PDSAT is a tool for analysing learner and learning delivery data. It interrogates individual learner record (ILR) data and produces reports on this data, so that providers can identify and investigate potential anomalies in the ILR data.
We have developed PDSAT:
to include new functionality for the 20232021 to 20242022 funding year- maintain
as well as maintaining existing functionality applicable from the 20212016 to 20222017 funding year onwards
onwards. As a result, PDSAT will process ILR data for all such funding yearsyears.
We fromhave 2021designed toit 2022.to:
give providers a toolkit to analyse ILR data
assist auditors in the audit of providers’ ILR data
select audit samples and create a set of audit working papers
It is providers’ responsibility to implement processes to ensure that they return timely and accurate data in their ILRs.
WeWhilst encouragethe providers to use of PDSAT is not mandatory, we strongly recommend its use to regularlyassist checkproviders ILRin their routine data reducingcleansing, theas riskwell of:
- overclaiming
as fundsassisting fromin ESFA
- repayment
their ofpreparation funds
for assurance visits.
Reviewing
We have designed PDSAT reports:to userprocess guidedata that has been validated through the funding information system (FIS). We recommend that all ILR errors and warnings are reviewed and corrected before the ILR file is processed in PDSAT.
ThePDSAT allows the user guideto isimport ILR XML data files and FIS data files for providerseach whofunding areyear. requiredNote tothat maintainreports run from PDSAT using an ILR XML data andfile ensurewill itnot isinclude completefunding andbut accurate.will Thisinclude includes:any non-validated records.
- colleges
- independent
PDSAT trainingdownload
TheAll guidefuture isupdates alsoto usedPDSAT will install automatically if the user has an internet connection that allows connection to deliverthe fundingESFA auditswebsite and otherPDSAT reviewsdownload bywebsites.
Installation
To install PDSAT:
select the ESFAdownload andlink accountancyabove firmsto begin downloading PDSAT.- external
your andbrowser internalwill auditors
Thisoffer guideyou doesa notchoice explainof howwhether to use“Run” or “Save” the PDSATdownload. software.Select You“Run”.
a canmessage accessbox thewill ‘PDSATdisplay, Userasking Guide’if inyou thewish documentationto sectioninstall ofPDSAT. theSelect tool,“Install” withinto theinstall ‘settings’PDSAT.
if tab.
Registeringyou yourdo organisationnot have the necessary prerequisite software for PDSAT
PDSAT, you will be asked to select “Install” up to three times. If you havedo not yethave registeredadministrator rights, you will need an administrator to useaccept installation of the prerequisites. Please note, PDSAT, youwill mustnot requestrun if the creationprerequisite ofsoftware ais newnot organisation.
Olderinstalled.
once versionsthe ofinstallation is complete, the PDSAT
A desktopopening versionscreen ofwill appear and will begin the initial set-up.
a PDSAT isshortcut availablewill forbe fundingcreated yearson fromyour 2016desktop toand 20217in throughyour tostart 2021menu, which you can use to 2022.
Furtherstart support
PDSAT in any future sessions.
If you have any problems running PDSAT,PDSAT, or have any queries please contact the PDSAT helpdesk.