Second Summer Network Meeting

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Second Summer Network Meeting Tuesday 30th June
2009 The Foundation Learning
Tier Developments and Implementation Andrew
Lambe Senior Policy Manager Foundation Learning
Tier LSC National Office
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The FoundationLearning Tier is

• The Foundation Learning Tier is used to describe
  the range of provision and learning at entry
  level and level 1 specifically it refers to
  units and qualifications at entry level and level
  1 of the QCF.
• Curriculum design guidance for personalised
  destination-led learning programmes to support
  individual progression through the achievement of
  an appropriate combination of qualifications from
  the QCF is provided. For a limited transitional
  phase the QCF provision will be supplemented by
  an agreed range of current valuable provision
  which supports engagement activity for young
  people and adults.

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Our Ambitions

• support improved engagement, participation,
  achievement and progression through entry level
  and level 1 towards level 2
• bring coherence to programmes of study at entry
  level and level 1 at entry level and level 1 to
  support progression
• ensure learners gain a minimum level and range
  of skills providing a sound foundation for
  further learning and employment and,
• support the delivery of quality learning
  programmes that are personalised and appropriate
  to the learners needs which help to encourage
  raised aspirations and a culture of lifelong
  learning.

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Our Reality

• Balancing scale, reach, manageability and
  affordability
• Balancing engagement with achievement and
  progression
• Balancing the needs and aspirations of young
  people and adults
• Recognising what is and is not appropriate for
  who, and where and what the public purse pays for

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Learning Programmes
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Key aspects

• destination-led programme of flexible content
  and duration
• to support individual progression
• the component qualifications and level of these
  must be aligned to the learners starting point
  and intended destination
• where learners have already achieved the
  necessary threshold, it is not expected that the
  individual will repeat that learning
• the learning programme is supported by a
  wrap-around of support IAG effective initial
  assessment comprehensive ongoing review and,
  provider collaboration

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14-19
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14-19 Key aspects

• the Foundation Learning Tier will form one of
  the national suites of provision
• current arrangements for learners at entry level
  and level 1, for example in terms of the Key
  Stage 4 Engagement Programme and Entry to
  Employment will be integrated within the
  Foundation Learning Tier
• progression is usually expected to be one of the
  three other national qualification suites or
  frameworks, in particular Diplomas or
  Apprenticeships.

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14-19 the Future

• The vision for FLT is inclusive engagement and
  progression offer incorporating all provision at
  entry level and level 1
• DCSF IAG Strategy supports the implementation of
  the 14-19 reforms
• FLT delivered through collaborative local
  partnerships as part of the local 14-19 plan
  supported by the 14-19 Strategy and the Young
  Peoples Learning Agency.
• 2013 delivery of the 14-19 entitlement including
  FLT 2009/10 extended 14-19 FLT piloting and
  phased FLT implementation from 2010 with all LAs
  delivering.

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Post-19
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Post-19 key aspects

• target group is likely to include adults with no
  or few low level qualifications those who have
  been out of formal learning for some years and
  adults with learning difficulties and / or
  disabilities
• ensure learners gain only the skills they need
  to access the progression destination
• Skills for Life qualifications are acceptable in
  place of Functional Skills qualifications within
  the Foundation Learning Tier offer for adults
  during 2009/10
• an expectation that the vast majority of both
  Foundation Learning and First Steps provision
  could and should be accredited into the QCF

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Post-19 the Future

• There will be four client publicly focused
  gateways National Apprenticeship Service Train
  to Gain - Employer responsiveness Adult
  Advancement and Careers Service Learner
  Responsiveness
• FLT learning programmes will only be within
  aspects of the Learner Responsiveness for post 19
  and not within OLASS
• In Train to Gain access level 1 Vocational
  qualifications in the QCF
• So the focus on FLT needs to be on Adults
  working at entry and level 1 in the Learner
  Responsiveness gateway.

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Further Information

• The Foundation Learning Tier Section of the LSCs
  Qualifications and Framework Reform site
  http//qfr.lsc.gov.uk/flt/
• Information on the LSCs funding approach can be
  found within the funding policy guidance
  available from http//www.lsc.gov.uk/providers/fun
  ding-policy/demand-led-funding/fefundingpolicydocu
  ments0809.htm
• The Foundation Learning Tier pages on the QCA
  website http//www.qca.org.uk/flt
• The LSIS Excellence Gateway http//www.excellenc
  egateway.org.uk/FLT

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