The foundation learning tier: units and qualifications below level 2

New entry level and level 1 units and qualifications will prepare young people and adults better for modern life and employment.

Key features:

• Encompasses theoretical and applied learning in, for example, employability skills, personal and social development and basic or functional skills.
• New progression pathways will be introduced, specifying combinations of units and qualifications through entry level and level 1 to provide routes towards, for example, an apprenticeship, GCSEs, a Diploma or a level 2 vocational qualification.
• Provides the learner with 'credit' for use within the new Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

What's happening and when

• From September 2007: New qualifications and progression pathways developed and trialled.
• Ongoing to 2010: Production of a full set of progression pathways supported by credit-based units and qualifications within the QCF.

Changes to look out for

• New credit-based provision for some learners during 2007/08 trials (if your centre is involved); otherwise during the next three years.

What you should do now

Find out if your centre is involved in the trials. Discuss with the person responsible what their plans are, for example, which learners, which qualifications, which levels and which awarding bodies will be involved.