Some have been asking about Quality of provision as we are independent training organisation. We are intensely monitored and the work we do is overseen by a number of distinct and seperate stages to ensure competency and an adherence to provision standards, constancy and consistency of accreditation levels. All colleges are subject to Ofsted Inspections. Ofsted only concentrate and report on provision that is Government Funded – ie from the SFA. If the same provision is delivered as a “Full Cost” course (where no funding is drawn down) then that programme is not generally included in the Ofsted Inspection process. Classes may be observed, but the success data is not generally reported. As I am aware, until the Forest Schools Qualifications went onto the QCF, they were delivered as “unregulated” and as such, funding was not attached – leaving them outside the process. Private Training Providers (many who still draw down government monies as they are linked into things like Apprenticeships), may still be monitored through Ofsted. For all providers delivering qualifications through an Awarding Organisation (AO), they are monitored for Quality through the AOs QA procedures – to make sure that the required standards are achieved. Failure to reach these standards can result in sanctions being imposed or the removal of a centres registration status. Awarding bodies regularly report and share such information (where centre status has been removed) – so as to respond to centres trying to move AO. At Open Awards, we have a single QA process, regardless if the unit or qualification is regulated or unregulated. Each centre has a named Quality Reviewer who is responsible for compliance monitoring of their centres. EV is carried out by a named EV. Centres who have achieved and demonstrated sound internal QA processes are considered and nominated for Approved Internal Verifier Status, which bring the rewards of Direct Claims Satus (without the need for EV). AOs are approved to develop qualifications and work with a range of training providers and monitor the quality to ensure the standards are met and that when certificates are issued, they fully reflect the requirements of the award of credit. As an AO, we too are subject to scrutiny from Ofqual – our regulatory body. They look at our QA policies, procedure and practices to make sure that we are fully compliant. I do hope that this is useful and demonstrates that we work hard at all time to ensure that you, the Forest Schools Practitioner, or Beach Schools or Social Forestry Practitioner are awarded according to the highest levels of scrutiny and competency.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Mar 2014 15:29:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015