Welcome to ABC Awards

Foundation Learning

ABC Awards Foundation Learning Qualifications

ABC Awards has numerous qualifications included in the Foundation Learning (FL) catalogue. Please see link below -

Introduction to Foundation Learning

Foundation Learning (FL) is a set of credit-based qualifications and units within the Qualifications and Credit Framework, with clear progression routes through Entry and Level 1 leading to Level 2. It is aimed at all learners over the age of 14 working below Level 2, including for example:

14 -19 year olds
Adults with skills gaps
Adults or young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

ABC supports the aims of Foundation Learning in providing clear progression routes and flexible learning programmes at these levels and currently has a number of vocational qualifications within the FLT (see ABC FL catalogue). Qualifications are being added to Foundation Learning as they are accredited and the ABC catalogue will be updated accordingly. A Foundation Learning Qualifications Catalogue listing all qualifications within the FL is available on the QCA website http://www.qca.org.uk/qca_20536.aspx

Funding

During the period 1 August 2008 to 1 August 2010 the LSC will be funding a mixed economy of National Qualifications Framework provision / non-accredited provision and Qualifications and Credit Framework provision, but will be planning a gradual shift of funding to only Qualifications and Credit Framework provision.

2010/11 will be the full implementation of Foundation Learning with all legacy provision such as Entry to Employment, first steps, and foundation learning in Further Education being fully integrated.

Progression Pathways

As a result of the foundation learning pilots, changes have been made to offer more flexibility for providers and learners. The four progression pathways have been removed and replaced by destinations which are slightly different for learners aged 14-19 and learners at 19+ as below:

14-19
GCSE/A Levels
Diplomas
Apprenticeships
Supported employment
Independent living

19+
Full level 2
Apprenticeships
Train to Gain (level 1 or 2)
Supported employment
Independent living

FL programmes should still include the three components:

vocational knowledge, skills and understanding
functional skills
personal and social development

but the size and level of the components making up a programme are more flexible; the learner’s individual programme should take account of their learning needs in relation to their planned destination and existing strengths, and take account of prior achievement.

Further details on these changes can be found in the

Foundation Learning : Interim Guidance (May 2009) which can be found at http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/National/Foundation_Learning_Tier_Interim_Guidance_Document.pdf

and should be read in conjunction with the

Prospectus for Progression Pathways (July 2008)
http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/National/LSC-P-NAT-080131_ProspectusProgressionPathways.pdf