1. Understanding the Progression Pathway to Supported Employment or Independent Living NATSPEC Conference 2008 Delivered by Ruth Perry on behalf of LSN ruthxperry@aol.com

2. Progression Pathways Personalised programmes of learning at Entry and level 1 Recognising achievements in  Vocational or subject-based learning  Personal and Social Development  Functional Skills (ie English, Maths and ICT) Through QCF qualifications

3. Where have progression pathways come from? Progression pathways are part of an LSC/QCA joint remit to reform provision below level 2 by 2010 which aims to increase participation, achievement and progression build stepping stones through Entry level and level 1 to level 2 reduce ‘revolving door’ syndrome increase quality of the learning experience

4. Provider requirements All Progression Pathway providers need to be able to demonstrate effective practice in Personalised Learning Recognition of Achievement and Progression Coherent Progression Pathways Effective Initial Assessment and Ongoing Review Reaching Priority Learners Partnerships Support for Learners Organisation and Management

5. Four destinations Progression Pathway to a First Full Level 2 qualification (in the QCF) Progression Pathway to Skilled Work or an Apprenticeship Progression Pathway to Supported Employment or Independent Living Progression Pathway to a Foundation Diploma, GCSEs or other appropriate level 1 learning

6. Target Group for Progression Pathway to Supported Employment or Independent Living Learners between 16 and 18 and over 19 years Majority of learners will have learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Not for all LDD learners; some will be on other progression pathways or on courses at higher levels For learners (in most cases with a disability) who would benefit from supported employment services For learners seeking to develop their independent living skills (but not necessarily achieve independence)

7. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS PROGRESSION PATHWAY TO SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT / INDEPENDENT LIVING Destination: Supported Employment Vocational PSD Functional Skills ….which could be vocationally-focused, PSD-focused or a combination of both Functional Skills: English Maths ICT 5 credits each** One award-sized qualification…. 4 PSD credits*

8. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS PROGRESSION PATHWAY TO SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT / INDEPENDENT LIVING Destination: Independent Living PSD Functional Skills Where relevant and appropriate*, either Functional Skills** or appropriate common entry level 1 units relating to reading, writing, numeracy or ICT. One PSD- focused award-sized qualification of at least 6 credits 4 credits of PSD**

9. Building a progression pathway towards supported employment or independent living Identify needs, interests and aspirations Design appropriate learning programme Select QCF qualifications from Progression Pathway catalogue Choose suitable units ensuring minimum requirements are met

10. Emerging issues for Supported Employment/Independent Living from LSN Support Programme Personalisation and/or external accreditation? Finding suitable qualifications All 3 Functional Skills; what about ESOL? Partnerships with supported employment agencies Employment and/or benefits? Funding 6 credit programmes

11. Sources of support http://flt.excellence.qia.org.uk/ Progression Pathways starter pack available from NIACE training events

12. Thinking aloud What issues does this initiative raise for you? What concerns do you have? What opportunities can you see? What might you do as a result of what you’ve learned today?