Supporting Teaching and Learning FAQ s and Facts This is a working document, to help learners and centres gain clarification on the changes to the Supporting Teaching and Learning Suite. What does the new suite look like? Qualification titles: Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools (new qualification to the suite) Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges (new qualification to the suite). Are any of these qualifications replacing the other? Yes, please see below: Current qualification NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (500/9964/4) NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (501/0031/2) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (500/9963/2) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (500/9745/3) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (501/0476/7) New qualification replacing the current NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges (603/2478/8) NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (603/2476/4) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning (603/2495/8) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning (603/2498/3) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning (603/2496/X) When will the new qualifications be launched? 1 st January (registrations from the 1 st February) 2018. When do I stop registering learners on the current qualifications? All of the current qualifications are being withdrawn on 31 st August 2018 which is the last date for new registrations. The Level 2 qualifications have a certification end date of 31 st August 2020 and the Level 3 qualifications have a certification end date of 31 st August 2021.
Do you have any qualifications being launched with DfE performance points or UCAS points? Not at this time. What changes have been made to the current qualifications? We have removed optional units from all of the new qualifications, meaning they are now made up of just mandatory units. We have also updated the unit content to include current agendas such as radicalisation, mental health and e-safety. Furthermore we have taken out content which is longer relevant or is no longer fit for purpose. Due to the way we calculate Total Qualification Time as prescribed by our regulators and the update to the qualification content, the qualifications have increased in size. The scope of the qualifications has been changed to include learners providing support in colleges, therefore the age range has been amended from 5-19 years old, to 5 years and above. This provides the learner with knowledge of working with different individuals such as adults who have SEND within a college environment. This will ensure both the learner and the employer have confidence that the knowledge and skills the learner will be equipped with will be suitable for all types of learning environments, thus allowing the learner to move between these more easily once employed. The qualifications will be supported by a more constructive and valuable Tutor Guidance document, which has additional support for our tutors that has not been previously provided. Why have we done this redevelopment? Following feedback from our Centres, the demand for new qualifications in the sector and having market leading sector knowledge we have been working endlessly to create a fit for purpose suite for both our existing and potential customers. We have used a group of experts from a variety of roles such as head teachers/principals, influential sector organisations, tutors and assessors. We are very proud of being first to market with this broad range of innovative qualifications that are fresh to the sector and supports the current government s agendas. The suite comprises a variety of up-to-date qualifications that cover all learner groups and learning environments. On top of this, we are currently investigating and considering how we can support the learner to progress and to provide up-skilling opportunities into other sectors from this suite, such as providing a transition qualification to Playwork, however this is still to be confirmed. Overall this redevelopment provides learner progression throughout the supporting teaching and learning journey. What resources will be available for these new qualifications? The qualifications will have exciting new resources such as; Qualification Specifications, Tutor Guidance, internal assessments Assessment for Learning and/or Assessment Tasks, Key Facts and a mapping document for our Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning to the new Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard. CACHE will also continue to host our popular training days for Centres (dates to be confirmed). Partner resources will also be up-to-date and available for you to purchase.
Where will these qualifications be available? These qualifications are available in England (Ofqual), Wales (QW) and Northern Ireland (CCEA). What are the learner registration fees for the new qualifications? We are in the process of updating the fees list and we will keep you informed once this has been done. In the meantime please speak to our Customer Support Team. Will the new qualifications be within the Apprenticeship Framework? We will be keeping the legacy qualifications in the Apprenticeship Frameworks until they expire on 31 st August 2018. We have had confirmation that our new Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning and our new Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning can be added to the current Intermediate and Advanced Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Apprenticeship Frameworks by Skills for Justice. The new Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Diploma would go onto the framework from the 1st of September 2018. We have not been made aware of when the frameworks will be withdrawn. The new Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard (which will eventually replace the Framework) has the Level 3 Diploma as highly recommended but not compulsory. To support you with the new Apprenticeship Standard, we have provided a mapping document to show how the new Level 3 Diploma aligns to the knowledge, skills and behaviours included in the new Standard. Will the new qualifications have Advanced Learner Loans? Yes. The Level 3 Certificate and Diploma and the Level 4 qualifications have been accepted onto the loan catalogue and are eligible for Advanced Learner Loans. Will the qualifications receive adult skills funding? Funding for both the legacy and the new qualifications will be available. More information per qualification will be available after launch, please refer to the ESFA website The Hub or visit our funding webpage. If I have run the NCFE Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications, can I now run the CACHE ones? Yes, due to the transition of the Supporting Teaching and Learning suite coming solely under the CACHE brand, both NCFE and CACHE customers will be able to deliver these qualifications under the CACHE brand. This gives you the confidence of delivering a qualification developed by the market leaders who have a relationship with and value each of their customers, as demonstrated by this redevelopment. Do I need to make a new centre approval request to run the new qualifications if I had approval to run the legacy Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools qualifications? No. Centres with approval for the legacy qualifications get automatic approval for the new qualifications.
Are the Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning nested? Yes they are nested qualifications, which share units within each of them. This is the same structure as the current Award, Certificate and Diploma qualifications. Are there any other qualifications that can support and assist my delivery of the Supporting Teaching and Learning qualifications? CACHE have the following qualifications which will provide great support for your delivery if you desire. Please also refer to our website for a further list of qualifications we provide. NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Safeguarding in a Learning Environment (QRN 600/5515/7) NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (QRN 603/2041/2) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid (QRN 603/0752/3) NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People's Speech, Language and Communication (QRN 600/4257/6)
Summary of the qualifications Title NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Qualification number 603/2477/6 Aim The objective of this qualification is to prepare learners for further learning and training whilst developing an understanding of the teaching and learning environment in a school setting; how to support the well-being of a child or young person and child; and young person development. The qualification is aimed at a range of learners, including young people; mature learners; learners with special educational needs; or where English is an additional language, learners who are thinking of working in a school setting. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) B. Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area B1. Prepare for further learning or training 57 47 Credit value 6 Minimum age of learner Age ranges covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination Progression including job roles (where applicable) 14 years From 5 to 19 years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners understanding. Learners do not need to be working or undertaking practical placements to take this qualification. All units are mandatory. Learners can progress onto the Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges or the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Recommended assessment methods All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: written assignments or tasks* such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams, or setting up an information board. * NB: assessment tasks are provided for Tutors convenience in the Tutor Guidance. They are not mandatory. Additional assessment requirements Grading system How long will it take to complete? Entry requirements / recommendations Regulation information All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this specification we have referenced the wording Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the Award. The Award can usually be completed in 3 months. This qualification is suitable for learners aged 14 and above. This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 603/2477/6.
Title NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Qualification number 603/2478/8 Aim This qualification is an introduction to the knowledge and understanding needed to work in a school or college environment. It can apply to the many varied roles that full and part time support staff may fulfil including: administrative roles, site support roles, technical roles and volunteers, as well as roles that work directly with children and young people in the learning environment. The qualification is aimed at a range of learners, including young people, mature learners, learners with special educational needs, or where English is an additional language, who are thinking of working in a school or college setting. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) C. Prepare for employment C1. Prepare for employment in a broad occupational area 120 90 Credit value 12 Minimum age of learner Age ranges covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination Progression including job roles (where applicable) 16 years From 5 years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners understanding. Learners do not need to be working or undertaking practical placements to take this qualification. All units are mandatory. The Award shares mandatory units with the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification, providing a direct progression route.
Recommended assessment methods All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: written assignments or tasks* such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams or setting up an information board. * NB: assessment tasks are provided for tutors convenience in the Tutor Guidance. They are not mandatory. Additional assessment requirements Grading system How long will it take to complete? Entry requirements / recommendations Regulation information All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this Specification we have referenced the wording Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the Award. The Award can usually be completed in 6 months. Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines. This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 603/2478/8.
Title NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Qualification number 603/2476/4 Aim The Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning has been designed to provide learners with an understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school or college environments. It covers a wide range of areas including children and young people s development, supporting children and young people s positive behaviour and communication and professional relationships. It is aimed at learners working in roles that support pupils learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) C. Prepare for employment C2. Prepare for employment in a specific occupational area 321 270 Credit value 32 Minimum age of learner Age range covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination Progression Recommended assessment methods 16 years From 5 years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners understanding. Learners will need to be working or on a practical placement for the duration of the course in a learning environment (school or college) as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge. All units are mandatory. Learners can progress onto the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, or into the workforce. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include:
direct observation by a Tutor/Teacher/Assessor within the workplace written assignments and professional discussion in line with the Assessment of Learning provided for each unit. Additional assessment requirements All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this specification we have referenced the phrase Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. Grading system How long will it take to complete? The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the Certificate. The Certificate can usually be completed in a year. Entry requirements/ recommendations Regulation information Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines. This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 603/2476/4.
Title NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning Qualification number 603/2495/8 Aim This qualification provides learners with an understanding of the knowledge needed when working directly with children and young people in a school or college environment. It will enable learners to gain an understanding of elements including children and young people s development and safeguarding their welfare. It is suitable for learners who are not yet working in a Level 3 school or college role but are able to achieve at this level. It is also suitable as initial training. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) C. Prepare for employment C2. Prepare for employment in a specific occupational area 120 85 Credit value 12 Minimum age of learner Age ranges covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination Progression including job roles (where applicable) Recommended assessment methods 16 years From 5 years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners understanding. Learners do not need to be working or undertaking practical placements to take this qualification. All units are mandatory. Learners can progress onto the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning or into the workforce. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: written assignments or tasks* such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams or setting up an information board.
* NB: assessment tasks are provided for tutors convenience in the Tutor Guidance. They are not mandatory. Additional assessment requirements Grading system How long will it take to complete? Entry requirements / recommendations Regulation information All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this Specification we have referenced the wording Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the award. The award can usually be completed within six months. Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines. This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 603/2495/8.
Title NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Qualification number 603/2498/3 Aim This qualification provides learners with an understanding of the knowledge needed when working directly with children and young people in a school or college environment. It will enable learners to gain an understanding of elements including children and young people s development, safeguarding their welfare, and communication and professional relationships. It is aimed at learners working in support roles within schools and colleges. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) C. Prepare for employment C2. Prepare for employment in a specific occupational area 350 250 Credit value 35 Minimum age of learner Age ranges covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination Progression including job roles (where applicable) 16 years From 5 years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners understanding. As learners need to show competence in both skills and knowledge, they will need to be working or be on a practical placement during the taught programme of study in a learning environment (school or college). CACHE recommends that the learner undertakes 100 hours of placement in a real work environment. All units are mandatory. Learners can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning or into the workforce.
Recommended assessment methods All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: direct observation by a tutor / teacher / assessor within the workplace written assignments and professional discussion in line with the assessment of learning provided for each unit. Additional assessment requirements All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this Specification we have referenced the wording Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. Simulation is not allowed. Grading system How long will it take to complete? Entry requirements / recommendations Regulation information The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the certificate. The certificate can usually be completed in 1 year. Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines. This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 603/2498/3.
Title Qualification number Aim NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning 603/2496/X This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school and college environments. It covers all aspects of specialist support including planning; delivering and reviewing assessment strategies to support learning alongside the teacher; bilingual support; special needs support; and personal development and reflective practice. It is aimed at learners working in roles that offer specialist support for pupils learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) C. Prepare for employment C2. Prepare for employment in a specific occupational area 530 380 Credit value 53 Minimum age of learner Age ranges covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination 16 years From 5 years of age. Please note that some knowledge of development in the early years has been included in the specification to enhance learners understanding. As learners need to show competence in both skills and knowledge, they will need to be working or be on a practical placement during the taught programme of study in a learning environment (school or college). At diploma level, CACHE recommends that the learner undertakes an additional 100 hours of placement to that taken at the certificate level in a real work environment, to total 200 hours. All units are mandatory.
Progression including job roles (where applicable) Recommended assessment methods Learners can progress onto the Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges, a foundation degree or specialist roles within the workforce. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: direct observation by a tutor / teacher / assessor within the workplace written assignments and professional discussion in line with the assessment of learning provided for each unit. Additional assessment requirements All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this Specification we have referenced the wording Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. Simulation is not allowed. Grading system How long will it take to complete? Entry requirements / recommendations The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the diploma. The diploma can usually be completed in 1 year to 18 months. Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines.
Title NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges Qualification number 603/2474/0 Aim This Level 4 qualification aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the school and college workforce. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience, proven knowledge and skills of the learner in a teaching and learning environment. It will challenge the learner in both daily practice and theoretical understanding. Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. Upon achievement of this qualification, the learner will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the school or college workforce. Purpose Ofqual code and description (where applicable) Total Qualification Time (hours) Guided Learning (hours) E. Updating and continuing professional development (CPD). E2. Develop knowledge and/or skills in order to gain recognition at a higher level or in a different role. 205 155 Credit value 21 Minimum age of learner Age range covered by the qualification Real work environment (RWE) requirement / recommendation Rules of combination 18 years From 5 years of age. Learners will need to be working or on a practical placement for the duration of the course in a learning environment (school or college) as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge. All units are mandatory.
Progression including job roles (where applicable) Recommended assessment methods Additional assessment requirements Learners may progress within the workforce in the following job roles and responsibilities: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) Higher Level Practitioner/Teaching Assistant internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: direct observation by a tutor / teacher / assessor within the workplace written assignments and professional discussion in line with the assessment of learning provided for each unit. All units must be assessed in line with our assessment principles. Throughout this Specification we have referenced the wording Learning Environment, which refers to the different types of schools and colleges. Simulation is not allowed. Grading system How long will it take to complete? Entry requirements / recommendations The qualification will be graded Achieved or Not Yet Achieved and all the assessment criteria must be achieved in order to obtain the Certificate. The Certificate can usually be completed in a year. Learners must be at least 18 years old and employed in a suitable role within a school or college. Previous Level 3 study is a clear advantage but wealth of experience, knowledge and understanding working in schools or colleges is a requirement for this CPD qualification. Your training provider will be able to offer you discreet advice in relation to your suitability for entry. We do not set any other entry requirements but Centres may have their own guidelines. Regulation information This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 603/2474/0.