Foundation Learning
ABC Awards Foundation Learning Qualifications
ABC Awards has numerous qualifications included in the Foundation Learning (FL) catalogue. Please see link below -
ABC FL Qualifications
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
Further Information
Further information about Foundation Learning and the Qualifications & Credit Framework can be found on the websites below:
http://www.qcda.gov.uk/8153.aspx
http://www.qcda.gov.uk/8150.aspx
http://www.foundationlearningtier.org.uk/
http://www.qia.org.uk/index.htm
http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/
http://flt.excellence.qia.org.uk/
Updated 27.7.09
Latest News
ABC Gains Ofqual Recogition as a QCF Awarding Organisation
ABC has been fully recognised by Ofqual as a QCF awarding organisation. This means that it is now able to extend the accreditation life of current QCF qualifications beyond December 2010. ABC will be working with relevant SSCs to extend all current QCF provision as quickly as possible.
All new qualifications will be recognised for the QCF and will be approved beyond December 2010. ABC intends to replace the majority of its remaining NQF qualifications with updated provision on the QCF as soon as possible. All plans are subject to SSC approval and timescales. Posted 4.2.10
Counselling Qualifications Update
ABC’s Counselling qualifications have an accreditation end date of 31st December 2010.
We have been engaged with Skills for Health (the Sector Skills Council responsible for Counselling) for the past 12 months concerning the transition of counselling qualifications to the new Qualifications and Credit framework.
They have been conducting research looking at the Counselling landscape, its terms, its scope etc. and the potential for identifying learning pathways. These pathways might equate to a career development plan for individuals wishing to study toward full specialist areas of counselling with stepping off points to roles along that pathway. To help us in this endeavour the SSC engaged Consultants whose remit is to produce a report late December 2009.
Counselling update continued....
Posted 2.12.09
Statement of Intent
Qualifications for the Children and Young People’s Work Force
ABC Awards has been working with other Awarding Organisations under the leadership of the Children’s Work Force Development Council (CWDC) and the Care Council for Wales on units which will form new qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. These will be available for learners to enrol on by August 2010.
They will be:
Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
It will:
- assess both competence and knowledge.
- be a progression route to the new Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
- reflect the common core skills and knowledge that employers identify as important.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
It will be:
- approximately 60-65 credits
- a full and relevant level 3 qualification.
- assess knowledge and skills
- in some parts of the children and young people’s workforce a requirement for registration and regulatory purposes
- contain L4 units to aid progression to further higher level study such as Foundation Degrees
- provide the opportunity for achieving individual units as CPD
ABC Awards is also working with the Care Council for Wales in collaboration with CWDC on a Level 5 qualification for the sector. More details will follow shortly. Further details will also be available from CWDC’s website www.cwdcouncil.org.uk
Posted 2.11.09
Customised Provision
Throughout 2009/2010 ABC will be reviewing its accredited and customised provision and migrating suitable provision onto the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Provision that is not suitable for migration onto the QCF will be required to be updated in accordance with current approval requirements, and submitted for re-approval.
The approval period for all current ABC Customised Provision Programmes will therefore end on 31st December 2010. Centres offering Customised Provision Programmes will be contacted individually in due course. Posted 26.8.09
Upcoming Events at ABC Awards
Art, Design & Creative Industries Launch Events
ABC Awards will be holding events in March 2010, across the country to launch its new suite of qualifications in the Art, Design and Creative Industries sector.
Health & Social Care Update & Information Events - June 2010
Covering qualifications in: Youth Work, Vulnerable Young People, Counselling, Reflexology, Child Care. Dates: 15th, 17th, 23rd and 29th June.
Go to Conference & Events page for further information and booking forms.
Qualifications Directory 2009-2010
Examination Officers Guide 2009-10
Alpha Newsletter Winter 2009
Annual Review 2009
