Excellence Gateway
This section contains Foundation Learning policy and implementation documents from partner organisations such as LSC/YPLA/SFA, QCDA, BIS and DCSF/DfE.
DCSF: A guide to Foundation Learning February 2010(PDF document, 778Kb)
This document is your quick and easy guide to Foundation Learning, the national programme of learning at Entry Level and Level 1.The booklet aims to provide all school and college staff and other providers with the key information that they will need about Foundation Learning as they establish this provision in every area in 2010/11.
A policy update from DCSF to providers of Entry to Employment (E2E) DCSF, February 2010 (PDF document, 1Mb)
A policy update has recently been released specifically for E2E providers. This document aims to summarise key messages and expectations in relation to programmes that are delivered; and to signpost the support that will help make a success of 2010, for you and your learners.
Entry 1 Qualifications in Personal Progress QCDA, September 2009 (PDF document, 99Kb)
Published by QCDA in September 2009, this update explains the work undertaken to ensure that there are units and qualifications in the QCF that are relevant for learners working at all stages of Entry 1 that can be used within a Foundation Learning programmes.
LSIS Briefing note on community action and Entry to Employment (PDF document, 134KB)
This briefing note explains how Entry to Employment (E2E) providers are offering young people on their programmes the opportunity to undertake at least 16 hours of community action as part of their programme in the academic year 2009/10.For further information, please visit the DCSF website.
Foundation Learning Tier: 14-19 Delivery Guidance for 2009/10 LSC/QCDA, August 2009 (PDF document)
Jointly published by Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency (QCDA) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), this document provides delivery guidance to help providers and other stakeholders with Foundation Learning provision. It has been developed in response to feedback, especially from those involved in Foundation Learning piloting and developmental delivery.
DCSF Delivering 14-19 Reform: Next steps October 2008 (PDF document, 976Kb)
This document presents a clear picture of DCSF’s overall 14-19 reform programme in the context of progress to date; further developments since 2005; and the wider objectives for all as set out in the Children’s Plan. The document starts from the perspective of the young person and looks at the learning opportunities and support available to them. It then looks at the local partnerships and collaborative arrangements that will be necessary to deliver these opportunities and support for all young people.
Delivering Foundation Learning programmes: Guidance and case studies QCDA, April 2010
This document outlines the features of Foundation Learning and provides guidance on delivery, illustrated by case studies.
YPLA Guide to Funding Foundation Learning June 2010 (PDF document, 236KB)
YPLA has been working with representatives of React and provider associations on how provision for learners working primarily at entry and level one will be funded from this August. The results of this work can be found in this funding guide.
YPLA Foundation Learning funding FAQs June 2010 (PDF document, 248KB)
In addition to the funding guide above, YPLA have also published an FAQ document.
National Commissioning Framework YPLA, April 2010
This guidance sets out how local authorities, providers and other stakeholders can identify, plan for and provide suitable education and training opportunities for:
Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA) statement on funding for Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities YPLA, April 2010 (PDF document, 16KB)
This statement addresses feedback from some providers which indicates difficulties generating sufficient funding, using the demand-led funding mechanism, to deliver the full Foundation Learning specification.
LSC 16-19 Statement of Priorities and Investment Strategy 2010-11 LSC, January 2010 (PDF document, 2Mb)
This document sets out the key issues that those planning and commissioning provision should ensure are addressed in plans for the 2010/11 learning year.
Supporting young people with learning difficulties to participate and progress DCSF, April 2010
This document for local authorities (LAs), issued by the DCSF, includes updated guidance on the completion of s139 (A) Learning Difficulty Assessments and details of the changes to LAs’ responsibilities.
Local delivery support DCSF, March 2010
The Local Delivery Support Guide sets out the support available to help those involved in delivering the 14-19 reforms locally, including local authority 14-19 leads and Directors of Children’s Services, and the leaders and managers in schools, colleges and other providers.
The guide was published in March 2010 and provides information on what support is available, how it can be accessed, and how it will help you deliver the 14 – 19 reforms locally. Download the guide from the documents at the bottom of the page.
Raising the Participation Age: supporting local areas to deliver DCSF, December 2009
The Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) means that all young people will continue in education or training to 17 from 2013 and to 18 from 2015. This will be the first time in nearly forty years that the education leaving age has been raised.
This publication brings together key commitments from recent Departmental reports and strategies, and signals the next steps required in preparing for successful delivery of full participation.
DCSF: 14-19 films DCSF, March 2010
As part of ongoing workforce communications, DCSF has recently produced a series of short, inspiring films which are hosted online. The students and their teachers/tutors talk about their choice of learning and why it has helped them to develop. Alfie describes his Apprenticeship, Sophie talks about her Extended project within the Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, Callum talks about Foundation Learning and Rhasan tells us about studying for the Higher Diploma in Society, Health and Development.
DCSF: communication toolkits DCSF, March 2010
There are also a series of communications toolkits which will be available for local authorities and for the schools and college audience. These will help to provide their own staff, students, parents and employers with coherent and consistent information about the reforms. They can be ordered from the DCSF website or by telephoning Prolog on 0845 6022260
LSC QCF Policy Update: Issue 4.1 (February 2010) (PDF document, 418Kb)
This Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) Policy Update is the fourth in a series of regular communications from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) which highlight key areas of work and progress with regard to LSC’s remit to implement the QCF across the post-19 further education and skills system. This update is a revised version of Issue 4, which was published in December 2009.
Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) - January 2010
The Specification of Apprenticeship Standards for England (SASE) sets out the minimum requirements to be included in a recognised English Apprenticeship framework.
SFA: Foundation Learning curriculum for adults – fact sheet
This document from the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) introduces the Foundation Learning offer for adults, including sample learner journeys and links to other documents and resources.
SFA: Foundation Learning curriculum for adults – summary
This document provides a brief introduction to the Foundation Learning offer for adults.
SFA: Foundation Learning curriculum for adults – questions and answers
This document answers questions about topics such as the purpose of Foundation Learning and the requirements for initial assessment.
SFA: Foundation Learning curriculum for adults – presentation
This set of PowerPoint slides outlines Foundation Learning for adults as a series of bullet points.
You can find this page and download any referenced resources from the Excellence Gateway at http://excellence.org.uk/258344.
