In the current issue of ILN News, Alan Jeffery of the DfEE writes:-

DfEE Standards Fund Grant 15 is provided to help local authorities improve the learning opportunities for adults in their localities. Authorities are required to provide matching funding from their own resources.

The improvements envisaged will be in, for example,

* the number, range, accessibility and quality of learning opportunities
* the relevance to the needs and aspirations of individuals
* the effects on participation in learning, particularly in attracting those who would not otherwise participate.

The Grant can be spent on

* provision of new learning opportunities which fill known gaps
* partnerships which add value to what would otherwise be offered to local learners
* improving the quality of learning opportunities
* developing and delivering Local Authority Lifelong Learning Development Plans setting out what the local authority will do to promote lifelong learning to meet its statutory obligation to secure adequate provision.

Further information from the press release at: