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House
Session
Year
Department
Member
Primary member
Answering member
Legislative stage
Legislation
Subject
More
Publisher
To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of pupils in mentoring schemes provided by Skillforce progressed into (a) further education, (b) a civil apprenticeship, (c) the armed forces and (d) other employment for each year the scheme has been available.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education what proportion of pupils in mentoring schemes provided by Skillforce progressed into (a) further education, (b) a civil apprenticeship, (c) the armed forces and (d) other employment for each year the scheme has been available.
Asked by
Alex Cunningham
(Labour)
Answered by
David Laws
(Liberal Democrat)
Answering body
Education
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 December 2013
For answer on
16 December 2013
Answered on
16 December 2013
The Military Ethos Alternative Provision projects formally began in 2011/12. SkillForce have reported that in 2011/12, out of a cohort of 839 young people (32% of whom were deemed at high risk of exclusion and 34% were eligible for free school meals): 72% went into Further Education; 5% went into employment; 4% went into civil apprenticeships; 2% went into training; 1% went into the Army or Royal Navy; and 15% have an unknown destination.
Figures for 2012/13 are due to be published in early 2014.
Subjects
SkillForce; Learning mentors
Date
16 December 2013
Reference
180307; 572 c471W
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has provided support to Skillforce to place former service training personnel in employment in secondary schools in Nottingham.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has provided support to Skillforce to place former service training personnel in employment in secondary schools in Nottingham.
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Beamish
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
5 January 2010
For answer on
11 January 2010
Answered on
11 January 2010
The Ministry of Defence has been a firm supporter of Skill Force since the idea of using retired service personnel to re-motivate young people was first suggested and inspired its creation in 2000.Skill Force has received a grant of £30,000 from the Ministry of Defence towards a Two Year Pilot Internship Programme for personnel recovering from physical and psychological injuries and illness as part of their rehabilitation pathway and a lieutenant-colonel is currently seconded full time to manage the programme.No interns have yet been placed in the Nottinghamshire area. This is because locations for interns reflect their personal preferences.
Subjects
Nottingham; SkillForce
Date
11 January 2010
Reference
503 c739W; 309583
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on initiatives in the city of Nottingham by Skill Force to use the talents of retired military personnel.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what representations he has received on initiatives in the city of Nottingham by Skill Force to use the talents of retired military personnel.
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answered by
Derek Twigg
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
10 June 2008
For answer on
16 June 2008
Answered on
16 June 2008
Skill Force, an MOD initiated project—set up in 2000 and since April 2005 is as originally intended a fully divested registered charity, is involved in three schools in the city of Nottingham. They have a school team of five instructors, of which four are ex-service personnel and are currently in Hadden Park School, William Sharpe School, and Hayward School.Skill Force are seeking to expand to cover five schools in the city from September of this year.
Subjects
Nottingham; SkillForce
Date
16 June 2008
Reference
477 c711W; 210796
House
House of Commons
The Secretary of State and his team will know of the fantastic work done by Skill Force's retired armed services trainers in putting something back into the community. In the Haddon Park and William Sharp schools in my constituency, they are helping some of the most difficult-to-reach young people. Will he commend the success of Skill Force and its trainers, and consider whether the Ministry of Defence or any one of the armed services might sponsor an academy as universities and private businesses do? Will he consider taking the Skill Force example further and have the MOD or one of the services sponsor an academy in a tough area?
The Secretary of State and his team will know of the fantastic work done by Skill Force's retired armed services trainers in putting something back into the community. In the Haddon Park and William Sharp schools in my constituency, they are helping some of the most difficult-to-reach young people. Will he commend the success of Skill Force and its trainers, and consider whether the Ministry of Defence or any one of the armed services might sponsor an academy as universities and private businesses do? Will he consider taking the Skill Force example further and have the MOD or one of the services sponsor an academy in a tough area?
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Topical questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
16 June 2008
My hon. Friend is right to recognise that when the armed services have a relationship with schools such as that of Skill Force, it is of mutual benefit, with the young people and children in those schools benefiting most. I have not seen Skill Force operate in my hon. Friend's constituency, but I have seen it operate in schools in Scotland to significant effect. Until he raised the issue of academy sponsorship, I had not thought of extending the relationship in such a way, and we have no plans to do so. But if he wants to put a proposal to me, I will certainly discuss it with the chiefs of staff and the appropriate Secretary of State.
Subjects
Armed forces; Higher education; Sponsorship; Academies; SkillForce
Date
16 June 2008
Reference
477 c668
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will make it his policy to support further development of the Skill Force charity's work in schools.
To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will make it his policy to support further development of the Skill Force charity's work in schools.
Asked by
Ian Gibson
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Brennan of Canton
(Labour)
Answering body
Department for Children, Schools and Families
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 May 2008
For answer on
2 June 2008
Answered on
3 June 2008
We value the contribution made by Skill Force and other organisations in helping to meet the needs of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in our schools. It is the responsibility of local authorities and schools to commission high quality and effective alternative provision that assists children and young people to maximise their potential.We have recently published a White Paper ““Back on Track”” which sets out our strategy to transform alternative provision into a vibrant and successful part of the whole education system. We expect better and more strategic commissioning of alternative provision to help generate the conditions in which an effective market can operate, helping new providers to enter it and the better providers to expand their offerings.
Subjects
SkillForce
Date
3 June 2008
Reference
476 c830-1W; 207884
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to extend the skill force programme in schools.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has to extend the skill force programme in schools.
Asked by
Andrew Murrison
(Conservative)
Answered by
Derek Twigg
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
13 March 2008
For answer on
17 March 2008
Answered on
1 April 2008
Skill Force was started in September 2000 by the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education and Skills (now the Department for Children, Schools and Families). It uses ex-military instructors to provide the teams which support schools to re-engage disaffected 14 to 16-year-olds with vocationally based education. It was always intended that Skill Force should become a charity and in 2004 it received charitable status.Since then MOD has provided Skill Force with £10.3 million and funding from other Government Departments (DfES now DCSF) amounts to £9 million. Skill Force will become fully self-supporting in Financial Year 2009-10 when further funding from MOD will cease. Thereafter, the expansion of Skill Force into schools will not be an MOD responsibility.
Subjects
SkillForce
Date
1 April 2008
Reference
474 c791W; 195275
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of initiatives in the city of Nottingham by Skill Force to use the talents of retired military personnel.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of initiatives in the city of Nottingham by Skill Force to use the talents of retired military personnel.
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Browne of Ladyton
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
26 February 2008
For answer on
3 March 2008
Answered on
3 March 2008
Skill Force is involved in the city of Nottingham helping difficult to reach young people during term-time through an alternative curriculum that includes team building and problem solving skills, leading to a variety of awards and qualifications. They are currently working in three Nottingham schools, but such has been their success that they hope to expand to cover five schools in the city from September of this year. As with the rest of the Skill Force project, they are making an extremely valuable contribution to efforts to tackle social exclusion among young people.
Subjects
Nottingham; SkillForce; Veterans
Date
3 March 2008
Reference
190381; 472 c2050W
House
House of Commons
What education projects his Department has undertaken in Nottingham, North.
What education projects his Department has undertaken in Nottingham, North.
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Touhig
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
11 October 2005
For answer on
17 October 2005
Answered on
17 October 2005
My hon. Friend will know that the Ministry of Defence set up the Skill Force organisation, which has been working in Nottingham since September 2001. The team is currently operating in five Nottingham schools, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency, teaching approximately 300 pupils.
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pupil exclusions; Nottingham; Ministry of Defence; Schools; Training; Truancy; SkillForce
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c625; 17617
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
My hon. Friend will know that the Ministry of Defence set up the Skill Force organisation, which has been working in Nottingham since September 2001. The team is currently operating in five Nottingham schools, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency, teaching approximately 300 pupils.
My hon. Friend will know that the Ministry of Defence set up the Skill Force organisation, which has been working in Nottingham since September 2001. The team is currently operating in five Nottingham schools, including one in my hon. Friend's constituency, teaching approximately 300 pupils.
Answered by
Lord Touhig
(Labour)
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
What education projects his Department has undertaken in Nottingham, North.
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pupil exclusions; Nottingham; Ministry of Defence; Schools; Training; Truancy; SkillForce
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c625
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am willing to consider any suggestion from any Member if it enables us to raise the profile of Skill Force and ensure that more people participate. If the hon. Gentleman drops me a note, I shall make certain that we follow it up and that he receives a reply.
I am willing to consider any suggestion from any Member if it enables us to raise the profile of Skill Force and ensure that more people participate. If the hon. Gentleman drops me a note, I shall make certain that we follow it up and that he receives a reply.
Answered by
Lord Touhig
(Labour)
Asked by
Patrick Mercer
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
I am delighted that Skill Force is having such success in Nottingham, but why is the Ministry of Defence giving it such a low profile in terms of recruitment in my Nottinghamshire constituency? The number of young men and women whom we provide for the three services is minimal. May I suggest that the recruiting crisis could be addressed much more effectively through more proactive measures?
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pupil exclusions; Nottingham; Ministry of Defence; Schools; Training; Truancy; SkillForce
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c625-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Like many other right hon. and hon. Members, I attended the event organised by Skill Force in the Palace of Westminster in July. I am well aware of the admirable work done by the Skill Force team in Nottingham as well as by the other 22 teams around the country. I pay tribute to the enduring commitment of the men who have served in our forces and—at a time when they might, as my hon. Friend says, put their feet up—are still willing to give up their time to improve the educational opportunities of young people. Skill Force is a wonderful example to all of us of what can be done by using the skills of those who have retired but are still able to make an important contribution. I commend them greatly for all that they do.
Like many other right hon. and hon. Members, I attended the event organised by Skill Force in the Palace of Westminster in July. I am well aware of the admirable work done by the Skill Force team in Nottingham as well as by the other 22 teams around the country. I pay tribute to the enduring commitment of the men who have served in our forces and—at a time when they might, as my hon. Friend says, put their feet up—are still willing to give up their time to improve the educational opportunities of young people. Skill Force is a wonderful example to all of us of what can be done by using the skills of those who have retired but are still able to make an important contribution. I commend them greatly for all that they do.
Answered by
Lord Touhig
(Labour)
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Does my hon. Friend agree that people who have given a lifetime of service in the armed forces as trained and highly qualified instructors might be forgiven for wanting to put their feet up and retire gracefully? However, a large number of former instructors in the armed forces work very hard in the public service under the auspices of Skill Force. Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity to commend on behalf of everyone in the House the work that is being done in my constituency, where high calibre results are being achieved? Will he also ensure that we put on record our thanks to those people who are laying the foundations for two very successful academies in my constituency? Those people could have retired gracefully but are still making the effort to put something back into their community.
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pupil exclusions; Nottingham; Ministry of Defence; Schools; Training; Truancy; SkillForce
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c625
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
I am delighted that Skill Force is having such success in Nottingham, but why is the Ministry of Defence giving it such a low profile in terms of recruitment in my Nottinghamshire constituency? The number of young men and women whom we provide for the three services is minimal. May I suggest that the recruiting crisis could be addressed much more effectively through more proactive measures?
I am delighted that Skill Force is having such success in Nottingham, but why is the Ministry of Defence giving it such a low profile in terms of recruitment in my Nottinghamshire constituency? The number of young men and women whom we provide for the three services is minimal. May I suggest that the recruiting crisis could be addressed much more effectively through more proactive measures?
Asked by
Patrick Mercer
(Conservative)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
17 October 2005
I am willing to consider any suggestion from any Member if it enables us to raise the profile of Skill Force and ensure that more people participate. If the hon. Gentleman drops me a note, I shall make certain that we follow it up and that he receives a reply.
Subjects
Nottingham; SkillForce; Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pupil exclusions; Ministry of Defence; Schools; Training; Truancy
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c625-6
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Does my hon. Friend agree that people who have given a lifetime of service in the armed forces as trained and highly qualified instructors might be forgiven for wanting to put their feet up and retire gracefully? However, a large number of former instructors in the armed forces work very hard in the public service under the auspices of Skill Force. Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity to commend on behalf of everyone in the House the work that is being done in my constituency, where high calibre results are being achieved? Will he also ensure that we put on record our thanks to those people who are laying the foundations for two very successful academies in my constituency? Those people could have retired gracefully but are still making the effort to put something back into their community.
Does my hon. Friend agree that people who have given a lifetime of service in the armed forces as trained and highly qualified instructors might be forgiven for wanting to put their feet up and retire gracefully? However, a large number of former instructors in the armed forces work very hard in the public service under the auspices of Skill Force. Will my hon. Friend take this opportunity to commend on behalf of everyone in the House the work that is being done in my constituency, where high calibre results are being achieved? Will he also ensure that we put on record our thanks to those people who are laying the foundations for two very successful academies in my constituency? Those people could have retired gracefully but are still making the effort to put something back into their community.
Asked by
Graham Allen
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
17 October 2005
Like many other right hon. and hon. Members, I attended the event organised by Skill Force in the Palace of Westminster in July. I am well aware of the admirable work done by the Skill Force team in Nottingham as well as by the other 22 teams around the country. I pay tribute to the enduring commitment of the men who have served in our forces and—at a time when they might, as my hon. Friend says, put their feet up—are still willing to give up their time to improve the educational opportunities of young people. Skill Force is a wonderful example to all of us of what can be done by using the skills of those who have retired but are still able to make an important contribution. I commend them greatly for all that they do.
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pupil exclusions; Nottingham; Schools; Training; Truancy; SkillForce; Ministry of Defence
Date
17 October 2005
Reference
437 c625
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Letter dated 10.02.2005 from Lord Filkin to Lord Hylton regarding pupils excluded or suspended from schools. DFES. 2005.
Letter dated 10.02.2005 from Lord Filkin to Lord Hylton regarding pupils excluded or suspended from schools. DFES. 2005.
Deposited by
Department for Education and Skills
Type
Deposited papers
Author
Department for Education and Skills
Committed on
1 March 2005
Originated on
10 February 2005
Received on
1 March 2005
Subjects
Anti-social behaviour; Attendance; Education; Further education; Enforcement; Pupil exclusions; Local education authorities; Office for Standards in Education; Pupils; Registration; Schools; SkillForce; Pupil referral units
Lords Library location
HDEP 2005/083
Date
1 March 2005
Reference
HDEP 2005/083
House
House of Lords
Answered by
Ivor Caplin
(Labour)
Asked by
Michael John Foster
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures he is taking to improve education and training for the armed forces.
Subjects
Armed forces; Discharges; Education; Training; Vocational guidance; SkillForce
Date
26 January 2004
Reference
417 c4-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
1st supplementary on making it easier for those returning to civilian life.
1st supplementary on making it easier for those returning to civilian life.
Asked by
Michael John Foster
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - 1st Supplementary
Status
Answered
Answered on
26 January 2004
Subjects
Armed forces; Discharges; Education; Training; Vocational guidance; SkillForce
Date
26 January 2004
Reference
417 c4-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Answered by
Ivor Caplin
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Oral answers to questions
Subjects
Armed forces; Discharges; Education; Training; Vocational guidance; SkillForce
Date
26 January 2004
Reference
417 c4-5
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures he is taking to improve education and training for the armed forces.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what measures he is taking to improve education and training for the armed forces.
Asked by
Michael John Foster
(Labour)
Answered by
Ivor Caplin
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Oral questions - Lead
Status
Answered
Tabled on
20 January 2004
For answer on
26 January 2004
Answered on
26 January 2004
Subjects
Armed forces; Discharges; Education; Training; Vocational guidance; SkillForce
Date
26 January 2004
Reference
417 c4-5; 150155
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
House
House of Commons
Evaluation of skill force. By Susan Hallam and Lynne Rogers et al. 142 p. London University/Institute of Education. Undated (2003).
Evaluation of skill force. By Susan Hallam and Lynne Rogers et al. 142 p. London University/Institute of Education. Undated (2003).
Deposited by
Ministry of Defence
Type
Deposited papers
Author
University of London; Ministry of Defence; Institute of Education
Committed on
29 October 2003
Originated on
1 January 2003
Received on
29 October 2003
Subjects
Education; Curriculum; Pupil exclusions; Pupils; Schools; Young people; Vocational education; Truancy; SkillForce
Commons Library location
Dep 03/2160
Lords Library location
HDEP 2003/406
Date
29 October 2003
Reference
Dep 03/2160
House
House of Commons; House of Lords
Written Statement on the Skill Force initiative to re-engage disaffected 14 to 16 year-olds with mainstream education. (Inc figs and fact that copy of Institute of Education evaluation report is in the library).
Written Statement on the Skill Force initiative to re-engage disaffected 14 to 16 year-olds with mainstream education. (Inc figs and fact that copy of Institute of Education evaluation report is in the library).
Member
Ivor Caplin
(Labour)
Department
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written statements
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Pupil exclusions; Teachers; Secondary education; Vocational education; Truancy; SkillForce; Veterans
Date
28 October 2003
Reference
412 c8-9WS
House
House of Commons
Lords statement on what evaluation has been carried out of the Skill Force youth initiative.[HL 5176] - Inc figures and fact that Institute of Education evaluation of Skill Force in Library (Dep 03/2160).
Lords statement on what evaluation has been carried out of the Skill Force youth initiative.[HL 5176] - Inc figures and fact that Institute of Education evaluation of Skill Force in Library (Dep 03/2160).
Asked by
Baroness Nicol
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Bach
(Labour)
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
For answer on
28 October 2003
Answered on
28 October 2003
Subjects
Pupil exclusions; Teachers; Secondary education; Vocational education; Truancy; SkillForce; Veterans
Date
28 October 2003
Reference
HL 5176; 654 c26WA
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the launching of the Skill Force in Oldham.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a statement on the launching of the Skill Force in Oldham.
Asked by
Patrick Mercer
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Moonie
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
30 January 2003
For answer on
6 February 2003
Answered on
6 February 2003
Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the launching of the Skill Force in Oldham.
[95413]
Dr. Moonie: The Skill Force initiative is part of Ministry of Defence's work in the wider community as a force for good. The
objective is to reduce the number of pupils not in employment, education or training on completion of mandatory education at 16.
More immediately, the aim is to reduce truancy, school exclusion and juvenile crime. This is done by using the skills and experience
of ex-Service instructors to deliver a vocational alternative for one day a week in school time. The course develops Wider and Key
skills through a range of awards and qualifications ranging from St. John's Ambulance young lifesaver to Duke of Edinburgh and Key
Skills qualifications. The course is structured around the ASDAN modular vocational award studied at Bronze/Silver level. Pupils
gain self- confidence and team skills while working with strong positive role models from the armed forces.
As a result of an independent evaluation of two of the more mature schemes carried out last year, it was agreed that DfES would fund
a further 12 schemes as part of its Behaviour Improvement Programme. 13 local education authorities were invited to include Skill
Force in their range of behaviour improvement measures. I am pleased to say that Oldham was one of the authorities chosen and that
the scheme there was formally opened on 9 January 2003. A total of some 54 young people are involved in Skill Force Oldham, the
participating schools are, Breeze Hill School, Radclyffe School and South Chadderton School.
Subjects
Children; Disadvantaged; Anti-social behaviour; Cadets; Pilot schemes; Pupil exclusions; Ministry of Defence; Truancy; Oldham; SkillForce
Date
6 February 2003
Reference
399 c405-6W;399 c403W; 95413
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What assessment he has made of the pilot Skillforce scheme; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures and refers to British Market Research Bureau research has already been placed in the Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What assessment he has made of the pilot Skillforce scheme; and if he will make a statement. (Failed OPQ). - Includes figures and refers to British Market Research Bureau research has already been placed in the Library.
Asked by
Helen Jones
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Moonie
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
25 November 2002
For answer on
9 December 2002
Answered on
9 December 2002
Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the pilot Skillforce scheme; and if he will
make a statement. [83989]
Dr. Moonie: The Skill Force scheme is now in its third year in secondary schools at its two original locations. A further nine
locations are in their second year of piloting and this autumn we are putting Skill Force teams into a further 13 locations. This
latest expansion is being taken forward jointly between the Ministry of Defence and Department of Education and Skills (DfES) as
part of DfES's Behaviour Improvement Programme which, in turn, is part of the Government's Street Crime Initiative.
Independent evaluation of the impact of this exciting scheme is an integral part of the approach we have taken to the piloting of
Skill Force. This focuses on testing the scheme's achievement against the key objectives: reducing truancy; reducing exclusions;
improving educational and vocational attainment; improving behaviour; and reducing the number of young people who are not in
employment, education or training on completion of their mandatory schooling.
The latest evaluation by the British Market Research Bureau reviews the original schemes in Newcastle Upon Tyne and West Norfolk and
shows positive results. Attendance rates exceeded 90 per cent. among children who were otherwise expected to display sharply
declining attendance through years 10 and 11; for many it would have been expected that declining attendance would have led
eventually to exclusion. Exclusion levels have also reduced dramatically; only 13 participants were excluded, compared to 46 who
were identified at being at risk of permanent exclusion. One Norfolk Head Teacher said:
"There are youngsters that would have been excluded by now from school if it hadn't been for Skill Force. Some of them have got very
challenging behaviours but there has been a noticeable improvement, there's also been a noticeable improvement in their attendance
as well".
Skill Force has been credited as the major factor in raising GCSE A*-C grades from 26 per cent. to 36 per cent. in one of the
Newcastle Upon Tyne schools.
In addition, over half of the parents interviewed have reported more positive behaviour and attitudes which they attribute directly
to Skill Force.
The report also indicated areas where further development of the Schemes could be undertaken and would be beneficial.
A full copy of the British Market Research Bureau research has already been placed in the Library of the House.
Subjects
Disadvantaged; Cadets; Pilot schemes; Pupil exclusions; Ministry of Defence; Truancy; SkillForce
Date
9 December 2002
Reference
396 c18-9W; 83989
House
House of Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on the expansion of his Department's sponsored Skill Force initiative to assist under-achieving youngsters in schools. - Includes ref to full report in Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has been made on the expansion of his Department's sponsored Skill Force initiative to assist under-achieving youngsters in schools. - Includes ref to full report in Library.
Asked by
Patrick Mercer
(Conservative)
Answered by
Lord Moonie
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
3 July 2002
For answer on
16 July 2002
Answered on
16 July 2002
Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made on the expansion of his Department's sponsored
Skill Force initiative to assist under-achieving youngsters in schools. [67705]
Dr. Moonie: The Skill Force scheme forms part of the Ministry of Defence's contribution to wider Government social exclusion
policies. The initiative aims to prevent young people from feeling long-term disaffection with school and society. It is currently
being piloted in 11 areas and in 47 schools in England and Scotland.
An integral part of the Skill Force pilot scheme has been rigorous and independent evaluation by the British Market Research Bureau.
The most recent evaluation report, based on the two original schemes that started in September 2000 in Newcastle and Norfolk, has
been completed. The report has shown that Skill Force has helped to maintain attendance rates of over 90 per cent. among children
who would otherwise have been expected to display sharply declining attendance, sometimes leading to exclusion through years 10 and
11. Exclusions among participating children in these schools have been reduced by 72 per cent. compared with those predicted by the
head teachers at the start of the scheme. A copy of the full report will be placed in the Library of the House.
The positive results from the independent evaluation have encouraged DfES to work with the MOD in offering Skill Force more widely.
In response to the Government's Street Crime Initiative, Skill Force is one of the schemes 11 local education authorities have been
invited to consider to help them to deliver part of DfES's Behaviour Improvement Programme. The LEAs concerned have all been in
discussions with the MOD and a final decision on locations and schools is expected to be made in the next month. In addition,
discussions are currently being held with a view to extending the pilot scheme to Wales. A decision is expected shortly.
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Pilot schemes; Pupil exclusions; Ministry of Defence; Training; Truancy; Departmental coordination; SkillForce
Date
16 July 2002
Reference
67705; 389 c156W
House
House of Commons
Lords debate on unstarred question on how successful the Skill Force pilot schemes have been in addressing the problems of school truancy and exclusion. (Includes announcement of extension of skill force schemes).
Lords debate on unstarred question on how successful the Skill Force pilot schemes have been in addressing the problems of school truancy and exclusion. (Includes announcement of extension of skill force schemes).
Lead member
Lord Freeman
Answering member
Lord Bach
Department
Ministry of Defence
Type
Questions for short debate
Subjects
Children; Discipline; Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Cadets; Finance; Pilot schemes; Qualifications; Pupil exclusions; Training; Truancy; Departmental coordination; SkillForce
Date
27 June 2002
Reference
636 c1547-62
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
House
House of Lords
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the pilot Skillforce scheme.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the pilot Skillforce scheme.
Asked by
Hywel Francis
(Labour)
Answered by
Lord Moonie
(Labour)
Answering body
Ministry of Defence
Type
Written questions
Status
Answered
Tabled on
22 May 2002
For answer on
10 June 2002
Answered on
10 June 2002
Dr. Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the pilot Skill Force scheme. [59196]
Dr. Moonie: The Skill Force scheme forms part of the Ministry of Defence's contribution to our wider Government social exclusion
policies. The initiative aims to prevent young people from feeling long-term disaffection with school and society. It is currently
being piloted in 11 ares and in 47 schools in England and Scotland. Discussions are currently being held with a view to extending
the pilot to Wales.
A feature of the scheme is the use of recently retired service personnel as instructors for selected children in years 10 and 11 in
a number of state secondary schools; and this has proved very effective. Skill Force emphasises instruction in vocational subjects
with the aim of acquiring the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network modular vocational award at bronze/silver level.
Participants also take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award; St. John's Ambulance Young Life Saver's award and the OCR First
Certificate in Preparation for Employment. The Skill Force scheme is funded by MOD, Department for Education and Skills (DfES), HM
Treasury's Invest to Save Budget and local partners.
An integral part of the Skill Force pilot scheme has been rigorous and independent evaluation by the British Market Research Bureau.
The most recent evaluation report, based on the two original schemes that started in September 2000 in Newcastle and Norfolk, has
been completed. The report has shown that Skill Force has helped to maintain attendance rates of over 90 per cent. among children
who would otherwise have been expected to display sharply declining attendance, sometimes leading to exclusion, through years 10 and
11. Exclusions from these schools have been reduced by 72 per cent. compared with those predicted by the head teachers at the start
of the scheme.
The Skill Force initiative has been supported by DfES from the outset, with the Invest to Save Budget bid being made jointly by the
MOD, Home Office and DfES. In response to the Government's Street Crime Initiative, Skill Force is one of the schemes 11 local
education authorities have been invited to consider to help them to deliver part of DfES's Behaviour Improvement Programme. A
decision from the London education authorities on whether they wish to use Skill Force is expected shortly.
Subjects
Disadvantaged; Armed forces; Schools; Training; SkillForce
Date
10 June 2002
Reference
59196; 386 c740-1W
House
House of Commons