Qualifications and DAQW Fran Hopwood February 2014 KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update

Role of ColegauCymru Qualification Approvals (DAQW) Programme Planning and Funding Delivery and Curriculum Changes Performance Measures Self Regulation and QA Transition to new WBQ 2 KB + FH FEB 2014 CC Networks update

14-19 Review of Qualifications To ensure that we have qualifications that are understood and valued and meet the needs of our young people and the Welsh economy Qualifications Wales should develop/award general qualifications and also regulate qualifications from other AOs (post-16) WG and Qualifications Wales should work together to shape the national qualifications system for Wales and to rationalise and strengthen the processes for regulation and continuous improvement KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update3

Range of Tasks and Timelines Review existing qualifications (DAQW) (Sept 14) Establish a regulation process Establish an approvals process for new quals Consultation and communication Establish Qualifications Wales (Sept 15) KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update4

Welsh Database of Quals (DAQW) DAQW contains details of all the qualifications which are approved for teaching in Wales for learners aged 14 or over, excluding higher education. Information in DAQW includes: full title; the awarding body which provides the qualification; whether it counts as a choice for the Learning Pathways; performance points; expiry dates. KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update5

Welsh Database of Quals (DAQW) Too many qualifications; some little used WG have completed categorisation for all qualifications as IVET or CVET Process for undertaking and displaying classifications being finalised CVETs can be offered post-16 but not pre-16 Quals can be used pre-16 only if CVET/IVET field on DAQW is blank or states IVET KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update6

Relevance and Value Only Qualifications with appropriate Relevance & Value to be held in DAQW Gatekeeping process for new qualifications being developed with AOs consulted on the approach This will use new R&V criteria that are also being developed Awarding Bodies looking at these criteria but England also developing new criteria - KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update7

SQAPs Sector Skills Councils/ Standard Setting Organisations (SSCs/SSOs) or other employer/sector bodies being funded to carry out a relevance rating of vocational qualifications to inform the work of the new SQAPs (Sector Qualification Advisory Panels) and to identify gaps in provision SQAPs to be set up for each SSA area and will meet twice per year (fast track route also available) Panels will include reps as appropriate from SSC(s), HE, AOs, employers and from CC curriculum networks SQAPs will be strategic groups looking at LMI, frameworks, approvals, advice & guidance for quals etc. and will also comment on the programme delivery patterns KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update8

SQAPS: Pilot Groups Care: WG have strengthened approach to approving qualifications with Care Council Wales (CCW) and a regulatory group has been set up as a pilot Revised VQ offer in Care sector from Sept 14 Construction : Existing Construction Workforce group with CITB will adapt to become the SQAP Next SQAPs will be Engineering and Agriculture KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update9

Other SQAPs SSA 7 Retail & Commercial Enterprise covers Hospitality & Catering, Hair & Beauty and Retail Will require representation from several SSCs – SkillsActive, HABIA, People First Sub-SQAPs may be required for the specialist areas but they may choose to operate as one group with reps present from each relevant SSC and CC Curriculum Networks DfES attendance at PANWCHET network has led to funding to develop new Wales specific entry level qualification for hospitality & catering (for Sept 15) KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update10

Our Qualifications- Our future Proposals aim to strengthen and simplify the qualifications system in Wales to facilitate the development of qualifications that are more relevant and responsive to Wales’ needs. Qualifications Wales will initially undertake quality assurance functions comparable with the regulatory functions currently carried out by WG In the longer term the new body will also take responsibility for awarding qualifications such as GCSEs, A-levels and the Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification in Wales. KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update11

Communication Process Regulation of Qualifications pages provide information about the way in which the Welsh Government currently regulates qualifications. Regulation involves: ensuring that awarding organisations are suitable to offer qualifications that qualifications are fit for purpose and that standards are maintained over time. KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update12

Qualification Wales December 2013: Website launched Through 2014: Legalisation process continues Sept 2015: Qualification Wales Organisation and Governance in place Branding on all new qualifications KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update13

Next Steps Essential Skills Wales improvement plans completed by March 2014 Continuation of incremental improvements to approval process Pilot Sector Qualifications Advisory Panels for Construction and Hospitality to be introduced in 2014 KB + FH Jan 2014 CC Networks update14