ILR Top 10 Errors - 2023 - 2024

ILR Top 10 Errors - 2023 - 2024

View the ESFA's list of Top 10 Errors through funding year 2023 - 2024

 

R14 top 10 errors - Not Available 

 


Click the link below for full details:

R13 top 10 errors - 09 Oct 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R12 to successfully draw down funding.

R108
R122
PlanEEPHours_01
ProgType_01
R59
LSDPostcode_04
FundModel_16
EPAOrgID_03
LearnDelFAMType_114
CompStatus_02



Click the link below for full details: 

R12 top 10 errors - 15 Aug 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R11 to successfully draw down funding.

LSDPostcode_01
LearnDelFAMType_81
LSDPostcode_04
R108
R131
PriorAttain_01
PlanEEPHours_01
R59
EmpStat_08
R122



Click the link below for full details:

R11 top 10 errors - 18 July 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R12 to successfully draw down funding.

LSDPostcode_01
AFinDate_03
LearnDelFAMType_81
R131
PriorAttain_01
LSDPostcode_04
PlanEEPHours_01
EmpStat_08
R59
PlanLearnHours_01

 



Click the link below for full details:

R10 top 10 errors - 14 Jun 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R11 to successfully draw down funding.

LSDPostcode_01
AFinDate_03
LearnDelFAMType_81
R131
LSDPostcode_04
ULN_07
PlanEEPHours_01
R59
EmpStat_08
PriorAttain_01




R09 top 10 errors - Not Available

 


Click the link below for full details:

R08 top 10 errors - 17 Apr 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R09 to successfully draw down funding. 


AFinDate_03
LearnDelFAMType_81
LSDPostcode_04
R59
ULN_07
LearnDelFAMType_02
LSDPostcode_01
PlanEEPHours_01
OTJActHours_02
R108

 


Click the link below for full details:

R07 top 10 errors - 15 Mar 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R08 to successfully draw down funding.

AFinDate_03
LearnDelFAMType_44
LSDPostcode_04
LearnDelFAMType_81
LSDPostcode_01
R59
PlanEEPHours_01
PlanLearnHours_01
OTJActHours_02
EmpStat_08

 



Click the link below for full details:

R06 top 10 errors - 15 Feb 2024

Make sure to resolve your errors before R07 to successfully draw down funding.

AFinDate_03
EmpStat_08
LSDPostcode_04
R131
LSDPostcode_01
PriorAttain_01
LearnDelFAMType_81
ULN_07
PlanEEPHours_01
R59

 



Click the link below for full details:

R05 top 10 errors - 19 Jan 2024

 Make sure to resolve your errors before R06 to successfully draw down funding.

AFinDate_03
ULN_07
LearnDelFAMType_81
R131
AFinType_13
AFinType_12
R59
LSDPostcode_04
R108
PlanEEPHours_01

 



Click the link below for full details:

R04 top 10 errors - 07 Dec 2023

Make sure to resolve your errors before R05 to successfully draw down funding. 

LSDPostcode_04
AFinDate_03
LearnDelFAMType_02
LearnDelFAMType_01
R131
EmpStat_11
PlanEEPHours_01
LearnAimRef_92
PlanLearnHours_01
AFinType_13


 
Click the link below for full details:

R03 top 10 errors - 16 Nov 2023

Make sure to resolve your errors before R04 to successfully draw down funding.


EmpStat_11
LearnDelFAMType_81
PriorAttain_01
WorkPlaceStartDate_01
EmpStat_08
LSDPostcode_04
PlanLearnHours_01
LearnDelFAMType_02
PlanEEPHours_01


 
Click the link below for full details:

R02 top 10 errors - 12 Oct 2023

Make sure to resolve your errors before R03 to successfully draw down funding.

EmpStat_11
PlanLearnHours_03
PlanLearnHours_01
R131
PriorAttain_01
PlanEEPHours_01
R63
LearnDelFAMType_81
LearnAimRef_93
LearnDelFAMType_02


 

Start & End of Year ILR Transition - 2024

Start & End of Year ILR Transition - 2024

IMPORTANT - ILR Transition Period 2024

ILR Transition Period

We're heading into the new funding year 2024 - 2025 but 2023 - 2024 ILR's are required to be submitted until 17th October 2024.

I’ve made this post a little early this year due to the significant amount of changes to the ILR Sepectification, which is currently on Version 4 and there will also be a NEW FIS application to download for 2024 - 2025 however, it hasn't been made available outside of the Software Writers Group as yet, but I'll update the links as soon as it's published.

There's still lots of time to prepare your ILR's during this year end / start transition period and hopefully the following information will be of help for training providers new to delivering as a lead.

As you are aware we are transitioning from one funding year to the next and to be fair it's a simple process if you have an MI system to take out the hard work.

However, if you don't you'll need to factor in several very important aspects for this time of year, which won't phase you if you are up to speed with the ILR Specification and Provider Support Manual online documentation, if you aren't then I will explain what you need to know below.

There is a crossover of ILR's during this transition period and this follows the same process each year.


 

Main Rules
 
•    The first ILR of a new funding year is due in September.

•   The data cut off for each funding year is always 31st July!
 
•    This means that the data you submit in R12, R13 & R14 MUST NOT include completion or achievements dates if these
      fall after 31st July.
 
•    These learners are classed as continuing, even if they complete in the first week of August, their ILR data must be
      submitted  for the remainder of the new funding year.


 

Data Collection Timetables

Click the links below to download the return schedules.

2023 - 2024 Data Collection Timetable

2024 - 2025 Data Collection Timetable

 


 

ILR Fields - New, Revisions and Removals

The new funding year always sees changes to the ILR schema due to definition changes and the addition or removal of various data fields in line with funding rule changes.

The ILR specification: 2024 to 2025 - Summary of changes online documentation explains these in full but I'd like to point out a few of the most significant changes to be implemented from 1st August:

  • The Destination and Progression entity has been removed

  • The Employment outcome field has been removed

  • Adult Skills Fund (Funding model 38)

  • Tailored Learning (Funding model 11) replaces community learning

  • No longer allowing spaces in the National Insurance Number

  • A new Code has been added to Learner LLDD and health problem entity - New code 18 (Down Syndrome)

 


 

Submit Two Different ILR's in September and October!

Basically for two months you have to submit two ILR's to cover the end of 2023 - 2024 and the start of 2024 - 2025.

The main requirements:


1.    Prepare two ILR's for submission.
 
2.    Be aware of the two different ILR submission dates.
 
3.    ILR XML year specific structure changes
 
4.    NO Completion data after 31st July 2024 in R13 & R14.
 
5.    Continuing learners across funding years.

 


 

 


September Returns


5th September R01 - first return for 2024 - 2025.

16th September R13 - penultimate return 2023 - 2024.

 


 

What are ILR's R13 & R14 Used For?

Essentially these last two ILRs are there to allow you time to make sure all the ILR data you've submitted throughout the year is correct, which means by 17th October all of your 2023 - 2024 ILR data should be correct and up to date and all ALL PDSAT and FRM report queries should be resolved.

Check out the ESFA Financial Assurance: Monitoring post-16 funding for 2023 to 2024 for the specific funding year documentation. 

You must return correct learner information including:


•    Withdrawn

•    Completions in year

•    On Learning Break

•    On Programme

•    Including those transferred to another programme or provider.


Failure to do so could cause funding claw backs, inconsistent QAR data and ultimately running the risk of having your ESFA contracts cancelled due to the inability to correctly manage data.


 


October Returns


4th October R02 - second return for 2024 - 2025.

17th October R14 - final return of 2023 - 2024.

 


 

Using the ESFA’s Learner Entry Tool

This transition period can be a tricky prospect, especially if you are using the ESFA’s Learner Entry tool however the ESFA now has a step by step guide!

To continue submitting R13 and R14 2023 – 2024 ILR’s you will use the setup you have now, the documentation is available from the links below:


•    ILR Learner Entry tool

•    ILR Learner Entry Tool guide

•    Learner Entry Tool Known Issues 2023 - 2024

•    FIS (Funding Information Service) Tool

 

For submitting 2024 – 2025 ILR’s you will need to download:

 

Each year the two funding years will almost certainly require a different XML schema so you have to make sure your ILR’s validate against the correct funding year data sets.

Again, you will need to make sure your R12,R13 & R14 MUST NOT include completion or achievement dates if these fall after 31st July, but YOU MUST include these in your 2024– 2025 ILR’s.

 

If you don't have an MIS you will need to use both ILR Learner Entry tools and both versions FIS to validate the next 4 ILR submissions!

 

You will be able to import your 2023 – 2024 ILR into the 2024 – 2025 Learner Entry tool and modify the data there.

Then export in the new funding year format and validate in FIS against the 2024 – 2025 data set!


Important FIS Information!

To validate your ILR 'offline' you will need to make sure you download the ESFA'S latest Funding Information System (FIS) application to conclude the current funding year.

1. Download most up to date FIS application

2. Import 2023 - 2020 ILR

3. Run FIS validation

4.  Check any errors against the 2023 - 2024 Version 4 Validation Rules Spreadsheet.


You will need to make sure you download the ESFA'S Funding Information System (FIS) application for the new 2024 - 2025 funding year.

1. Use FIS application with 2024- 2025 data set - when avaialble

2. Import 2023 - 2024 ILR

3. Run FIS validation

4. Check any errors against the 2024 - 2025 Validation Rules Spreadsheet..

Make sure you upload the ILR's to Submit learner data before the deadlines to avoid any problems.


ILR Validation Process

It's really important that your ILR validation processes include all the available tools to keep you on top of the ESFA's various funding rules and regulations.

"FIS is a desktop application for the Education and Skills Funding Agency's data collections system. Providers can use it to validate Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data."

•  validate Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data
•  calculate funding and derived variables
•  create a range of reports based on a set of ILR data

PDSAT - Provider Data Self Assessment Toolkit

"PDSAT is a tool for analysing learner and learning delivery data. It interrogates Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data and produces reports on this data, so that providers can identify and investigate potential anomalies in the ILR data."

Financial Assurance: Monitoring post-16 funding for 2023 to 2024 - To access the post-16 monitoring dashboard you will need to login to View Yor Education Data (VYED)

It's imperative that in your data management processes you keep up to date with any of the issues raised in these report

 

Unleash the Full Power of Athena MIS with Our Comprehensive Support Services

We offer more than just software

While we provide expert guidance on using our suite of software applications, Athena Spectrum, we understand that successful delivery requires additional support.
 
That's where our comprehensive Support Services come in. We act as your trusted data management and compliance partner, going the extra mile to ensure your success.
 
Go beyond software: Our clients see us as their "secret weapon," consistently resolving funding-related issues and ensuring smooth operations.
 
Our data managemnt services include:

  • ILR creation and validation
  • ILR Management & submissions
  • ESFA & AS Helpdesk support
  • ILR Report Interrogation
  • Data input.

Get in touch today for a confidential chat!

 


Start & End of Year ILR Transition - 2019

Start & End of Year ILR Transition - 2019

IMPORTANT - There's a new version of this post for the start of the 2020-2021 funding year, check it out HERE!

ILR Transition Period 2018 - 2019 & 2019 - 2020

We're heading into the new funding year 2019 - 2020 but 2018 - 2019 ILR's are required to be submitted until 17th October 2019.

I’ve made this post a little late this year due to waiting for all the new information from the ESFA,as there's a NEW FIS application to download and the Hub is being replaced by the NEW Submit learner data service, which is officially launched today 22nd August 2019.

However, there's still lots of time to help you prepare your ILR's during this year end / start transition period.

As you are aware we are transitioning from one funding year to the next and to be fair it isn't a simple process unless you have an MI system to take out the hard work!

There are several very important aspects to factor in at this time of year which won't phase you if you are up to speed with the ILR Specification and Provider Support documentation.

However, if you aren't then I will explain what you need to know.

There is a crossover of ILR's during this transition period and this follows the same process each year.


 

Main Rules
 
•    The first ILR of a new funding year is due in September.

•   The data cut off for each funding year is always 31st July!
 
•    This means that the data you submit in R12, R13 & R14 MUST NOT include completion or achievements dates if these
      fall after 31st July.
 
•    These learners are classed as continuing, even if they complete in the first week of August, their ILR data must be submitted
      for the remainder of the new funding year.


 

Data Collection Timetables

Click the links below to download the return schedules.

2018 - 2019 Data Collection Timetable

2019 - 2020 Data Collection Timetable


 

New ILR Fields

The new funding year always sees changes to the ILR schema due to the addition and removal of various data fields.

The ILR Specification 2019 to 2020 V2 documentation explains this in full but there's the following additional fields:

  • Learning Delivery - New field - Planned hours (p134)

  • Learning Delivery - New field - Learning start date postcode (p137)

  • Learning delivery funding and monitoring type - New FAM type - Devolved area monitoring (DAM) - (p165)

All Revisions, new and removed fields can be found in the Summary of Changes 2019-2020 on pages 2 to 8 of the ILR Specification 2019 to 2020 V2 .


 

Submit Two Different ILR's in September and October!

Basically for two months you have to submit two ILR's to cover the end of 2018 - 2019 and the start of 2019 - 2020.

The main requirements:


1.    Prepare two ILR's for submission.
 
2.    Be aware of the two different ILR submission dates.
 
3.    ILR XML structure changes.
 
4.    NO Completion data after 31st July 2018 in R13 & R14.
 
5.    Continuing learners across funding years.

6.    Submit ILR's to the NEW Submit learner data service.


 

 


September Returns


5th September R01 - first return for 2019 - 2020.

13th September R13 - penultimate return 2018 - 2019.

 


 

What are ILR's R13 & R14 Used For?

Essentially these last two ILRs are there to allow you time to make sure all the ILR data you've submitted throughout the year is correct, which means by 17th October all of your 2018 - 2019 ILR data should be correct and up to date and all ALL PDSAT and FRM report queries should be resolved.

Check out the ESFA financial assurance: monitoring the funding rules for the specific funding year documentation. 

You must return correct learner information including:


•    Withdrawn

•    Completions in year

•    On Learning Break

•    On Programme

•    Including those transferred to another programme or provider.


Failure to do so could cause funding claw backs, inconsistent QAR data and ultimately running the risk of having your ESFA contracts cancelled due to the inability to correctly manage data.


 


October Returns


4th October R02 - second return for 2019 - 2020.

17th October R14 - final return of 2018 - 2019.

 


Using the ESFA’s Learner Entry Tool

This transition period is a tricky prospect, especially if you are using the ESFA’s Learner Entry tools!

There is no getting around this so here’s the gist of what’s in store for you!

To continue submitting R13 & R14 2018 – 2019 ILR’s you will use the setup you have now;


•    2018 - 2019 ILR Learner Entry tool

•    ILR learner entry 2018 to 2019 user guide

•    Learner Entry Tool Known Issues

•    FIS with 2018 – 2019 data set

 

For submitting 2019 – 2020 ILR’s you will need to have:

Each year the two funding years will almost certainly require a different XML schema so you have to make sure your ILR’s validate against the correct funding year data sets.

Again, you will need to make sure your R12, R13 & R14 MUST NOT include completion or achievement dates if these fall after 31st July.

But YOU MUST include these in your 2019 – 2020 ILR’s.

You will need to use both ILR Learner Entry tools and both data sets in FIS to validate the next 4 ILR submissions!

You will be able to import your 2018 – 2019 ILR into the 2019 – 2020 Learner Entry tool and modify the data there.

Then export in the new funding year format and validate in FIS against the 2019 – 2020 data set!


Important FIS Information!

You will need to make sure you update the ESFA'S Funding Information System (FIS) to include the new funding year data set.

1. Import 2018 - 2019 ILR

2. Run FIS validation

3. Check any errors against the 2018 - 2019 Validation Rules Spreadsheet.

You will also need to switch between data sets when validating your ILR's in different funding years

1. Change data set  to 2019 - 2020

2. Import 2018 - 2019 ILR

3. Run FIS validation

4. Check any errors against the 2019 - 2020 Validation Rules Spreadsheet..

Make sure you upload the ILR's to Submit learner data before the deadlines to avoid any problems.


 

GDPR

You should all be GDPR compliant, or at least working towards compliance as the ESFA are checking up!

Since 25th May 2018 your application and enrollment forms should include the updated contact preferences fields, as set out in the ESFA's updated Privacy Notice.

You should also check out the Education and Skills Funding Agency privacy notice: April 2019 if you haven't done so already.

 

Take The Easy Option and Let Athena MIS Manage it for You!

Athena Manages the Changes!
 
You don't have to think about:


•    the different XML schema
 
•    changing data formats
 
•    data cut off period
 
•    transferring continuing learners

Athena MIS manages all this for you!


Athena MIS - ILR Dashboard

The ILR Dashboard accommodates the ILR transition across funding years.

Check out the ILR Return schedules built into the ILR Dashboard to see the different dates and switch funding years for the schedules to change.

You will now have to familiarise yourself with switching between funding years on the ILR Dashboard to view the appropriate learners.

The video below shows how to view ILR return schedules in different funding years.


 

Athena MIS - ILR Export Wizard

There has been a significant update to the ILR Export Wizard to support with the transition between funding years.

We have automated as much as we can by migrating continuing learners across funding years in the ILR Export Wizard!

You will see just how many; new, complete and continuing learners you have so all you have to do is select the funding year for the ILR you need to generate and it's all taken care of by Athena MIS

Watch the video below for step by step instructions!


 

Get Our Updates!

* Indicates required
 
 
 
    

Cleverclogs Multimedia LTD will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you regarding new blog posts and updates to existing posts on cleverblogs. We will NEVER share your personal details and will only make contact with you via email for this specified purpose. Please see our GDPR compliant privacy notice for further information.

 

Start & End of Year ILR Transition - 2018

Start & End of Year ILR Transition - 2018

ILR Transition Period 2018
 
IMPORTANT - There's a new version of this post for the 2019-2020 funding year, check it out HERE!

ILR Transition Period
 
I’ve made this post rather early to help you prepare your ILR's during this year end / start transition period.

As you are aware we are transitioning from one funding year to the next and to be fair it isn't a simple process unless you have an MI system to take out the hard work!

There are several very important aspects to factor in at this time of year which won't phase you if you are up to speed with the ILR Specification and Provider Support documentation.

However, if you aren't then I will explain what you need to know.

There is a crossover of ILR's during this transition period and this follows the same process each year.


Main Rules
 
•    The first ILR of a new funding year is due in September.

•   The data cut off for each funding year is always 31st July!
 
•    This means that the data you submit in R12, R13 & R14 MUST NOT include completion or achievements dates if these
      fall after 31st July.
 
•    These learners are classed as continuing, even if they complete in the first week of August, their ILR data must be submitted
      for the remainder of the new funding year.

The Return Schedules:

Click the links below to download the return schedules.

2017 - 2018 Schedule

2018 - 2019 Schedule


New ILR Fields

The new funding year always sees changes to the ILR schema due to the addition and removal of various data fields.

The ILR Specification V3 documentation explains this in full but there is an additional field, Agreement ID, which needs your attention if you deliver apprenticeships to levy paying employers.

The full details are found on page 93 of the ILR Specification V3.


GDPR

You should all be GDPR compliant, or at least working towards compliance as the ESFA are checking up!

As of 25th May 2018 your application/enrollment forms should now include the updated contact preferences fields, as set out in the ESFA's Privacy Notice.

You should also check out the Education and Skills Funding Agency privacy notice: May 2018 if you haven't done so already.


You Must Submit Two Different ILR's
in September and October!

Basically for two months you have to submit two ILR's to cover the end of 2017 – 2018 and the start of 2018 - 2019.

The main requirements:


1.    Prepare two ILR's for submission.
 
2.    Be aware of the two different ILR submission dates.
 
3.    ILR XML structure changes.
 
4.    NO Completion data after 31st July 2018 in R13 & R14.
 
5.    Continuing learners across funding years.


 


September Returns


6th September R01 - first return for 2018 - 2019.

14th September R13 - penultimate return 2017 - 2018.

 


What are ILR's R13 & R14 Used For?
 
Essentially you have until 18th October 2018 to make sure all of your 2017 - 2018 ILR data is correct and up to date.

You must return correct learner information including:


•    Withdrawn

•    Completions in year

•    On Learning Break

•    On Programme

•    Including those transferred to another programme or provider.


Failure to do so could cause funding claw backs, funding withdrawal and ultimately you run the risk of having your ESFA contracts cancelled due to the inability to manage your data correctly.


 


October Returns


4th October R02 - second return for 2018 - 2019.

18th October R14 - final return of 2017 - 2018.

 


Using the ESFA’s Learner Input Tool

This transition period is a tricky prospect, especially if you are using the ESFA’s Learner input tools!

There is no getting around this so here’s the gist of what’s in store for you!

To continue submitting R13 & R14 2017 – 2018 ILR’s you will use the setup you have now;


•    2017 - 2018 ILR Learner Entry tool

•    ILR learner entry 2017 to 2018 user guide

•    Learner Entry Tool Known Issues

•    FIS with 2017 – 2018 data set.

For submitting 2018 – 2019 ILR’s you will need to have:


•    2018 -2019 ILR Learner Entry Tool (when released)

•    ILR Learner Entry Tool 2018 – 2019 user guide (when released)

•   Update FIS with 2018 – 2019 data set (when released)

Each year the two funding years will almost certainly require a different XML schema so you have to make sure your ILR’s validate against the correct funding year data sets.

Again, you will need to make sure your R12, R13 & R14 MUST NOT include completion or achievement dates if these fall after 31st July.

But YOU MUST include these in your 2018 – 2019 ILR’s.

You will need to use both ILR Learner Entry tools and both data sets in FIS to validate the next 4 ILR submissions!

You will be able to import your 2017 – 2018 ILR into the 2018 – 2019 Learner Entry tool and modify the data there.

Then export in the new funding year format and validate in FIS against the 2018 – 2019 data set!


Important FIS Information!

You will need to make sure you update the ESFA'S Funding Information System (FIS) to include the new funding year data set.

1. Import 2017 - 2018 ILR

2. Run FIS validation

3. Check any errors against the 2017 - 2018 Validation Rules Spreadsheet.

You will also need to switch between data sets when validating your ILR's in different funding years

1. Change data set  to 2018 - 2019

2. Import 2018 - 2019 ILR

3. Run FIS validation

4. Check any errors against the 2018 - 2019 Validation Rules Spreadsheet.

Make sure you upload the ILR's to the Hub before the deadlines to avoid any problems.


ILR Validation Process

It's really important that your ILR validation processes include all the available tools to keep you on top of the ESFA's various funding rules and regulations.

FIS - Funding Information System

FIS is a desktop service application element of the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s data collections system which can be used by data providers to

•  validate Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data
•  calculate funding and derived variables
•  create a range of reports based on a set of ILR data

PDSAT - Provider Data Self Assessment Toolkit

"PDSAT is a tool for analysing learner and learning delivery data. It interrogates Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data and produces reports on this data, so that providers can identify and investigate potential anomalies in the ILR data."

ILR data: check that it meets standards and quality requirements

Download PDSAT Tool.

BIRST Reports - business intelligence tool to produce and view interactive dashboards.

The BIRST reports in the Hub highlight any funding issues you may have from duplicate learners to invalid loans.

It's imperative that in your data management processes you keep up to date with any of the issues raised in these reports.

 


Take The Easy Option and Let Athena MIS Manage it for You!

Athena Manages the Changes!
 
You don't have to think about:


•    the different XML schema
 
•    changing data formats
 
•    data cut off period
 
•    transferring continuing learners

Athena MIS manages all this for you!


Athena MIS - ILR Dashboard

The ILR Dashboard accommodates the ILR transition across funding years.

Check out the ILR Return schedules built into the ILR Dashboard to see the different dates and switch funding years for the schedules to change.

You will now have to familiarise yourself with switching between funding years on the ILR Dashboard to view the appropriate learners.

The video below shows how to view ILR return schedules in different funding years.



Athena MIS - ILR Export Wizard

There has been a significant update to the ILR Export Wizard to support with the transition between funding years.

We have automated as much as we can by migrating continuing learners across funding years in the ILR Export Wizard!

You will see just how many; new, complete and continuing learners you have so all you have to do is select the funding year for the ILR you need to generate and it's all taken care of by Athena MIS

Watch the video below for step by step instructions!

 


 

Get Our Updates!

* Indicates required
 
 
 
    

Cleverclogs Multimedia LTD will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you regarding new blog posts and updates to existing posts on cleverblogs. We will NEVER share your personal details and will only make contact with you via email for this specified purpose. Please see our GDPR compliant privacy notice for further information.

 

PDSAT & Final ILR Submissions For 2016-2017!

PDSAT & Final ILR Submissions For 2016-2017!

Important Information on Monitoring Financial Assurance!

At this time of year the ESFA have made their selection of training providers on which to perform a funding audit and their R12 ILR submission will be used for this purpose.

The ESFA make their funding audit selections based on how well the ILR’s have been created and how the data performs against PDSAT.

There are several documents available on the ESFA web site which cover how training providers are monitored for financial assurance during a specific year, eg; 2016 – 2017.

ESFA financial assurance: monitoring the funding rules.

"Lists the current areas that we are monitoring and working with the sector on during the course of the funding year. It gives the ESFA assurance that provision we buy meets our published funding rules."


What is PDSAT?

PDSAT is the Provider Data Self-Assessment Toolkit, software available from the ESFA for you to keep on top of the funding aspect of your data management.

"It interrogates Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data and produces reports on this data, so that providers can identify and investigate potential anomalies in the ILR data."
ESFA - ILR data: check that it meets standards and quality requirements


You should not only be validating your ILR in FIS but also run it through PDSAT to make sure you don’t have any funding errors which won't be picked up by the FIS.

The FIS checks the validation of your ILR in terms of correct XML formatting including; invalid post codes and NI's etc and the required data to be submitted in your ILR's.

The PDSAT checks for the financial implications such as duplicate learning aims, non funded postcodes and apprenticeship payments.

It's expected that you use PDSAT before every ILR submission as part of your validation routine and each error MUST be corrected before the next ILR return.

If you follow this process then you won't run the risk of nasty surprises should you be selected for an ESFA funding audit.


POINTS TO NOTE!

  • Be aware, include it in your data management routine and you won’t get any nasty surprises!

  • At the moment the PDSAT is only available for 2016 – 2017 ILR’s and as there are two returns left to submit for 2016 – 2017 funding year it's imperative to start now!

  • Some of the issues returned by PDSAT are not provided by the FIS so you could be unaware that you have any funding issues until the ESFA come calling!

  • Basically there is no excuse to be in the dark when it comes to issues raised by the ESFA’s funding audit as they use this exact software to check your ILR’s for discrepancies!

The Importance of R13 & R14!

The last two ILR submissions in the funding year are very important and are outlined in the letter from Dawn Ward CBE:

  • "If you have data errors or a higher volume of queries at the end of the funding year following the closure of R14 ILR return, the SFA may:

    recover funding where there is confidence the claim has been made in error

  • conduct assurance visits for specific issues before the end-of-year reconciliation statements are issued - even if that delays your reconciliation statements

  • ensure these issues inform the process for selecting providers for audit in future funding years.

    You must correct records before the close of the R14 ILR data submission where you identify that the data or funding claim is incorrect. You can continue to use the existing provider data self-assessment toolkit to support you in correcting any identified data issues prior to your next submission."

Dawn Ward CBE, Letter to the sector: February 2017


There's Still Time to Validate!

OK, so if you haven't checked your ILR's in PDSAT you still have time!

Download the PDSAT application and documentation from the links below or visit the ESFA's PDSAT web page.

Download and install the PDSAT application, you will also be prompted during the installation process to install some prerequisite software if you don't already have it.

It is pretty straight forward to import your latest ILR and run the reports.

You have time before R14 is due on 19th October to rectify any funding anomalies or at the very least become aware of them!


TIP:

As there are potentially 75 reports to generate I would suggest you go to the Settings tab and select to
EXCLUDE reports with zero records.

In the Reports tab you can then select (check box to left of Report ID) to run all the reports
and only have those returned which have issues.


 

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