02 Mar 2021
This qualification is being withdrawn
The operational end date (last date for new starts) of this qualification is 31/07/2020 and the certification end date is 31/07/2021.
Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Recognise personal growth and engagement in learning
Qualification Grading Type
Pass
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
The qualifications provide an opportunity to recognise the transferable skills learners develop through actively engaging in their own learning programme. They are focused on those skills which will support a learner’s personal growth and increase their independence in adult life, including areas such as independent travel, self-advocacy, personal safety and developing relationships.
Notice of Qualification Withdrawal
This qualification is being withdrawn as it is being superseded by a new Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award In Personal and Social Skills (Entry 2) qualification.
The operational end date (last date for new starts) of this qualification is 31st July 2020 and the certification end date is 31st July 2021.
Please ensure that any information on the qualification held by your centre is updated. If you have any questions about this matter please do not hesitate to contact QualDev@gatewayqualifications.org.uk.
If you wish to gain approval for the new Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award In Personal and Social Skills (Entry 2) qualification, please contact us.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete 6 credits from Group O1 Personal and Social Skills.
Units
Learners must complete 6 credits from this group.
Being Part of a Group
Being a Householder
Completing Tasks
Contributing to the Community
Dealing with Problems
Direct Own Support
Exercise as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle
Handling Money
Healthy Eating
Independent Travel
Making Choices
Managing Money
Negotiation Skills
Personal Safety
Rights and Responsibilities
Self-Awareness
Speaking up for Yourself
Understanding Relationships
Using Social and Leisure Facilities
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is primarily aimed at learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities or with Special Educational Needs or Disability (SEND) who need a structured programme of learning to support their personal and social development.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification includes a broad range of skills which will support a learner’s personal growth and increase their independence in adult life, including areas such as independent travel, self-advocacy, personal safety and developing relationships. There are no mandatory units, enabling learners and providers to work together to select units appropriate to the individual’s needs, interests and aspirations for the future, in line with the aims of the SEND reforms.
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
There is a Gateway Qualifications Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma in Personal and Social Skills. The Award is designed to meet the needs of learners, including those on 16-19/25 study programmes, who wish to combine a small amount of accredited learning with a broader unaccredited programme tailored to their personal goals. It is also suitable for learners, such as those on the autistic spectrum, who may be operating at a much higher level in other areas (e.g. academic subjects) but who need to target specific areas of personal development. It is particularly suitable for learners with more 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?
This qualification is not intended to lead directly to employment, although for the small numbers who may progress into a (supported) entry-level job role, the skills covered will be of use in any employment context.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress from this qualification to further Entry level learning in the area of personal and social skills, including, for example, to the Gateway Qualifications Entry level Certificate in Personal and Social Skills (Entry 3). They may also be able to progress to qualifications focused on developing employability skills such as the Gateway Qualifications Entry level Certificate in Preparation for Employment (Entry 3).
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or specific level of attainment to take this qualification and it is available to learners of any age.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
From 1st July 2021, the Hub will be replaced by a new Find a learning aim (FALA) service. This service is currently in BETA so if you experience any issues with finding funding details, please double check on the Hub above, or contact your account manager.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
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.
Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms
Expert View: Entry Level Webinar
Meeting Learners’ Needs at Entry Level