Access to Higher Education Diploma Criteria for Provider Approval Introduction An organisation wishing to deliver Access to HE Diplomas validated by Open Awards must become an approved provider before a Diploma can be developed. (Please note that this applies to all organisations, even if they are already recognised centres for the delivery of other courses or qualifications with Open Awards. In order to become an Approved Access to HE Provider, an organisation must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the criteria below (page 2). For existing approved centres, the AVA will consider (and may withdraw) approval if a centre fails to continue to meet the terms of its approval. The Access to HE Committee and the Board will consider the withdrawal of provider approval with reference to these criteria. Aims of the Access Diploma An Access to HE Diploma is designed to prepare learners, who because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any previous qualifications. Access course are designed to prepare learners for study in UK Higher Education institutions, however it is important to emphasise to potential learners that the achievement of the Diploma does not guarantee progression. Access courses must be fit for purpose in providing an appropriate preparation of study in UK higher education, and should be designed in consultation with potential receiving HEIs. Target groups Access courses are designed for: Groups who are traditionally under represented in HE or particular area of HE. Have benefited least from their previous educational experience, and have a lack of recent educational experience. There is no upper or lower age limit for Access learners; however it is expected that most learners will continue to fall into the adult group, in order to meet the criteria above. Page 1 of 7
Criteria to be met by an Approved Access Provider In order to be approved to offer Access to HE Diplomas, potential providers will be required to provide evidence through self assessment and AVA audit of being able to meet all of the following criteria: A Premises Confirm that it is located in the UK, and has a permanent and main base which is in the UK. Provides the AVA with full details of, and access to all sites on which Access to HE will be delivered B Management It has a single named point of accountability for the quality assurance, strategic management, administration and financial management of its Access to HE provision. It has clear arrangements for the day to day operational management and coordination of Access to HE. C Facilities and Resources The centre has facilities and resources at each site that is to be used for the delivery Access Diplomas that are appropriate to the planned learning and assessment requirements for the Diplomas it intends to deliver. Has appropriate learning support for Access to HE learners. Can demonstrate adequate financial resources to support its Access provision. D Staffing The centre has appropriate levels of staffing, and those employed to deliver Access to HE courses are appropriately qualified, professionally competent, and have the required subject expertise for the proposed diploma courses. The centre has arrangements in place to support the induction and ongoing professional development of all staff involved in Access to HE. The centre allows staff to participate in AVA events that are essential for maintaining standards and quality assurance of its Access provision. Page 2 of 7
E Diploma Development There is a named point of accountability for the development and submission of new diplomas, and Centre s ensure that, there is a rigorous internal process for the development and approval of any new diplomas in response to identified need and progression opportunities. New Diplomas are developed in line with the QAA Diploma Specification, using the AVA Regional Programme and Rules of Combination. Due consideration is given to the content and coherence of the programme of study. Providers show evidence of HEI consultation and acceptance of the proposed Diploma title and content, as appropriate for the stated progression routes. Due consideration is given to any entry requirements for the Diploma and any additional requirements that may be required for progression. F Recruitment of Learners There is a clearly identified target group for each Diploma, and the centre has effective ways of recruiting from this group. Publicity material and arrangements for providing pre course guidance to learners and criteria for selection and admissions to Access to HE courses are consistent with the QAA s Guidance for the admission of students to QAA recognized Access to HE programmes Any promotional material is current and complies with the guidelines for the use of the QAA and the Open Awards logos Any promotional material makes it explicit that the award of the diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK HE programmes. G Initial Advice and Guidance The centre can provide all learners with initial advice and guidance that includes a full induction and provides information for learners in relation to: Suitability of the Diploma for the intended progression route, Any entry requirements for the Diploma Learner commitment required, including financial advice. Assessment strategies Requirements for successful completion Page 3 of 7
H On Course Advice Guidance and Tutorial Support The centre has resources and systems in place to provide on-going tutorial support, including: Providing support for learners in selecting appropriate progression routes; Supporting learners in completing their higher education application process; Supporting a learner s HE application by providing full and accurate references to support the application process; Providing end of course advice to learners, as appropriate. I Assessment Practice and Record Keeping The centre can demonstrate that the conduct of assessment, and the application of the assessment regulations: Meets the requirements published QAA Grading Handbook, and the associated assessment regulations; Meets the requirements of the AVA Assessment Policy for Access to HE. results in fair and valid assessment of learners that is appropriate for the target group, and allows for the differentiation of achievement between learners; Is fully and accurately recorded using the AVA mandatory documentation, and records are securely stored, and made available to the Ava on request.; Clearly follows the procedures and criteria for the accreditation of prior learning as set out in their Access to HE policy on RPL. J Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Practice The centre has a robust internal verification policy, and processes in place that meets the AVAs published requirements Outcomes of Internal verification are recorded using the AVA mandatory documentation and records are securely stored, and made available to the external moderator. The centre provides opportunities for all staff to participate in internal, and AVA standardization activities Outcomes of IV, EV and standardization are used to develop quality improvement action plans which are monitored through to completion. Page 4 of 7
K Course Monitoring and Review The centre has robust systems in place for regular course monitoring and review, which include: o eliciting and responding to learner evaluation and feedback; o responding to external moderation reports, standardization outcomes, and grading data. The centre provides information to the AVA as required on the outcomes of its self evaluation, and submits an annual report to the AVA in a timely manner. The centre has clear procedures for handling and responding to complaints, as set out in their complaints policy. L External Quality Assurance The centre is committed to cooperating with the AVAs moderation, monitoring and standardization procedures, and makes sufficient arrangements for any visits. The centre delivers its Access courses in accordance with the definitive requirements of the Access Diploma course approval / validation documentation. The Centre will provide the AVA with access to all records, and documentation as requested in a timely manner Recommendations for the award of credit are accurately completed to the required deadlines. A Final Awards Board is held to an agreed timescale, which meets the AVAs requirements at the end of the course to confirm the award of the Access to HE Diploma to learners, at which an AVA moderator and one other AVA representative is present. RACs are returned to the AVA in a timely manner following the Final Awards Board. Page 5 of 7
M Policies Centres must make the following policy documents available to the AVA at audit: Health and Safety Policy Disability Discrimination Policy Equality and Diversity Policy Malpractice Policy Appeals Policy Academic Misconduct Policy including Plagiarism Complaints(and Compliments) Policy Access to Fair Assessment Policy Resubmissions and Deadlines Policy Reasonable Adjustments Policy Recognition of Prior Learning Policy Referrals Policy Extensions to Course End Date Policy Student Entitlement Policy Student Contract Other policies may also be relevant for organisations acting as Private Training Providers, e.g. Terms and Conditions of Sale. Page 6 of 7
Explicit statement of compliance In submitting an application to become an approved provider, a senior representative of the organisation must sign a statement of compliance that it will cooperate with the AVAs moderation monitoring and standardization procedures and that it will in particular: A B C D E F G H I Deliver recognised Access to HE courses in accordance with the requirements the definitive Diploma documentation; Ensure that where courses are designed to be delivered by distance or on line learning (or may be otherwise accessible by learners not based in the UK) that students are required to confirm in writing, at or before registration, that they understand that the award of an Access to HE Diploma does not provide guaranteed entry to UK HE programmes; Make arrangements for moderator visits and final awards boards as requested by the AVA; Provide information and access to records about assessment and internal moderation, as requested by the AVA; Provide information about student achievement as requested by the AVA; Makes arrangements to allow staff to participate in AVA events and activities that is essential for maintaining the quality and academic standards of Access to HE Diplomas; Ensure that its public information about Access to HE is accurate and reliable, and that any use it makes of the Access to HE logo and the AVAs logo is consistent with the guidance provided; Urgently addresses any issues which pose a threat to the quality or academic standards of the AVAs Access to HE courses, or the integrity or reputation of the Access to HE Diploma or of QAA, as may be notified to it by the AVA; Promptly inform Open Awards of any changes to the information supplied in the submission document; Page 7 of 7