Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award In Personal Progress (Entry 1)

Rules of Combination

Learners must achieve 8 credits in total. The credits can be taken from any combination of units within the qualification.

What is the purpose of this qualification?

This qualification has been designed for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, including those with the most complex needs, who are working within Entry 1, including at its very earliest stages.

What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

This qualification covers a range of skills, at a very basic level, relating to personal and social development, employability, communication, number and ICT, and learning skills. Units can be combined in any way enabling the recognition of highly individualised achievements in areas of personal significance to learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, including those with complex needs.

How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

This qualification is part of a suite which includes an award, certificate and diploma. The award will be most suitable for those learners who are combining a small amount of accredited learning with a broader unaccredited programme, for example a learner on a supported internship or taking part in Project Search, where the majority of learning is experiential and takes place in the workplace. The award is also appropriate for learners who have particularly ‘spiky profiles’ where only a small proportion of their learning needs to be at this very basic level, with the remainder of their programme being at a higher level. It is also suitable for learners with the most complex needs, where it is beneficial for their programme to be specifically focused on a carefully selected core skill set, relevant to their specific needs.

Which sector does this qualification support?

A small number of learners is expected to progress directly from this qualification to supported (or less often) open employment. Others are likely to pursue further learning before moving into employment. Learners can progress from the qualification to a wide range of entry-level job roles across a number of different sectors. These would typically be characterised by having high levels of supervision and involve routine tasks. Learners in supported employment could expect to have the support of a job coach where appropriate.

How will this qualification support the learner’s independence?

For some learners will be able to make vertical progression to other Gateway Qualifications’ Entry level qualifications, including personal and social development, preparation for employment and skills for independent living.

For other learners, whose cognitive impairment will prevent them from progressing up the levels, the qualification will prepare them for further non-accredited learning relating to independence and autonomy and for becoming active citizens within their own communities.

Progression & Entry Requirements

Funding information

Learning Aims Search

The Hub provides a Learning Aims Search which you can use to check the funding status of any qualification or unit.

View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website

We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.

Internal Quality Assurance

Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms

Gateway Qualifications Personal Progress Additional Guidance for Providers

Entry 1 Achievement Continuum

Personal Progress QCDA Factsheet

Expert View: Entry Level Webinar

Meeting Learners’ Needs at Entry Level

Suggested Resources for SEND