Vocational Education: Runcorn and Helsby
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of current and projected post-16 education and training capacity in Runcorn and Helsby constituency.
Answered by Department for Education
The department engages regularly with Halton Borough Council, Riverside College and other local partners on post-16 education and skills provision in the Halton area, including the Runcorn and Helsby constituency. Discussions have included the availability and accessibility of education and training opportunities for young people and adults, as well as options for delivering provision across the area, including satellite provision and the opening of WELL Runcorn, a joint venture with the NHS, which will offer education and health services to residents. Officials have discussed how the college’s provision in the town centre with Power in Partnership supports the most vulnerable students. Decisions relating to local transport arrangements are the responsibility of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and local partners. Riverside College provide free transportation to all Runcorn and Helsby learners.
The department keeps post-16 education and training provision under review and works closely with local authorities, colleges and other providers to ensure sufficient capacity is available to meet learner demand. Departmental officials have held discussions with Halton Borough Council and Riverside College regarding current and future post-16 provision in the Halton area, including the Runcorn and Helsby constituency. These discussions have considered learner participation, demographic changes and local capacity to ensure provision continues to meet the needs of young people and employers.
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