The Qualifications and Credit Framework: An update for NFEC

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The Qualifications and Credit Framework An
update for NFEC
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Context for reform World class skills
In the Leitch implementation plan the Government
has committed itself to the ambition of becoming
a world leader in skills by 2020.
Equipping young people with the skills they need
for life and work
Creating a more flexible, innovative and
inclusive qualifications system
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What does this mean for qualifications and skills?
A stronger role for employers and the sector
bodies in the development and approval of
qualifications (Sector qualifications
reform) The development of a more innovative,
flexible and inclusive qualifications framework
that employers and providers can engage with
directly (The QCF) The introduction of
alternative pathway for 14-19 learners i.e.
Diplomas The reform of provision for those
working at below level 2 to help move them on to
appropriate destinations A funding system that
can support a more demand-led and flexible
approach to delivery
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Delivering vocational qualifications reform

• UK Vocational Qualifications Reform Programme
• Strand 1 Sector Qualifications Reform
• Strand 2 Framework development
• Strand 3 Planning, Funding Delivery
• Strand 4 Rationalisation
• Strand 5 Communications
• Aim
• change the way vocational qualifications are
  developed so they better meet the needs of
  employers and learners

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Strand 2 QCF

• Framework development QCA, CCEA, DCELLS, SQA
  (observer)
• Aim of the strand is to is to develop a jointly
  regulated credit and qualifications framework for
  England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• It is part of an overall programme of work to
  reform vocational qualifications in the UK.

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How it is being developed?

• Through a comprehensive test and trial programme
  running from September 2006 Summer 2008.
• Over fifty projects across different sectors,
  contexts, countries and levels (17 sectors bodies
  involved)
• The projects are testing the mechanisms of the
  framework and providing evidence to confirm
  whether it can deliver potential benefits.
• The evidence feeds into the independent
  evaluation of the tests and trials.
• Evidence from other work with HE, employers,
  secondary research (Oxford University)
• Two key reporting periods
• Summer 2007 Interim report to ministers
• Summer 2008 Final report to ministers

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The QCF The interim report

• The regulators submitted the interim report in
  July.
• It pulls together the lessons learned based on
  evidence from the independent evaluation (PwC)
  and other programmes of work.
• It contains a set of recommendations for the
  second year of tests and trials for ministers to
  consider.
• The report concludes that the first year of
  trials has resulted in sufficient evidence to
  refine and confirm the specifications for the
  QCF.
• It also concludes that as yet isnt enough
  evidence in terms on impact/benefits for learners
  and learning
• We are still waiting to receive the response from
  ministers.

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Emerging themes

• The technical features The specification
• Evidence indicates that the QCF is the
  appropriate model for continued development
• There is sufficient evidence to refine and
  confirm elements of the specification e.g.
• a standard unit format should be the building
  block for qualifications in the QCF
• the definition of credit will be used for the QCF
  (10 hours of learning time 1 credit )
• titling conventions need further consultation
  around credit ranges but Award, Certificate and
  Diploma will remain as descriptors
• refine the unit format to increase flexibility.

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Emerging themes

• The operational processes developing units and
  qualifications
• There are 181 qualifications accredited to the
  QCF
• Further work/support is needed to improve the
  quality and consistency of units and
  qualifications
• More detailed guidance to include case studies
  and to be explicitly aimed at use of NOS in
  process of developing units
• Further workshops and events across the sector
• Working closely with other VQRP strands to
  develop capacity
• Unit sampling and monitoring of the use of
  different assessment methods across shared units,
  to ensure that mutual trust and confidence
  between awarding bodies is maintained.

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Emerging themes

• The technical infrastructure IT systems
• There is a need to improve and refine the
  technical infrastructure needed to effectively
  support the QCF.
• Feedback from projects highlighted the need for
  the following
• to review the web-based accreditation system and
  process to determine whether it can fully support
  the QCF
• to continue the work on the bulk unit upload and
  to ensure there is a clearly identifiable unit
  databank for the QCF. implementation of the QCF.

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Year 2 of the tests and trials

• The report also sets out further activity for
  year 2 to ensure there is enough evidence on
  impact/benefits for learners and learning for the
  final report.
• Examples of suggested activity

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Fast track arrangements

• To prepare for the option of implementation the
  report recommends the following
• To accommodate the outcomes of the SQR programme
  (strand 1) the second year of tests and trials to
  allow for SSCs to submit the following
  qualifications to the QCF through fast track
  arrangements
• Priority qualifications identified through pilot
  SQS development
• SSCs working with LSCs to identify qualifications
  for priority funding
• Qualifications expiring within the NQF from
  August 1 2007 to July 31 2008.
• To action steps needed to prepare for gradual
  transition from NQF to QCF e.g. agree last date
  for acceptance of new qualifications for
  accreditation to NQF.

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Recognising employer and provider programmes

• Lord Leitch suggests employers and providers own
  programmes might be recognised in the national
  system/QCF
• QCA leading work to investigate.
  Surveys/consultations conducted with both groups
• Very high profileSoS personal interest
• Challenging timelines 60 employers by xmas
• Working with AoC, 157 Group, AlP and others to
  look at provider programmes
• Pilots to star in the new year