www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk Catherine Liddle, 14-19 Team Email: catherine.liddle@educationleeds.co.uk Tel: 0113 247 5246 www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk V2.8 Date: 28/02/2011

Content Where Foundation Learning (FL) fits into the 14-19 reform programme Timeline for implementation What is FL? Who is it suitable for? Related developments – ULN & LRS Support for FL developments

Where FL fits with the 14-19 reform programme

Where FL fits within the 14-19 reform programme: National implementation timeline Academic year beginning September… 2009 30% of foundation learning post-16 to be delivered within new Foundation Learning (FL) framework (LSC funded post-16 providers) 2010 DfE expectation of FL delivery 14-19 in all local authorities … all vocational qualifications will be in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) …new Functional Skills quals (Maths, English, ICT) implementation 2011 Majority of schools, colleges and other providers delivering FL 2012 Focus on remaining schools and other providers 2013 Raising Participation Age (RPA) All 17 year olds to remain in education or training Young people who started secondary school in September 2008 i.e. those who are currently in Year 9 (2010-11 academic year) 2015 RPA All18 year olds to remain in education or training Young people who started secondary school in September 2009 i.e. those who are currently in Year 8 (2010-11 academic year) QCF – Only quals on the QCF will be funded - unless very good reason why needs to be a stand-alone qual – e.g. BTECs – Watch this space! More on QCF later. 4

i Main routes through 14-19 education and training in 2015 and beyond CONSIDER OPTIONS 14 CONSIDER OPTIONS 16 CONSIDER OPTIONS 17 CONSIDER OPTIONS 18 Further education GCSE Higher or Advanced Diploma Foundation or Higher Diploma Higher education GCSE / A-Level Foundation Learning Foundation Learning Apprenticeship post 18 Employment Employment with training Employment with training Apprenticeship There are, of course, many other options after you turn 18, including a gap year and volunteering Functional Skills and Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills The Diploma combines theoretical study with practical experience based around a work-related curriculum. It is available at Foundation, Higher and Advanced level (Level 1 - Level 3). Higher or Advanced Diploma Well before the decision points information and advice will be critical to guide young people to make the best choice for them in relation to their prior learning. Some students may change paths at 17 because there are more one year courses available after 16. CONSIDER OPTIONS GCSE / A Level GCSE and A level qualifications are regularly updated to ensure that they remain high quality, relevant and interesting. They can be combined with Diplomas. Apprenticeships allow students to learn at work and gain qualifications. The number and range of Apprenticeships is increasing hugely so 1 in 5 will take this route by 2020. Apprenticeship i For further Information, please visit www.dcsf.gov.uk/14-19 Foundation Learning This is for learners not ready for a full level 2 qualification and includes a mix of learning to suit the individual.

What is Foundation Learning?

What is Foundation Learning (FL)? One of the four national suites of learning: GCSEs/A-Levels, Apprenticeships, Diplomas, Foundation Learning Offers personalised, destination-led programmes that engage and motivate learners at Entry and Level 1 Composed of three integrated curriculum components Vocational or subject learning Personal and Social Development Functional Skills (English, Maths & ICT) Supported by credit based qualifications in the new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) Offers a flexible structure that enables learners to “top up” their programmes 7

Benefits of FL? Motivates and engages learners Rewards programmes focused on progression Accredits achievement through credit based qualifications – small steps Can accredit Personal & Social Development (PSD) Learners and practitioners jointly agree destination and personalised learning programme Qualifications attract Achievement and Attainment Tables points 8

Principles of FL Initial diagnostic assessment and ongoing review, including the use of Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) Personalised, destination-led programmes Spiky profiles Small steps; bite size learning Re-engage/ re-motivate No revolving doors Learner voice Careers Education & Impartial Information Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Curriculum & wrap around support Collaborative

Who is Foundation Learning for? Potential learner cohorts

Everyone who is… Age 14 and above… … Level 1 and below 

Potential Foundation Learning cohorts NEET/ potential NEET/ disengaged LDD Mainstream

Who is Foundation Learning for? Students in mainstream school Students in FE colleges and Work Based Learning and VCFS Students with SEN Students in Pupil Referral Units Students with LLDD Young offenders …learners at Entry Level or Level 1 13

Overall size of the FL cohort nationally Out of a total of nearly three million 14-19 learners, around 500,000 – 800,000 (roughly 25%) are expected to be suitable for FL Total FL cohort: 480-800,000 14

The Foundation Learning framework

Diagnostic and Summative Initial Assessment supported by continual ongoing reviews Mentoring From ‘Preparing to implement Foundation Learning: A resource for 14-19 managers’, LSIS, published February 2010

Progression QCF Qualifications Curriculum Functional Skills Employment Diploma Progression Independent living Level 2 Qualifications QCF Curriculum Functional Skills Subject / Vocational PSD 17

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Interactive presentation from the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QDCA) http://www.qcda.gov.uk/qualifications/60.aspx Video is five mins – There is extra if you click for more details – People can research further if they wish

Challenge / difficulty level The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Entry 1-3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Challenge / difficulty level Two components to remember – SIZE MATTERS! And LEVEL!! Rules of Combination within the QCF – See QCDA website – Which units can be combined to make up a full qualification i.e. mandatory units and optional units NDAQ – National Database of Accredited Qualifications – Shows min no. of credits at (or above) the level of the qual that must be achieved Some quals include units at a higher level e.g. a Level 1 qual may contain Level 2 units – To support progression Certificate Diploma Award 1 – 12 credits 13 – 36 credits 37 plus credits Size

Key points about the QCF An understanding of the QCF is necessary in order to be able to understand how Foundation Learning qualifications work in terms of units, credits and qualifications of different levels and sizes The QCF is bigger than just Foundation Learning; it goes up to Level 8 (PhD level) Foundation Learning (FL) is at Level 1 and below within the QCF, as ringed by the blue dotted line in the previous diagram All vocational qualifications are moving over from the existing National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to the new, Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) The QCF is expected to be fully populated by the end of 2010; providers are expected to start using the qualifications on the QCF as soon as they become available wherever possible

Notional hours of learning time vis-à-vis guided learning hours (glh) Within the QCF, one credit is worth ten hours of notional learning time e.g. a qualification with 3 credits is worth a notional 30 hours of learning time Hours of ‘learning time’ is different to guided learning hours (glh) Glh is where a member of staff is directly ‘guiding’ the work of the learners i.e. a member of staff in front of a group The difference with hours of learning time within the QCF is that they can be spent in or outside the classroom ‘Notional hours’ means the number of hours that it is expected an average young person will take to complete that unit or qualification; some young people may complete it slightly quicker and some may take slightly longer If a young person is completing a unit or qualification far more quickly or slowly than the credits / notional hours of learning time suggest, then it may be that they are undertaking the wrong qualification and a different one of a more appropriate size and difficulty level should be selected

The Foundation Learning Qualification Catalogue The Catalogue contains information around: Qualification Title and Size Level Sector Awarding Body Age range approved for use Achievement and Attainment Table points Colour coded for the three elements: Personal and Social Development (PSD) Vocational/subject specific Functional Skills Plus Combined PSD/Voc Plus separate category of Language http://www.qcda.gov.uk/resources/5612.aspx www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk Step 8: Curriculum development & planning 22

Key points about the Foundation Learning (FL) qualifications catalogue The catalogue is on an Excel spreadsheet; it may take a few minutes to download, depending on your computer – Be patient! Development of the QCF and therefore the FL catalogue has been put on hold until the outcome of the Education White Paper and the Wolf Review of Vocational Education due early 2011. However, always go back to the web link and download the catalogue each time you want to use it to make sure that you have the latest version; do not download it once and think that’s it One of the tabs at the bottom shows which are the latest qualifications that have been added to the catalogue that month plus they are highlighted in blue on the main pages so they are easy to spot

Key points about the Foundation Learning (FL) qualifications catalogue There is a tab at the bottom for each level i.e. for each of the levels Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3 & Level 1 Each page is colour coded so that the different FL curriculum elements are easy to spot i.e. different colours for each category of Vocational/subject specific, Personal and Social Development (PSD) and Functional Skills There is also an additional category called ‘combined’ qualifications; these are combined vocational and PSD qualifications e.g. employability skills.

Key points about the Foundation Learning (FL) qualifications catalogue The FL qualification catalogue gives some basic information. There is a link from each qualification to the Register of Regulated Qualifications (formerly the National Database of Accredited Qualifications: NDAQ) This is where further details of the qualification can be found, such as: Detailed content of units Mandatory and optional units ‘Shelf life’ of the qualification – start and end dates

Key points about the Foundation Learning (FL) qualifications catalogue There is a link to the FL qualification catalogue and a guide to using the catalogue in the Education Leeds FL toolkit www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk

Point scores in Foundation Learning Within the Foundation Learning qualification catalogue, there is a column showing the point scores for each qualification. However, it is taking up to three months from a qualification being approved to go onto the FL qualifications catalogue to the point scores being added If the point scores box is blank for a particular qualification, it does not mean that it doesn’t attract any point scores; it simply means that they haven’t been added yet. Keep checking the FL qualifications catalogue for when the points are added

Point scores in Foundation Learning A quick guide to School and College Achievement and Attainment Table points in FLT [Progression Pathways] Published by LSIS, March 2009 Note Some of the document is out of date Foundation Learning Tier (FLT) is now known as ‘Foundation Learning (FL)’ only Separate ‘Progression Pathways’ no longer exist; Foundation Learning is now one, flexible, open progression pathway The following slides show two pages that have been extracted and that are still relevant

AAT points for Functional Skills Level 2 = 23 points Level 1 = 12.5 points Entry 3 = 7 points Entry 2 = 6 points Entry 1 = 5 points AAT points awarded for Functional Skills attainment are in addition to those awarded for GCSE, Key Skills and Skills for Life (adult literacy and numeracy) qualifications (Last modified: 11 Oct 2010, QCDA website)

Point scores in Foundation Learning See presentation from the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) Step 8: Curriculum development and planning www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk

Foundation Learning model programmes Functional Skills English Maths ICT Vocational/ Subject Construction Hair and Beauty Engineering Performing Arts ICT PSD Personal wellbeing Economic wellbeing Citizenship Employability skills (‘combined’ voc/PSD qualifications) 33

Models in a bit more detail Functional Skills (English, Maths & ICT) Entry 1 Entry 2 Entry 3 Level 1 (Level 2 – This is what we are aiming for wherever possible) NOTE: Each FS is worth 5 credits, irrespective of size or difficulty level; All 3 FS are therefore worth total of 15 credits Vocational/ Subject CSkills Certificate in building crafts (Construction) (14 credits) Edexcel Award in an introduction to the Hair and Beauty sector (9 credits) ABC Award in motor vehicle (4 credits) Edexcel Diploma in Performing Arts (37 credits) ITQ Award in IT user skills (9 credits) PSD Edexcel Certificate in skills for independent living (13 credits) City & Guilds Certificate in Employability and Personal Development (15 credits) ASDAN Certificate in community volunteering (13 credits) NCFE Certificate in exploring employability skills (13 credits) The average FL programme size is 45 credits 34

Example Foundation Learning Programme Mason is 15. He goes to a specialist technology college but he has not been successful in mainstream learning programmes and wants to get to work as soon as possible. He really likes computers and to get a job which would allow him to work towards a level 1 qualification in IT on day release to his local college. Mason's FL programme: Functional skills in ICT Level 1 5 credits Functional skills in mathematics Level 1 5 credits Functional skills in English Entry 2 5 credits Certificate in employability and personal development Entry 3 15 credits BTEC Award for IT users Level 1 9 credits Award in Business Administration Entry 3 6 credits Full programme 45 credits 35

Example Foundation Learning Programme Michaela is 19. She has moderate learning difficulties and attends a special unit at her local college. She lives at home with her parents and would like to learn how to be more independent. She likes more practical learning and enjoys spending time at her local stables where she helps groom and feed the animals. Michaela's FL programme: Functional skills in Maths Entry 1 5 credits Functional skills in ICT Entry 2 5 credits Functional skills in English Entry 3 5 credits Certificate in personal and social development 13 credits Entry level certificate in skills for working life – land based Entry 3, 22 credits Full programme 50 credits 36

Example Foundation Learning Programme Aneel was bored by school which meant his attendance was sporadic. He left his local comprehensive at age 16 with a GCSE in art and design and level 1 functional skills in mathematics and ICT, but failed his other courses because he didn't attend for examinations. He has a part time job in a local garage and really enjoys it but now realises he will need more qualifications in order to become an engineer. Aneel's FL programme: Certificate in personal and social development Entry 3 13 credits Certificate  in  Vehicle  Maintenance, Level 1 26 credits Functional skills in English Level 1 5 credits Functional skills in ICT Level 2 5 credits Full programme 49 credits 37

FL in the wider school curriculum Functional Skills Vocational / Subject PSD Pathway Science English Maths ICT Science 14-19 Diplomas PSHE Citizen -ship RE PE Pathway English Maths ICT Science Options PSHE Citizen -ship RE PE Pathway 38

Functional Skills (FS) and Foundation Learning NB Some AOs will not be accredited to deliver FS for Sep 2010-11 e.g. ASDAN Key Skills and Basic Skills qualifications remain at least until the Functional Skills qualifications are fully available in 2012 but you are advised to use Functional Skills now Specifications available April 2010 (Poss. mid March) plus details of AOs National implementation from September 2010 Learners need a Unique Learner Number (ULN) to be entered for Functional Skills (and ultimately for all Foundation Learning and QCF qualifications) All learners over the age of 14 in the maintained sector are automatically allocated a ULN. However, for younger and older learners and all learners in the independent sector, the ULN will need to be requested and drawn down from MIAP before the candidate can be entered for functional skills assessment. Further details on how to access ULNs for functional skills learners can be found at www.miap.gov.uk/products/uln A ULN cannot be generated for learners under 12 years old.

Unique Learner Number (ULN) and The Learning Records Service (LRS)

Unique Learner Number (ULN) Each learner gets a ULN 10 digit number Aged 14 and above for life The ULN is different to the Unique Pupil Number (UPN) that currently exists in schools ULN already in use for 14-19 Diplomas, Functional Skills and YPLA (post-16 funded) qualifications

Learning Records Service (LRS) Enables Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) Secure data transfer between education providers, employers, parents and the learner Only formal school and FE learning and achievement records are stored e.g. GCSEs, A/S levels, NVQs, Apprenticeships & new QCF qualifications incl. Foundation Learning quals HE information e.g. degrees will not be available Stores full qualifications; not individual units Learner owns the data www.learningrecordsservice.org.uk 42

ULN & LRS Actions to take now – For all schools and providers: Alert the data managers, examination officers and other relevant members of staff within your organisation about the requirements for ULNs and LRS, if they are not already aware Register on the UK register of Learning Providers Download the ULNs for your learners Build a field for the ULN into all data systems - for learner monitoring, tracking, target setting, achievement, initial diagnostic and review systems, whether hard copy, spreadsheets, on-line i.e. whatever format For schools, this will mean having fields for both the existing UPN and the new ULN See ‘Unique Learner Number and LRS’ Step 7 on FL toolkit

Quick Quiz FL NLH RPA NQF QCF RRQ LRS ULN CAT

Facts and figures in Leeds Nationally, expected FL cohort is 25% Leeds: 2009/10 Year 11 cohort: Predicted achievement of threshold of GCSE 5 A*-C (not incl. English and Maths) is 61.5% therefore the potential FL cohort is the other 38.5% who are not predicted to achieve the threshold (Based on Fischer Family Trust data) Predicted achievement of GCSE 5 A*-C threshold, INCLUDING English and Maths, is approx. 48% which means that the predicted FL cohort could be even higher i.e. approx. 52% of the total Year 11 cohort.

Facts and figures in Leeds Including predicted achievement including Maths and English, 48% of the cohort are expected to achieve the threshold Which means that the other 52% are potentially Foundation Learners Therefore the potential FL cohort within Leeds is between 38.5 and 52% of the cohort Predicted achievement of GCSE 5 A*-C threshold, INCLUDING English and Maths, is approx. 48% which means that the predicted FL cohort could be even higher i.e. approx. 52% of the total Year 11 cohort. 46

Facts and figures in Leeds NEET – Headline figures for January 2010: Adjusted NEET:  8.2 % (1849 young people) Not Known: 8.2 % ( 1915 young people)  Estimated that 50% of these NEET and Not Known young people require FL LLDD – approx 400 learners aged 14-19 in the SILCs; many will require FL provision up to age 25

Further support & information Foundation Learning TOOLKIT www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk

Launched Mon 22 Feb 2010

Thank you for listening!  Any questions ?????

FL NLH RPA NQF QCF RRQ LRS ULN CAT Quiz answers FL Foundation Learning NLH Notional Learning Hours RPA Raising of the Participation Age NQF National Qualifications Framework QCF Qualifications and Credit Framework RRQ Register of Regulated Qualifications (formerly NDAQ) LRS Learning Records Service (formerly MIAP) ULN Unique Learner Number CAT Credit Accumulation and Transfer

www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk Catherine Liddle, 14-19 Team Email: catherine.liddle@educationleeds.co.uk Tel: 0113 247 5246 www.foundationlearningtoolkit.org.uk V2.6 Date: 11/10/2010 53