Temporary Suspension Level 2 FS

In This weeks Update:

3. Information: Functional Skills Assessments in apprenticeships

Eligible apprentices can now take their End-Point Assessment before achieving the required Functional Skills Qualifications.

This flexibility will be available until 31 May 2021 and applies to apprentices at all levels who:

• are ready to take and FSQ assessment but are unable to due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. This means they have exhausted all possibilities to access FSQ assessment via face-to-face and remote delivery
• have confirmed their intent to continue and complete their FSQ within three months of starting their EPA
• meet all other gateway criteria to progress to their EPA except FSQ achievement.

Apprentices must take their FSQ within three months of starting their EPA in order that they complete their programme and receive their completion certificate.

Providers must retain evidence that the apprentice is eligible, as set out in the Apprenticeship Funding Rules. Providers will need to make a declaration to this effect. The Apprenticeship Funding Rules and COVID-19 guidance will be updated to reflect this change.

Apprentices can also access a Teacher Assessed Grade where they have exhausted all possibilities to access FSQ assessment via face-to-face and remote delivery. Ofqual guidance on the awarding of functional skills in 2021 sets this out in more detail.

Hi Martin

Thanks, I had seen that update this morning.  Only it doesn't cover the temporary suspension of learners having to attempt level 2 functional skills after achieving level 1.  Normal rules where the learners had to achieve level 1 then attempt level 2 to enter gateway.  This rule was suspended so learners on an level 2 apprenticeship only had to achieve level 1.

This rule is due to expire at the end of this month and I've not seen any update.

On the update you have referred to, we have 4 framework learners who are stuck in limbo as they cannot take their ICT FS exam and OCR aren't looking to implement a remote platform so I'm hoping we can get these learners through their face to face exam soon.

Regards

Chris