Liam Darby

Repeating Functional Skills

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We currently have a learner that has previously achieved Functional Skills English Level 2 back in 2014. They have presented to us requesting to retake Functional Skills and subsequently were initially assessed at Entry 2. I'm unable to locate any guidance on whether after a period of time learners can be reenrolled on Functional Skills qualifications. FRM01 does state that the same qualification cannot be repeated but it's not clear if this is the same qualification aim, which it wont be since reforms and different awarding bodies, or the qualification in general. Any advice would be much appreciated.

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Ben James

On the basis that the learner already possesses the qualification, they wouldn't be eligible for funding (per the below) despite their initial assessment showing Entry 2

P137 We will fund an apprentice to achieve up to an approved level 2 qualification in English and maths where they do not already hold a suitable equivalent qualification. Acceptable equivalents are set out in a published list on GOV.UK called ‘Acceptable current and prior equivalent qualifications for English and maths minimum requirements in apprenticeship standards at level 2 and above’.

That isn't to say you shouldn’t provide them training on English, as it certainly sounds like they may need it, you just wouldn't be able to get money from the ESFA for it

(Edited)

Ruth Canham-James

We wouldn't fund them to do that subject FS again, no matter what aim. The FRM report might not find it, but an auditor would, and I don't think they'd agree you could fund it. I can't find it explicitly in the rules, but I'd say it's firmly not in the sprit of the rules.

Liam Darby

Many thanks both, that was my view although I wanted to sense check.

Christine Gregory

On the back of this we have an apprentice (although withdrawn after 4 months) who did FS as part of a traineeship last AY with a partner who didn't achieve, although they have claimed the achievement in their ILR.  We had enrolled him as there is no achievement date on PLR & he obviously doesn't have certs, so no exemption evidence, but he is appeaaring as an FRM01 issue because of them claiming he achieved.  What would you advise in this scenaario?  Thanks

Ruth Canham-James

Christine Gregory I don't think you will be able to claim funding if the PLR isn't fixed. ILR rows in the PLR never have an Achievement date, but they do have an actual end date and a grade, so still show as achieved. That other provider needs to get the PLR fixed (you won't be able to). It's really easy to do from the LRS login. The LRS just accept it if you're the provider that reported the wrong result. We've done it a couple of times when we reported a wrong result.