Approach to Functional Skills A Provider Prospective Sue Morgan Director of Workplace Skills Valkyrie Support Services

Valkyrie Support Services is a provider of Apprenticeships and Work Based Learning programmes, delivering a full range of qualifications Core programmes are: Improving Operational Performance Food Manufacturing Excellence

Key Implications and Challenges Functional Skills will replace key skills within the Apprenticeship Framework Is our company and the delivery team ready for the transition?

Planning A Whole Organisational Approach Key elements from the action plan were: To embed Functional Skills into vocational learning To develop a structured approach for the delivery of Functional Skills To ensure staff are fully equipped and trained to deliver Functional Skills from September 2012 CPD sessions and workshops

CPD Sessions and Workshops Introduction to Functional Skills Functional English Functional English (part 2) Functional Maths Problem Solving

Embedding Functional Skills Key approach to Functional Skills is through embedding Mapping Functional Skills into the main learning aim Areas where it does not map across have been identified

Assessment Tools/Resources Initial assessment tools assess Maths and English but not Problem solving Devise an in-house problem solving assessment Develop and extend the range of Functional Skills resources

Staff Training Training is a key area for Valkyrie and is highly valuable in terms of developing skills and knowledge of ALL the team All delivery staff have PTLLS or above Working towards Level 3 in Maths, English and ICT Level 5 specialist

Ensuring Quality Ensuring quality of delivery of Functional Skills will be achieved by monitoring closely the introduction to Functional Skills via; Observation of teaching practice Monitoring data on our MIS IQA interims/observations On-going monitoring Development On-going review of delivery Explore delivery from other providers/colleges

Future Intended impact of LSIS support To prepare staff with sufficient skills and understanding to deliver Functional Skills To offer an embedded approach to Functional Skills To offer a meaningful qualification which will prepare learners for the work environment and society