Key Facts

Level:
Level 1
Subject Sector:
14.1 Foundations for Learning and Life
Credits:
3
Qualification No:
601/1470/8
GLH:
30 hours
Total qualification time:
30 hours
Age Range:
Pre 16

Whilst some of our qualifications are regulated for pre 16 learners our minimum age is 14.

Qualification purpose

Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area

Qualification Grading Type

Pass

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

  • Why choose this qualification?

    The learning outcomes and assessment criteria reflect the national literacy standards from Entry 1 to Level 2. The qualifications in English are built from seven small units at each level. Each unit covers one aspect of a skill, is a qualification in its own right and is also included in rules of combination for a larger award for the relevant skill area and a certificate which covers all the skill areas.

    Each unit is underpinned by the national standards for adult literacy (QCA 2005) and mapped to the Adult Literacy Core Curriculum (DfES 2001 and later revised 2006-7). The units have also been mapped to the Functional Skills standards and where appropriate to the GCSE grade descriptions for English.

    The English qualifications cover:

    • Speaking, listening and responding
    • Reading for purpose, meaning and information
    • Writing to communicate

    The design of the qualifications reflects the announcements by the Skills Funding Agency with regard to the development of English skills. They have been developed in collaboration with representatives of Further Education Colleges, Adult and Community Learning Providers, the voluntary sector and Offender Learning providers. The unit and qualification design provides maximum flexibility with the opportunity to certificate either a specific skill area according to an identified need, for example a particular aspect of reading, a whole skill area e.g. reading, or the opportunity to develop and certificate a broader range of skills.

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must complete one unit, totalling 3 credits.


    Units

    Mandatory

    Learners must complete one unit, totalling 3 credits.

    Read for Information

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    L/505/4131
    Click here to view full unit details

    What is the purpose of this qualification?

    The qualification is intended for learners who need to develop English reading skills for information at this level in order to progress in further study, work or life.

    It is part of a suite of qualifications covering different English skills at different levels and is designed to allow flexibility as well as clear progression opportunities enabling learners to follow highly personalised programmes.


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

    In this qualification learners will learn to read and obtain information from different printed and online sources and to use reference materials to support understanding.

    This qualification is based on the National Standards for Adult Literacy and is fully referenced to the Adult Literacy Core Curriculum.

    The unit is underpinned by the National Standards for Adult Literacy (QCA 2005) and mapped to the Adult Literacy Core Curriculum (DfES 2001 and later revised 2006-7). The unit has also been mapped to the Functional Skills standards and where appropriate to the GCSE grade descriptions for English.


    How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

    This qualification is part of a suite of English qualifications it allows learners to progress through a framework of English units and qualifications from Entry 1 to Level 2.  
    Learners can progress:

    • towards a GCSE in English
    • towards a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English
    • to further study including to a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification
    • to an Apprenticeship programme


    Which sector does this qualification support?

    This qualification is designed to help learners to develop the English reading skills needed in a wide range of job roles.


    What are the English and maths progression options?

    Learners can progress:

    • towards a GCSE in English
    • towards a Level 1 or Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English
    • to further study including to a Gateway Qualifications vocational qualification
    • to an Apprenticeship programme


    Progression & entry requirements

    Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. However, it is anticipated that the qualification will have been selected as suitable for the individual learner on the basis of findings from initial and/or diagnostic assessment. Its specific focus (in this case on reading for information) supports a highly targeted approach to improving literacy, while the qualification’s small size enables it to be grouped with other units, as part of a personalised package of learning. It is available to learners of any age, however it is anticipated that it will be of specific relevance to: • Young people and adults, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who wish to develop their reading skills in English.

    Funding information

    There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

    The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

    View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

    View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

    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


    Additional funding information for English and Maths

    For Adults

    The Adult Education Budget states that they will fully fund :

    • English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have not previously attained a GCSE grade A* – C or grade 4, or higher, and/or
    • first full qualification at level 2 for individuals aged 19 to 23, and/or
    • first full qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23

    The following qualifications are eligible as they are included in the English and maths legal entitlement offer:

    • Certificate in English (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 3)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

    Local flexibilities

    Other qualifications within the suite may be eligible for funding through local flexibilities.

    For Young People

    Students must study maths and/or English as part of their study programme. To meet the condition of funding, a student has to study an approved qualification. These are GCSEs and certain other qualifications, known as ‘stepping stone’ qualifications.  Please refer to the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding for further information.

    The following qualifications meet the 16-19 maths and English condition of funding:

    • Certificate in English (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in English (Entry 3)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 1)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 2)
    • Certificate in Maths (Entry 3)

    As qualifications on sections 96, the Awards can be used to support the achievement of stepping stones qualifications.

    Exemptions to the condition of funding

    The 16-19 maths and English condition of funding states that there are two exemptions to the condition of funding:

    • Students with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are assessed as not able to study either GCSE or stepping stone qualification
    • Students with overseas qualifications that are established as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or grade C

    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.