The ESFA updated the apprenticeship off-the-job training guidance document last week, to provide the policy context and some best-practice examples around off-the-job training. They also added a commitment statement template which has been produced following requests from some training providers.
Following this updated guidance being published, it was reported that the ESFA had changed the training rule, as the updated guidance states that the 20% calculation should be capped at 30 hours per week. The ESFA initially responded that this new guidance, with the 30 hour cap calculation, was not a contradiction to the funding rules, as the 30 hours has always been referenced in the minimum duration section and the new guidance provides clarification on certain areas. However on Friday afternoon they redacted the part of the guidance in relation to the use of 30 hours and are advising providers to continue to work to the apprenticeship funding rules and not change any training plans with learners. They have said they will publish a further update this week.