Ian Fleming Lifelong Learning – Learning for Living & Work

Education and Training in the UK – a brief introduction to… In the UK ‘education’ typically starts at 4 yrs of age – first year at ‘Primary’ school known as ‘Reception Year’ before formal education commences in Year 1 (5 yrs old). A child may have attended Pre-School or Nursery prior to this… ‘Primary’ School progresses into ‘Junior School’ at Year 3 through until Year 6 (child finishes primary education at yrs of age).

At Year 7 (11 yrs old) up until Year 12 (16 yrs old) ‘Secondary’ education commences (Comprehensive, Grammar or ‘other’ school eg Private). A person can leave school at 16 yrs, but by 2013 this rises to 18 yrs when the person must be in school, college or training. 16 – 18 yrs of age – a grey area! Currently the person could be:-  At school 6 th Form studying A levels or GCSE resits  At college doing as above or vocational training  In work and undertaking training eg Apprenticeship  In full time work – no training

A normal ‘functioning’ person will finish school education able to read, write, carry out numerical calculations and use IT adequately. Qualifications typically obtained are:- GCSE’s - General Certificate of Secondary Education in a wide range of subjects eg Maths, English, Sciences, Languages, Art and others. AS / A2 Levels – A=Advanced. Similar subjects to above but next stage eg School 6 th Form. All of the above are graded from A-G. Employers ideally like to see A-C from prospective employees…

After this, as far as education is concerned, the person is now considered an ‘adult’ at 19 yrs of age. The progression or choice could be into Further Education or Higher Education. Further Education – name given to the type of training or organisation eg College, Adult Education Service, Training Provider. Levels of qualifications range from Entry Level to Level 4 typically. Higher Education – Most commonly University education starting at Level 4 and upwards to Level 7 or 8.

Pictorial Time Line Pre - School Primary SchoolSecondary School 6 th Form / College / Other College / University/ Other years Statutory and no charge

The majority of adults Pluss engage with have few (if any) qualifications and are operating at levels much lower than the ‘typical’ school leaver – Pre & Entry. Literacy and Numeracy are often low in level along with communication, confidence, self esteem and more. The time it takes to qualify and move up in level also generally takes longer and often the learner ‘plateaus’ and cannot reach the next level of qualification. In addition, due to the low Literacy and Numeracy levels Government initiatives like Apprenticeships and NVQ’s are not normally possible for these learners. Adults with Learning Disabilities and Difficulties

Qualification Framework Pre - School Entry Level Entry Level 3 - Level 1 / 2 Level 2 / 3Level 4 + Add and Subtract 2 digit numbers Multiply single digits Read simple sentences Use basic punctuation From reading simple text to understanding text in detail From using 3 digit numbers to ‘probability’ Achieving A-D quals Pre-Entry Recognising numbers 1-10 & letters A-Z Concentrating on motor skill Adv / Higher Dip 2-3 AS / 2 A levels NVQ 2 / 3 1 st Level Deg / Masters HNC/HND PGCE NVQ 4+

Where Government funding is available for adults eg those 19 + yrs, this normally comes from the Skills Funding Agency. SFA typically fund qualifications that are accredited and meet the required targets of the SFA, employers and industry alike:-  Adult Literacy and Numeracy qualifications  National Vocational Qualifications – competence based  Apprenticeships – which include both of the above  Other specific courses and qualifications Although the Government help fund, often this is not the total cost and thus contribution is expected from the individual themselves, or employer to the total cost. Further Education

Literacy and Numeracy – Skills for Life Courses to develop Maths and English skills. Qualification we deliver is thru City & Guilds Delivered flexibly at variety of locations, typical courses ranging from 20 – 40 hours at 2 hrs per week. Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3; GCSE equivalent Level 1 and 2 in Numeracy (Maths) and Literacy (English) available. Training Pluss offer to Adults with Learning Disability or Difficulty - Qualifications

Skills for Working Life Including Prep for Work and Personal and Social Development pathways. In addition sector specific subjects including:- Horticulture Hospitality, Catering & Retail Design and Technology Delivered typically at 3 hrs per week over 20 weeks. Courses ranging from 60 – 70 hrs. Entry Level 1, 2 and 3 The qualification achievable is the National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC) Skills for Working Life in…..

Award in Employability Skills Helps candidates develop the skills needed to seek employment through supporting learners to identify their own skills and build confidence by fully preparing them for the workplace. Delivered typically at 3hrs per week over 20 weeks, courses ranging from hrs. Level 1.The qualification achievable is the National College of Further Education (NCFE) Certificate in Life Skills.

Other training to up-skill and enhance the individuals pathway to employment  Travel training  Confidence building  Self esteem  Communication skills  Financial awareness  Health & safety And more….

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