What is the Foundation Learning Tier?

The FLT is a project that is being jointly led by QCA and the LSC which aims to bring new purpose and direction to all learning below Level 2. To do this they are engaging with a range of stakeholders that work with learners at these levels to try and reform qualifications and learning programmes by September 2010.

The FLT covers a broad range of learners including:

§         14 – 19 learners

§         Adults with skills gaps

§         Adults or young learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities

In 2006 research carried out by QCA revealed that many qualifications at Entry Level and Level 1 lacked a clear direction and progression routes to higher levels. This was leading to large numbers of learner failing to make vertical progression qualifications at the next level or employment; in the majority of cases learner would only move laterally into a qualification at the same level.

The Qualification Strategy

As a result of this research the QCA published the FLT Qualification Strategy in August 2006. The strategy lays down what qualifications at this level should be like in terms of level of demand and balance of content. The idea is that the focus should be on Personal and Social Development with a move toward more vocationally related skills at the higher levels Entry 3 and Level 1).

In Autumn/Winter 2006 OCNW carried out a QCA sponsored research project to examine how our existing Entry Level provision, accredited on the National Qualification Framework (NQF) aligned to the requirements set out in the strategy. The result were very positive and demonstrated that on the whole our qualifications were appropriate for the level, the research is available to read in the downloads section below. All the outcomes of the research have been fed into later OCNW FLT developments and have enabled us to develop qualifications that are relevant, appropriate and fundable.

Progression Pathways

Building on the work of the Qualification Strategy the Prospectus for Foundation Learning Tier Progression Pathways was published in Spring 2008. The Prospectus shows Centres and Awarding Bodies how qualifications and units can be used to develop clear progression routes for learners.

Crucially all qualifications in the FLT must be accredited on to the new Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF). This new framework allows large amounts of flexibility for learners, centres and awarding bodies in the way they use qualifications. For learners, it means that their learning will be far more transferable between different awarding bodies; for centres it means that tutors will be able to select different units from qualifications and tailor more learner centred courses; and for awarding bodies it means that they can develop more open and multi-levelled qualifications.

At present there are four progression pathways available:

§         progression to Level 2

§         progression to apprenticeships

§         progression for 14- to 16-year-olds (designed to support progression from entry level to Level 1 Diplomas, GCSEs or other further study)

§         progression to independent living and, where appropriate employment or supported employment.

Each progression pathway has its own particular rules and guidelines which can be found in the Prospectus for Progression Pathways.