Update on ‘ESOL for Work’ qualifications.

As we reported in the Spring 2007 newsletter, NATECLA has been monitoring the development, through QCA and Awarding Bodies, of the new ‘ESOL for Work’ qualifications, as announced by the Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education: Bill Rammell last October. We have met with Neil Robertson and colleagues at the Skills for Life Strategy Unit and are now participating in a series of meetings between Awarding Bodies, QCA, LSC and the Strategy Unit planned to progress this development. The deadlines for these qualifications are very tight with a target launch date of September 2007. NATECLA is working with Awarding Bodies who are interested in developing the qualifications, with input from practitioners experienced in delivering work-based ESOL. So far we have learnt:  The first phase of these qualifications will be at E3 and L1, with the likelihood of other levels being developed subsequently. This is the level at which employers have, it appears, indicated greatest need.  They will be ‘all modes’ qualifications covering listening/speaking, reading and writing. Writing can be assessed at a lower level. For example, a learner can achieve writing at Entry 2 but gain overall an Entry 3 qualification.  Modes can be combined in ways suited to workplace – what the QCA call ‘focussed assessment’ (and can be different between Awarding Bodies)  Qualifications will be based on overall pass/fail of all modes but unit achievement will be recorded.  They will be based on the ESOL/literacy national standards but, unlike the Skills for Life qualifications, will not cover all of them at each level.  They will be based on the workplace setting (the suggested topic content includes, for example, health and safety, customer care etc)  The national reading test will not be used but Awarding Bodies can view and develop similar test items.  The guided learning hours will be 100-150 hours (at each level) and they will carry 10-15 credits. N.B. This approximates to 50% of the Skills for Life qualifications. They will relate to the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework).  They will be listed, not load banded, and funded at the base rate not the enhanced basic skills rate. This is a significant difference in funding.  Achievement will not count towards national PSA targets but discussions are taking place about their relationship to citizenship/settlement applications, and it will be possible for learners to progress to Skills for Life by carrying forward their achievements We have been told that prime purpose of the qualifications is to provide responsive ESOL qualifications for those not settling in the UK and who are in employment or seeking work. There will be a high profile launch in August and a conference in September. The Strategy Unit will be disseminating information to employers. Although we are trying to engage fully in the development process, at the same time we continue to express our concerns and ask questions about:  The levels at which they are being developed.  The potential inflexibility of an ‘all modes’ qualification when tailoring learning programmes to differing work environments and learner needs.  The interrelationship with Skills for Life qualifications, and in particular, progression opportunities or linkage to national targets or citizenship.  The funding arrangements.  The target group, who are described as being significantly different from Skills for Life.  The overly narrow remit for these qualifications. We keep reminding the policy makers that language learning is both a time- consuming and a holistic activity, that learners do not fit neatly into pre-labelled boxes, and that there is a real need for a much more wide-ranging development process to support embedded ESOL programmes, whether these are targeted at increasing learners’ employability or their effective participation in vocational training. Other qualifications-related issues:  We are assured that IELTS will be funded (at the national base rate only) for the 2007/8 academic year and this has now been confirmed by the National LSC. Wwebpage for IELTS on National Database.of Accredited Qualifications. It is approved for England 19+ which means it is fundable. http://www.ndaq.org.uk/qualification/50027037.seo.aspx This decision has been made in recognition of Sector driven demand. All other qualifications which have previously been categorised as ESOL International will not be eligible for funding.  There still appears to be no formal agreement between ESOL Skills for Life Awarding Bodies to recognise each others’ Units. Meanwhile, if this is an issue for your learners then badger your Awarding Body and let NATECLA know.  The ex-JobCentre Plus new Basic Skills and Employability programmes will use both ASDAN ‘employability’ qualifications and relevant Skills for Life qualifications. If any members have direct experience of developing or delivering these programmes then NATECLA would like to hear from you. Pam Frame Anne Greenall  Achievement will not count towards national PSA targets but discussions are taking place about their relationship to citizenship/settlement applications, and it will be possible for learners to progress to Skills for Life by carrying forward their achievements