Subscribe Print page RSS

Latest News

Moving to a Single Restructured Learner Record in XML for 2011/12

Published: 21 January 2011
The information authority has been working with the Data Service to move to a single, restructured learner data collection defined and collected using Extensible Markup Language (XML).

As mentioned in an earlier news item, the Data Service is changing its data collection systems to accommodate these changes and help providers convert flat files to XML.

What does moving to a single restructured learner record mean?

  • There will no longer be a separate collection for Employer Responsive, Learner Responsive, Adult Safeguarded Learning and ESF short records.
  • Providers will be asked to send records for all their learners in a single file submission.
  • Providers will be able to send data continuously during the year – either full returns containing all learners or up-date only files for a subset of learners.
  • The information authority’s collection timetable will define when data must be sent for certain groups of learners. Requirements are currently being gathered from the funding agencies. These will then be presented at the information authority board meeting in March for approval. The information authority and the Data Service will then publish a timetable for providers detailing when data must be sent for 2011/12.
  • The data specification will continue to apply to a single academic year. The information authority will continue to operate an annual change process cycle similar to the existing timetable.

Timeframes for delivery:

  • End of February 2011:

        – The information authority to publish version 2 of flat file ILR specification to include late ILR changes.
         – The information authority to publish final specification for the single, restructured learner record and XML Schema.

  • Early March 2011:

        – The information authority to publish the Data Collections timetable.

Regular updates on the single restructured learner record will feature in upcoming issues of the Inform newsletter. If you have any queries on the single restructured learner record, please email cst@theia.org.uk.