ASDAN | Foundation Learning

Foundation Learning

News: Department for Education Update

The DfE has clarified that: “Providers are not restricted to QCF qualifications for Foundation Learning programmes and should use their own judgements about which qualifications to offer”... read the full update.

This means that, as well as using ASDAN's QCF-approved qualifications, centres can also use CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectiveness) and Wider Key Skills as part of their Foundation learning provision.

What is Foundation Learning?

Foundation Learning is the description given to all provision at Entry 1 (inclusive of all learners (PMLD/LDD) previously termed pre-Entry), Entry 2, Entry 3 and Level 1.

Foundation Learning supports a wide group of learners, including:

Those aged 14-19 unlikely to achieve their potential via the GCSE route
Adults with Basic Skills gaps
Young people/adults with learning difficulties
Youth and adult offenders in custodial and non-custodial settings - see the Offender Learning page for further information

The Foundation Learning curriculum is expected to be personalised, within a qualification strategy that requires coverage of three curriculum areas:

Personal and Social Development (PSD)
Functional Skills (ICT, English, Mathematics)
Vocational/subject-based (includes Employability)

QCF-approved ASDAN Foundation Learning Provision

The following ASDAN QCF qualifications are approved within the Qualifications and Credit Framework as eligible for use in Foundation Learning provision:

Personal and Social Development (PSD): Entry 1, 2, 3, Level 1 (also available at Level 2)

These qualifications have been developed for a wide range of learners aged 14-19+ to develop, enhance and accredit PSHE/PSD skills and knowledge which can prepare the learner for independence and working life.

Diplomas in Life Skills: Entry 1, 2 and 3

Based around the development of personal, social and employability skills at Entry 1, 2 and 3, ASDAN’s Diplomas in Life Skills can provide a complete, accredited curriculum for Entry level learners (notional learning time is 370 hours). The qualifications are made up of PSD (Personal and Social Development) and Work-related/Employability units that will prepare the learner for independence and working life.

Employability Qualifications: Entry 2, 3, Level 1 (also available at Levels 2 and 3)

These qualifications offer a range of opportunities for learners to develop their personal and employability skills. They are appropriate for use in schools and provide an excellent focus for learners following a programme of extended work experience or in colleges for learners preparing to follow vocationally specific training. Training providers can use the qualifications to support local employment partnership agreements, Train to Gain programmes, employability skills programmes for the unemployed and offender learner provision.

Community Volunteering Qualifications (CVQ): Level 1 (also available at Level 2)

CVQ is available to people aged 14+ who are carrying out unpaid activities. The qualifications can be undertaken within a wide range of community and educational settings, including third sector organisations and training providers, schools, colleges, universities, adult and community education and youth sector provision.

In addition, there is a single-unit qualification: ASDAN Level 1 Award in Volunteering at an Event.

Award of Personal Effectiveness (AoPE): Level 1 (also available at Level 2 and 3)

AoPE provides a qualification outcome for the ASDAN Award programmes. It is a shorter version of the Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE). It offers a way to accredit some of the many imaginative and diverse activities undertaken by learners who are developing the communication skills and Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) needed for successful progression into further education, training or employment.

Entry 1 Qualifications in Personal Progress: Entry 1

These qualifications have been developed for learners working between P Levels 1-8 and Entry 1 to have their achievement recognised within a qualification framework. The qualifications can be undertaken in schools, colleges, residential centres, training providers and independent provision. Personal Progress is made up of units which can be broadly divided into: Personal Development, Functional Skills, Independent Living Skills and Vocational/Work Skills.

Other ASDAN Foundation Learning Provision

Non-QCF qualifications, such as CoPE (Certificate of Personal Effectivness) and Wider Key Skills, are also eligible for use in Foundation Learning provision.

Other materials to support English and Mathematics

Short Courses in English Language and Mathematics - designed to develop understanding of the main topics at GCSE and support Functional Skills provision.

Literacy and Numeracy in Everyday Life are resources for learners at pre- and post-16 with Special Educational Needs (working below National Curriculum Level 1).

For other accreditation opportunities for English and Mathematics, see Basic Skills/ALAN (Adult Literacy and Adult Numeracy).

What are Foundation Learning Programmes?

Foundation Learning Programmes assist progression for all learners. They provide a framework for designing personalised learning programmes to support individual progression. Each Foundation Learning Programme includes three components:

Personal and Social Development
Functional Skills
Vocational/subject knowledge, skills and understanding

There are currently Foundation Learning Programmes that lead to four main destinations:

a full Level 2 qualification
skilled work (apprenticeship)
independent living or supported employment
a Foundation (Level 1) Diploma or GCSEs (14-16 pathway)

ASDAN and Foundation Learning

The table below illustrates how these ASDAN qualifications fit within the Foundation Learning curriculum areas. Some qualifications, like Employability, can be used to satisfy the requirements of both the PSD strand and the vocational strand, and so feature in both columns.

Personal and Social Development

Vocational/subject-based

PSD Units and Qualifications (E1-L1)

Employability Units and Qualifications (E2-L1)

Personal Progress (E1)

AoPE - Award of Personal Effectiveness (L1)

Employability Units and Qualifications (E2-L1)

Community Volunteering Units and Qualifications (L1)

QCDA presented an example of how Foundation Learning Programmes might work in the keynote speech at the Foundation Learning national conference. Download the speech as a PowerPoint presentation.

For more detailed information and further examples, download A Quick Guide to the Progression Pathway to a Foundation Diploma or GCSE provided by the Learning and Skills Improvement Service.

What is the QCF?

The Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) is a new way of recognising skills and qualifications. It does this by awarding credits for units and qualifications. Within the QCF, every unit and qualification has a credit value, with one credit representing 10 hours of learning time. There are three sizes of qualification in the QCF:

Awards (1-12 credits)
Certificates (13-36 credits)
Diplomas (37 credits or more)

Where can I find out more?

Click the web links below for further information on:

See also...

Downloads