/2007
4 18/06/2007 15/07/2007 27/07/2007
5 16/07/2007 12/08/2007 24/08/2007
6 13/08/2007 09/09/2007 21/09/2007
7 10/09/2007 07/10/2007 19/10/2007
8 08/10/2007 04/11/2007 16/11/2007
9 05/11/2007 02/12/2007 14/12/2007
10 03/12/2007 30/12/2007 11/01/2008
11 31/12/2007 27/01/2008 08/02/2008
12 28/01/2008 24/02/2008 07/03/2008
13 25/02/2008 23/03/2008 04/04/2008
April 2007 28NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
ANNEX C
In addition to Income Support, lone parents participating in NDLP
are eligible for the Training Premium if they are receiving one or
more of the following benefits:
• Attendance Allowance;
• Bereavement Benefits (Widowed Parent’s Allowance, previously
known as Widowed Mother’s Allowance and Bereavement
Allowance, previously known as Widow’s Pension);
• Disability Living Allowance;
• Housing Benefit;
• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit;
• Carer’s Allowance;
• Jobseeker’s Allowance,
• Maternity Allowance;
• Child Tax Credit;
• Retirement Pension (if topped up with Income Support);
• War Widow’s/Widower’s Pension/War Disablement Pension
April 2007 29NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
ANNEX D
CONTRIBUTION TO CHILDCARE COSTS
Eligibility
1. A contribution to childcare costs is payable while an
NDLP/NDP participant is taking part in an approved pre-
employment training course.
Details
2. A contribution to childcare costs is payable in respect of a
child(ren) who has not yet reached the first Tuesday in
September following his/her 15th birthday at the date the pre-
employment training course commences, or in the case of a
child(ren) in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or who is
registered blind, the first Tuesday in September following
his/her 16th birthday. Childcare payments may continue to
be made until the participant leaves the training course.
3. Care must be provided by:
• A childminder or nursery/creche registered with a Health
& Social Services Board; or
• A relative who is not a registered childminder. For
purposes of payment relative is defined as someone who
is over 18 years of age and who is the grandparent,
brother, sister, aunt or uncle of the child(ren).
No. of Registered Relative
Children Childminder
Full- Out of Full-time Out of school
time school care hours care
care hours care
1 child £19 per £11 £11 per £7
day per day day per day
2 or more £28 £17 £17 £11
children per day per day per day per day
April 2007 30NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
4. The rates of childcare assistance payable as shown in the
table above reflect the maximum daily rates payable and are
subject to a maximum of 5 days per week. This equates to
a maximum limit of £140 per week (28 x 5 = £140) per
family where care is provided by a registered childminder
/nursery /creche or £85 per week (£17 x 5 = £85) per family
where care is provided by a relative. The maximum amount
of childcare assistance payable per family is subject to an
overall limit of £140 per week where care is provided by a
mixture of registered childminder/nursery/creche and
relatives.
5. Where assistance with childcare is required for less than five
days in a week, the daily rate charged (subject to the
maximum) should be multiplied by the number of days for
which childcare is required. For example a lone
parent/partner who attends a training course 2 full days per
week and who has two children of school age, both minded
by a registered childminder, will be eligible for a maximum
contribution towards childcare costs of £34 per week (£17 x
2 = £34).
Procedures for applying for childcare assistance
6. At the referral interview the NDPA will advise the lone
parent/partner of the assistance that is available towards the
cost of childcare.
7. Applications for childcare approval must be made as soon as
the lone parent/partner has agreed a start date with the
Provider or on the first day the lone parent/partner
commences a pre-employment training course. NDPAs
should, at the referral interview, issue application form ND14
to participants who may be eligible for financial assistance
towards the costs of childcare. Sections A, B and C and
should be completed by the lone parent/partner, childminder,
and the Provider respectively and then forwarded to the
NDPA. A copy of the childminder’s Registration Certificate
should also be forwarded to the NDPA where the application
is in respect of registered care. Providers are also required
to confirm the age of the child(ren) by inspecting and
retaining a copy of the child(ren)’s birth certificate(s) which
must be copied from originals.
April 2007 31NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
8. On receipt of form ND14 the NDPA will, if appropriate,
approve the application by completing section D. The
original form will be returned to the Provider by the NDPA
and a copy retained by the JobCentre/Jobs & Benefits Office.
PROVIDERS MUST NOT MAKE PAYMENTS UNTIL FORM
ND14, APPROVED BY THE PERSONAL ADVISER, IS
RECEIVED.
9. Where payment of childcare has been approved and the lone
parent/partner’s circumstances alter from those stated on the
childcare application form, the childcare payments should
cease. The lone parent/partner must inform the Provider of
all changes of circumstances. Where payment of ‘out of
school’ childcare has been approved by the Personal
Adviser, full-time care may be paid (within the appropriate
maximum) during periods of school closure without further
reference to the Personal Adviser.
Childminder Statement
10. The provider must issue the Childminder Statement Form
(ND56) to the childminder ensuring section C is completed
when:
• the childcare costs have been approved by the NDPA;
and
• the lone parent/partner has commenced a pre-
employment training course.
Payment Procedure
11. Payment towards childcare costs must only be made on
receipt of a Childminder Statement Form (ND56). A
separate form must be completed iro each child whom
childcare is claimed for. The provider must ensure before
making payment that:
• all relevant sections of the Childminder Statement Form
(ND56) have been completed by the childminder; and
• both the childminder and the New Deal participant have
signed the statement.
April 2007 32NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
Payment must be made directly to the childminder as to do
otherwise may jeopardise the participant’s entitlement to
benefit. Participants must be told how these payments are to
be made and the reason why.
The provider must retain the Childminder Statement (ND56)
for audit purposes.
Retainer Fees
12. Where a participant is unable to attend because of illness or
other approved absence a retainer fee may be paid providing
the registered childminder’s terms and conditions clearly set
out that payment is required for such days. The purpose of
this retainer fee is to ensure that the childcare place is kept
available and not reallocated when the childcare place is
temporarily unfilled. A retainer fee is not payable for periods
when the facility is not available and is payable only in
respect of registered childminders. Relatives are not
entitled to retainer payments under NDLP/NDP.
NB The Department will reimburse retainer fees in the above
circumstances for a maximum of 5 days in respect of
sickness or other absence during pre-employment training.
Claims
13. Providers should arrange to recoup payments of childcare on
a four-weekly basis, along with claims for provider fees, on
Form NDLP8(Rev).
Retention of Records
14. All documentation relating to payment of childcare costs
(approved ND14, attendance records, childminder statement
form (ND56) from childcare providers) must be retained for a
period of 7 years for inspection purposes.
April 2007 33NDLP/NDP Pre-employment Operational Guidelines
ANNEX E
LIST OF FORMS
NDLP 1 Referral Form *
NDLP 2 Start Notification
NDLP 8 Fees Claim Form
NDLP 9 Attendance Record
NDLP 10 Leaver/Failed to Start Notification
ND 14 Application for Childcare Payments
ND 55 Output Related Funding/Essential Skills Bonus
Approval Form
ND56 Childminder Statement Form
*For completion by Jobs & Benefits office/JobCentre New Deal
Personal Advisers
April 2007 34You can also read
