MORE information has now emerged into the background of how a local learning centre for young people aged between 16 and 19 suddenly shut its doors, stopping their education in its tracks and putting staff out of work.

Yesterday (Friday, 14 October) Nub News reported on a protest by parents, students and staff outside the Basildon classrooms of Lifeskills - which was attended by young people from Thurrock, Basildon and Southend. It now emerges the specialist training provider has gone bust after a government funding audit found "data irregularities".

As well as its Basildon classrooms, the social enterprise company LifeSkills Solutions has four other centres around the country in Leeds, Sheffield, Lowestoft and Rotherham which provide training through apprenticeships and study programme for special needs and vulnerable young people who are not engaged in the school system. They have all closed, with a total loss of 80 jobs lost and almost 500 young people whose education has come to a sudden halt

Inside the Lifeskills classrooms.

A spokesperson for LifeSkills, said: "Over the last 20 years, LifeSkills has done some wonderful work and we are proud to have supported the learning of over 22,000 young people. While we have tried everything to save the company, this has not been possible, and we are incredibly sad to be in this situation – we would like to thank our brilliant team for all of their hard work and for creating a truly wonderful company."

The closure follows a funding audit by the Education and Skills Funding Agency which identified "data irregularities".

The ESFA audits roviders to make sure they are claiming funding correctly and completing data checks. If any irregularities are found, they have the power to recover funding or even trigger a criminal investigation. LifeSkills says that due to an "ongoing dispute" with the agency following the audit, its funding has been "affected" which made the social enterprise "unviable".

LifeSkills says it tried to find a buyer for the company in recent weeks but none were found.

The company was last inspected by Ofsted in 2016. The report, which resulted in 'good' judgements across the board, praised staff for their dedication to helping learners who have complex personal and social needs.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We can confirm that Lifeskills Solutions Ltd have notified us of their intention to go into administration following a funding audit that identified data irregularities.

"We are working with Lifeskills to find alternative high quality training providers for the learners affected so that they can complete their training."

Administrators Begbies Traynor have been appointed to manage the compnay and its spokesp[erson Kris Wigfield said: "Our immediate priority over the coming days will be to assist the students and employees as much as we possibly can."

Parents or learners are urged to contact a dedicated LifeSkills mailbox should they need further guidance [email protected].