Learning Disability Qualifications A New Approach

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Learning Disability QualificationsA New Approach

• Lynda Tarpey

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Aims of the Workshop

• To provide an overview of the new Learning
  Disability Induction Awards
• To outline the development of Learning Disability
  Knowledge Sets
• To provide an opportunity for delegates to
  discuss the changes

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Background

• Transfer of the Learning Disabilities Awards
  Framework (LDAF) from the Department of Health to
  Skills for Care
• The creation of the Learning Disability
  Commissioning Group

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Induction

• Induction to Supporting People with Learning
  Disabilities
• Closely matches the Common Induction Standards
  (CIS)
• Covers much of the knowledge required for core
  NVQ units
• Contains four units at levels 2 and 3
• Available through four Awarding Bodies
• Joint guidance and FAQs available from SfC

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Unit Titles

• Principles of Learning Disability Support
• Your Role as a Learning Disability Worker
• Health and Safety in a Learning Disability
  Service
• Protecting People with Learning Disabilities from
  Abuse

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Assessment

• Usually by written task (as now)
• Provision for other formats if required (as now)
• Some variation in approach between Awarding
  Bodies
• Shared Principles of Assessment
• Check knowledge (not performance)
• Cover all learning outcomes
• Confirm individual learning
• Be objective and trackable

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The Challenge

• To develop a training and learning programme
  that
• Is based on the additional knowledge needed to
  meet the different needs of people with learning
  disabilities
• Fits with other learning and qualifications
• Is clear, accessible and flexible
• Can be used by the wider workforce

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Contacts

• Awarding Bodies offering the Induction Awards
• National Open College Network c.riley_at_ocnwmr.org.u
  k
• City Guilds ben.towers_at_cityandguilds.com
• Edexcel philmyers_at_edexcel.org.uk
• Education Development International
  cathsmith_at_ediplc.com
• For guidance and frequently asked questions
  visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk
• For further information contact Deborah Turnbull
  deborah.turnbull_at_skillsforcare.org.uk

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Changes

• The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
  will implement the new Qualifications and Credit
  Framework (QCF) next year
• People with learning disabilities are beginning
  to take control of their own support through
  direct payments and individualised budgets
• The workforce will need to respond to these
  changes and develop new skills and knowledge
• New approaches to training and learning need to
  be developed in line with new ways of working

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Knowledge Sets

• Sets of key learning outcomes for specific areas
  of work
• Minimum standardised outcomes that employers can
  use either to produce in-house learning or as a
  benchmark when buying in training/learning
• Can be used by education and training providers,
  publishers and Awarding Bodies to design training
  programmes, materials and awards

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Learning Disability Knowledge Sets

• The next step is the development of Learning
  Disability Knowledge Sets
• The Knowledge Sets will cover topics fundamental
  to workers supporting people with learning
  disabilities
• SfC are currently in the process of publishing
  the knowledge sets once they have gone through
  the approval process

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Consultations included

• Regional Consultations 400 participants
• 5 National Conferences
• 3 National Providers
• Service Users
• Carers
• Direct responses through the web site
• In Control, Department of Health, ARC

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Development stage

• We looked at the feedback and identified peoples
  priorities
• Reported to the Commissioning Group
• What Knowledge Sets should be developed as part
  of this project now
• What should be developed later jointly with other
  service areas

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Now

• Communication including Supporting other
  professionals to provide a service
• Independence and well being
• Relationships
• Accessing and Using Information
• History and Context of Learning Disability
  Services

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Later or Elsewhere

• Principles and values of support and care to
  include
• Social inclusion to include
• access to learning and employment
• relationships and parenting
• supporting financial management
• access to leisure and community involvement
• Working with family carers
• Behaviour which challenges
• Supporting individuals through transitions
• Sensory impairment
• Epilepsy
• Autistic spectrum disorders
• Dysphagia

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Further Awards and Qualifications

• SfC are working closely with a number of Awarding
  Bodies and QCA on the development of accredited
  units using the learning outcomes from the
  Knowledge Sets
• The Knowledge Set approach will also allow for
  partnerships, organisations and, potentially,
  individuals to develop their own learning
  materials and training programmes based on the
  learning outcomes
• SfC will reviewing the future of the Level 4
  Awards later this year

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Contact Details

• Lynda Tarpey
• info_at_hascaltd.co.uk
• 01992 633111

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Small Group Discussions

• How is the implementation of the new LD induction
  going in your organisation.
• What are its strengths and weaknesses compared
  to the previous LDAF induction and the Common
  Induction Standards.
• How are you achieving PwUS and Carer involvement
  in your induction programme.