Raising of participation age

As expected the Queen's speech had a bill about raising the participation age to 18yrs by 2015, so that young people Not in Education Employment or Training (NEETs) will effectively be eradicated. Ed Balls set out the four building blocks towards this goal

• Curriculum reform including the new diplomas
• Clear responsibilities for the LA to provide Information Advice and Guidance to young people
• A range of financial supportive measures (extension of the Education Maintenance Allowance, amendments to the New Deal etc.)
• Support for work based training and the creation of apprenticeships