Kevin Fisher May 2010 Qualifications Credit Framework Overview and operational implementation

2 Implementation of QCF: VQ reform policy context 1.QCF – A new unit and credit based framework for recognising qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Credit as a currency of achievement, individuals can learn flexibly achieving in smaller steps through the accumulation and transfer of credit. 2.Sector Qualification Reform – Sector Skills Councils reforming sector qualification strategies and action plans: - having a role in qualification design and approval (open to a wider range of Awarding Organisations) - ensure that employer’s needs are represented

Timetable All qualifications have to be on the QCF by December 2010 for those aged 19+ (except GCSEs A-levels and the Diploma) Provision priorities set by Government, UKCES and RDAs. Content determined by SSCs and Representative employer bodies

4 QCF Qualification structure Award (1-12 credits) Certificate (13-36 credits) Diploma (37+ credits) Example 1 - EDEXCEL Level 2 Certificate in Retail Skills (QCF)

QCF Qualification structure Example 2 - ABC Level 2 Diploma in Retail Skills (QCF)

QCF Qualification structure City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Hospitality Supervision and Leadership (NVQ) (QCF)

Skills Accounts and MIAP Awarding Organisations must record achievements via Skills Accounts – the Personal Learning Record

Key dates April ‘10 List – August ’10 Delivery: If the QCF qualification is accredited and confirmed for funding by 1st April 2010, providers will be required to deliver it (and new starts on NQF predecessors will not be funded) from 1st August September ’10 List – January ’11 Delivery: If the QCF qualification is accredited and confirmed for funding after 1st April and up to 31st August 2010 inclusive, providers will be required to deliver it as soon as possible. New starts on its NQF predecessors will not be funded from January 2011.

EDEXCEL Level 2 Certificate in Retail Skills (QCF)

Preparing for the QCF : Check curriculum planning – content, funding, MI and delivery of new qualifications Assess current IAG for learners and employers Recognition of Prior Learning Awareness amongst staff, schools and Universities By December 2010, governance and senior management within the provider sector will fully understand and engage at a strategic level with the QCF.

Useful Links Details concerning the process for removing funding from NQF qualifications in advance of August QCF qualifications confirmed for public funding - 11 May 2010 Quals available for funding: QCF_Qualifications_confirmed_for_public_funding.xls QCF qualifications confirmed for public funding - 11 May 2010http://readingroom.lsc.gov.uk/SFA/nat- QCF_Qualifications_confirmed_for_public_funding.xls Qual approval process fundingapprovalsprocess-publicpaper-March2010-.pdf A list of target-bearing vocational qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 in the QCF can be found at

12 Useful Links 2 For further information you may be interested in referring to the: Vocational Qualification Reform & Qualifications and Credit Framework Implementation - Technical Parameters for Funding - General Guidance - Version 2 Qualifications and Credit Framework Funding Parameters Guidance – Adult Learner Responsive - Version 2 Target-bearing Level 2 and Level 3 Qualifications in the QCF (version 1) (March 2010) Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Funding Parameters Guidance: Train to Gain - Version 1 LSIS support package: Resources – a list with links: Telephone helpline: (8.00am-6.00pm weekdays excluding public holidays)

Thank you for listening Any questions?