QIA Excellence Gateway

Support for learners

• Individual learning plans
  Individual learning plans form a ‘route map' of how a learner will get from their starting point on a learning journey to the desired end point. They may be for one course and include the acquisition of qualifications and skills, or may link several courses that give progression to different levels (from level 1 to 3, or from level 2 to Higher Education). They should be individual for each learner to reflect aspirations, aptitude and needs.
• Induction
  After interview induction is the process where learners are introduced to the requirements of their course and the organisation that they are taking it with. It is an important part of delivering learning, outlining expectations and setting the scene for what is to come. It should help to reduce the anxiety that many feel when starting learning in a new environment and help set the criteria for learners to succeed.
• Initial assessment
  Initial assessment is the set of procedures that are gone through to ascertain what previous experience, aptitudes and abilities a learner has. The process may include screening tests for literacy, numeracy and language (followed by fuller diagnostic testing if required) as well as learning styles, manual dexterity and skills testing. The results of initial assessment should inform individual learning plans so that training and support are delivered that will meet the needs of each learner.
• Programme recruitment
  Recruitment to training programmes does not just happen. The local community and employers need to know what training is available to them and where it might lead. Provision needs to grow in a planned way to meet community and employer needs, with progression routes to higher levels. The way in which programmes are offered can be varied to help meet the needs of different groups.
• Progress reviews
  Progress reviews take place in several inspection contexts. Essentially they are a point in time when all parties involved in training take a step back and look at the progress being made by a learner towards completing their individual learning plan. They also involve setting targets to further complete the plan. In work-based learning they occur in the workplace and involve the employer. They check learner welfare, progress in training, while reinforcing equality of opportunity and health and safety.
• Safeguarding
  There are two main aspects to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Firstly having arrangements to minimise risks (CRB checks, etc) and secondly having arrangements to take all appropriate actions to address concerns - actively promoting the concept of the ‘safe learner'.

You can find this page and download any referenced resources from the Excellence Gateway at http://excellence.org.uk/72847F10-7746-44A3-BC9D-7B9C3DBE7939.