The Foundation Learning Tier

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The Foundation Learning Tier
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Whats happening

• A joint QCA/LSC programme
• All learning, units and qualifications below
  level 2 in the QCF (from 14 upwards)
• Reforming current offer personalisation,
  improving access to accreditation, embedding good
  practice, greater sector involvement, assessment,
  
• All learners (14-19 and adults, FE sector,
  schools, WBL, offender settings, voluntary and
  community, etc)
• Unit qualification design/development, teaching
  and learning delivery, regulation and funding
• Objective a full set of provision to meet the
  needs of all learners, within a credit-based
  framework, supported by clear funding
  arrangements by 2010.

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FLT Entry and Level 1 of the QCF

• A simple, effective structure allowing for
  accumulation and transfer of credit over time
• Re-development of provision to meet credit
  principles
• FLT programmes will be based around credit (units
  and qualifications)
• QCF rules of combination allow for spiky profiles
  facilitating progression between levels
• Light-touch regulation to support flexible and
  responsive system

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The Simple Architecture of the Qualifications and
Credit Framework
Challenge
Size
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FLT Progression Pathways

• Frameworks for learning, providing clear
  progression to identified destinations
• First full level 2
• Independent living/supported employment
• Skilled employment including Apprenticeship
• Diploma/GCSE (for 14-19)
• Pathways integrate 3 curriculum areas
• Personal/Social Development
• Functional Skills
• Vocational/subject learning
• Each Pathway is supported by a range of QCF
  qualifications
• Progression Pathway Prospectus and specifications
  established
• Phased implementation with restricted provider
  groups from 08/09, wider roll-out from 2009/2010,
  full implementation in 2010

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Four suites of 14-19 provision
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Example Progression pathway to Diploma/GCSE

• Support national curriculum aims and delivery,
  Every Child Matters
• Provide a framework for designing programmes and
  teaching/learning
• Help reduce NEET numbers
• Deliver PLTs, WRL and citizenship
• Minimum requirements
• achievement of at least one certificate sized
  qualification at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3
• achievement of at least four credits of personal
  and social
• development skills
• achievement of at least Functional Skills in
  Maths, English and ICT
• at Entry Level 1, 2 or 3 (5 credits each).

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Destination Diploma, GCSE, etc
OCR Entry 3 Functional English
OCR Level 1 Functional ICT

• NOCN Step Up Certificate
• (Entry 3)
• Vocational taster
• units

Example for illustrative purposes only
EDI Level 1 Certificate in Healthy Living
OCR Entry 2 Functional Maths
KS4 learner at Entry level with progression
potential
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Progress

• Support from Ministers and key stakeholders
• Progression Pathway Prospectus published and
  revised (August 08)
• Phased implementation underway since Aug/Sept 08
• Approx 190 post-16 centres
• Approx 120 pre-16 centres
• QIA/LSN support programme
• Ongoing work to accredit new qualifications into
  the QCF
• Wider implementation from Autumn 09, full
  roll-out 2010

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Implementation

• Schools and colleges begin to prepare for
  implementation
• Awarding organisations develop provision for
  the QCF
• Employers/sectors support FLT in the sector
  context (skills development for the future not
  just job competence)
• Agencies and departments spread the word,
  identify joint working opportunities

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Further information

• QIA Provider Excellence Gateway
• www.excellence.qia.org.uk
• QCA
• www.qca.org.uk/flt or email flt_at_qca.org.uk
• LSC
• www.lsc.gov.uk
• Progression Pathway Prospectus
• http//qfr.lsc.gov.uk/flt/support/