The DfE has relaxed its rules in COLLECT to allow submissions with 2905 queries

Rule 2905 will change from an 'error' to a 'query' and the message will change to the following for reporting in its COLLECT validation. The DfE coding for this validation rule will be changed in line with this message and its revised classification as a 'query'.

"Please check either the start date of all learning aims is not equal to the start date of the corresponding programme aim or the planned end date across all learning aims is later than the planned end date of the corresponding programme aim (the programme aim with the matching programme type)."

A couple of examples may help schools to understand the consequences of this change.

  • Example 1: Programme start date set to 01/09/2020 with one or more of its learning aims set to a start date of 03/09/2020.

    • This does not trigger the rule for DfE school validation, but will continue to trigger the rule for DfE COLLECT validation.

  • Example 2: Programme planned end date set to 30/07/2021 with one or more of its learning aims set to a planned end date of 23/07/2021.

    • This does not trigger the rule for DfE school validation and will now also not trigger the rule for DfE COLLECT validation.

Should schools wish to create a fully compliant return can offer the following advice.

Option 1

  1. Create a copy of the return already submitted and run the On Roll Learning aims Detail report (a copy of this report will have been saved along with the XML file)

  2. Using this report, identify the earliest and latest course start and end dates for each student 

  3. Edit the information in the Programme of Study screen to match these dates 

  4. Re-authorise and re-submit the return

Option 2

  1. Arrange for the application of patch 26089 to the SIMS database – this will ensure that the system correctly identifies PoS start and end dates by reference to course information

  2. Create a copy of the return already submitted and run the Post-16 Programmes of Study report to capture a copy of any edits to Qual and Non-Qual hours which may have been made as these will be lost in step 3 (a copy of this report will have been saved along with the XML file)

  3. Repopulate the Programme of Study screen with calculated values

    1. Reset all Programmes of Study 

    2. Click the Calculate Programmes of Study button

    3. Click the Calculate Hours from Courses button

  4. Edit Qual and Non-Qual hours as required referring to the report created earlier

  5. Re-authorise and resubmit the return

If your return has fallen foul of this situation, please accept our apologies for the inconvenience following our earlier advice will have caused. If you have any queries relating to this mail or any aspect of the process, please do get in touch.
 
Patch 26089 has been authorised for application using SOLUS 3 to all post 16 settings and is available as a download for application using dBUpgrade here.

With best wishes
 
OSMIS Education