Standard Learner Number Business Definition

DEFINITION

1. A Standard Learner Number (SLN) is a value used to calculate funding. It is a measure of the volume of activity associated with a qualification, learning aim, learner, contract, allocation or any other set of training or education.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

2. SLN values are listed on the Learning Aims Database (LAD), and are used as a basis for the funding calculations in all Demand Led Funding Models. Whilst the SLN gives a robust measure of volume learning, the relative cost of that learning must also be taken into account, and this is measured by the Provider Factor.

3. Employer Responsive SLN values are derived from Activity in terms of a mixture of one to one contact and group-based hours. NVQs generate a standard rate, whilst apprenticeships are given an SLN value for each aim within it; Key Skills, Technical Certificates and a combined SLN for the NVQ and Apprenticeship elements.

4. Not all learning aims in the Learner Responsive Models have listed values on the LAD. Those without values are marked as 'unlisted', and the SLN value is derived from the Guided Learning Hours specified for that aim in the Individualised Learner Record (ILR).

5. SLNs are calculated separately for each academic year of study on each learner's programme. Hence, when a learner is on a two year programme, an SLN value will be calculated separately for each year.

Last date modified: 12th November 2008