Foundation Learning Curriculum (FLC) for adults April 2010 Welcome

What is the (FLC)? The FLC replaces what was formerly called the Foundation Learning Tier (FLT). It is the skills provision at entry level (which is seen as being ‘bottomless’ so accommodating current ‘pre-entry’ type provision) and level 1. It includes (but is not limited to) the units and qualifications at these levels within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

What is the purpose of the FLC? The Foundation Learning Curriculum is an improved learning offer for adults with low skills and potentially few or no current qualifications. It aims to support greater progression to achieve a minimum level and range of skills providing a sound foundation for further learning and employment.

Who can access the FLC? Adult learners aged 19 and over with the exception of those learners with assessed Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LLDD) who will be over 25 years of age . Adult learner that have skills needs at level 1 or below; may have no or few qualifications; been out of formal learning for some years; have learning difficulties and/or disabilities; and/or be offenders in the community The Foundation Learning Curriculum offer is open to adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities and offenders serving their sentence in the community. Personalised learning programmes for learners with LDD will offer the same flexible approach taking account of the needs of individual learners.

Been out of learning for some time? What is the offer? Been out of learning for some time? Access Personalised Learning Programme devised from Destinations Full level 2 qualification Information, advice and guidance through the Adult Advancement and Careers Service Have few or low level qualifications? Further learning Functional Skills in English, Maths and ICT qualifications at entry and level 1 Employment Initial and diagnostic assessment of current knowledge and skills Supported employment Maybe have learning difficulties and/or disabilities? Vocational learning at entry and level 1 Career progression and development (Where required) Formal First Step learning to boost confidence and support further learning The adult offer draws from the following skills sets: - personal and social development skills - vocational learning - functional skills in English and maths and ICT (including adult basic skills in literacy and numeracy and Skills for Life ESOL) It is not mandatory for adults to undertake learning from each of these skills sets Personalised learning programmes are based on skills needs identified at initial assessment and aspirations of the learners. Some learners wil require only a short programme of learning, others a longer, fuller one. Formal First Steps Some adults may require a short episode of learning known as Formal First Step learning which may be used to build their confidence before they embark on a personalised foundation learning programme. It is the expectation that a Formal First Step will lead to further learning. A Formal First Step within the FLC should normally comprise a single, short QCF unit at entry level or level 1. However, for 2010/11 non-accredited provision outside of the QCF will also be eligible for funding Personal and social qualifications at entry and level 1 Or are an offender serving their sentence in the community? Independent living Greater confidence Personalised learner journeys devised to support individual’s aspirations

The QCF Provision within the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) below level 2 is an important and necessary component of the adult Foundation Learning Curriculum. QCF qualifications that have been confirmed for Agency funding will form a ‘live’ list available on the LSC (Skills Funding Agency) website (http://qfr.lsc.gov.uk/ukvqrp/support/list) From April 2010, the Skills Funding Agency will be responsible for confirming provision for public funding for post 19 learners in England. It is the intention to focus funding on priority vocational qualifications in the QCF from August 2010 and in line with national guidance providers should continue to move to QCF provision. In addition all qualifications and units approved for funding will continue to be added to the Learning Aims Database (LAD), which will remain the primary source for funding information.

Funding The Skills Funding Agency will make funds available to support the delivery of the adult Foundation Learning Curriculum offer from within its Adult Learner Responsive (ALR) and elements of the offer from its Employer Responsive (ER) funding streams. This is subject to the Skills Funding Agency’s funding approval process (set out in the previous slide).

Recording on the ILR For the purpose of the ILR in 2010/11 providers do not need to complete field A15 (programme aim) or A46 (destination code) for adults following the Foundation Learning Curriculum. These fields only need to be completed for young people following the Foundation Learning Curriculum.

Young People’s Foundation Learning Foundation Learning for young people (14-19) has the same overarching aims as that of the adult Foundation Learning Curriculum. For 16-18 year old learners that start their learning programme and turn 19 before they complete, the Skills Funding Agency will continue to fund their learning programme from the start of the relevant funding year until they complete. This includes where the qualifications are not Skills Funding Agency approved for funding, for a continuing19 year old learner. They will also continue to be funded at 16-18 rates and remain eligible for fee exemption and full-time student entitlement until their programme is complete.

Further information LSIS support programme: http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/FLT Functional Skills support programme http://www.fssupport.org/ Further information on Foundation Learning for young people is available from: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19/index.cfm?go=site.home&sid=3&pid=227&ctype=TEXT&ptype=Single Further information about the QCF is available from: http://www.qcda.gov.uk/8150.aspx and recent policy updates at: http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/lsc/National/QCF_Policy_Update_Issue_4_December_2009_Final.pdf