Recognised prior learning policy

Aims and scope

This policy applies to all qualifications and Apprenticeship standards delivered by Waverley Training Services. Recognised prior learning (RPL) is used to verify an Apprentice's suitability for their chosen standard and to tailor the Learner's training plan. WTS as the training provider must review the individuals prior learning and experience.

The Department for Education (DfE) state that funds must not be used to pay for training for knowledge, skills or behaviours already attained by the Apprentice and will take action to recover Apprenticeship funding where this happens.

RPL is used in further education and training providers settings who offer Apprenticeships to assess individuals’ prior knowledge, it further supports in eliminating the duplication of learning and ensures that the Learner is enrolled on the right qualification at the right level for progression of learning.

It supports in calculating the Apprenticeship duration and the time the Apprentice needs for ‘on programme learning’, ensuring that the minimum duration for Apprenticeships is met.

Purpose

This document is to provide support, clarification, and guidance to WTS stakeholders on implementing the process regarding the recognition of a learner’s previous achievements and/or qualifications.

In terms of contents the document explains WTS Assessment policy on RPL and provides clarification on related terms and funding.

This document is of particular relevance to those responsible for supporting learners in their choice of standard and to those responsible for carrying out the assessment and holds relevance to those involved in teaching and learning.

The RPL process

The recognition of a learners prior learning is completed by a 5-stage process as outlined below. This process is subject to amendments to the DfE’s annual publication of the Apprenticeship funding rules and any subsequent guidance.

Stage 1 – Awareness, information, and guidance

Ahead of enrolling a potential Learner, a discussion is had with a Business Development Officer in an arranged Information, advice, and guidance (IAG) meeting, either face-to-face or remotely. This is where discussions take place on the possibility that they may be eligible to complete an Apprenticeship in the standard they are interested in or as agreed with their employer.

If the Learner discloses information that they may not be eligible to complete the Apprenticeship due to prior learning this will be discussed whether the standard they are interested in is the most appropriate for them to enrol on and alternative qualifications discussed if applicable.

At this stage, an application form and other eligibility checks will be completed and include residency status, and identity checks.

Stage 2 – PLR and Exemptions

A Business Development Officer will then run a PLR (Personal Learning Record), which details any qualifications and achievements completed by the individual, this can be provided as evidence of RPL and exemptions for Functional Skills providing the information of the grade and date achieved are documented. The Learner must read the privacy statement to understand how their data is used and processed.

The second part is to obtain copies of any relevant certificates if evidence is not provided or available on the individuals Personal Learning Record (PLR). Photocopies are not excepted, scans or photos of the original certificates in colour will be accepted.

If the individual does not have their certificates they can apply to the awarding organisation for replacements at a cost. For those individuals who do not wish to do this, they must be notified that they will be processed as non-exempt for their Functional Skills, until evidence to the contrary.

WTS as part of our application process will assess the current working level of the Learner in both English and math. WTS use BKSB (basic knowledge skills builder) to assess the individuals current working level using Initial Assessments and Diagnostics.

The DfE have stated that it is mandatory for all 16–18-year-olds to continue their studies of English and/ or math and achieve these prior to End-Point-Assessment EPA if not previously obtained.

For all 19+ Apprentices it is now optional to study and work towards achieving these Functional Skills, this decision must be agreed with the employer.

Stage 3 – Skill Scan Assessment

WTS are required to conduct a skill scan assessment with the individual for the standard they are interested in enrolling on at their Information, advice and guidance meeting with a Business Development officer, and forms as part of checking their eligibility to receive funding for their Apprenticeship.

The skill scan is an integral part of the sign-up process for new Apprentices whereby the Learner completes each section of the document which is broken down into the Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviours for the standard, scoring themselves honestly and accordingly.

Any prior learning and experience identified should be documented and agreed with the employer.

Discussions had with the Learner upon checking the skill scan is recorded to ensure they understand that they have given fair and honest answers and if applicable whether they will work towards achieving Functional Skills if not previously obtained.

Stage 4 – Training Plan and ILP

The skill scan document is then used within the individuals Training Plan to measure what funding will be claimed and if any reductions of RPL are required ensuring the correct amount of funding for the Apprenticeship is claimed.

It will adjust the ‘on programme learning’ dates, adjusting the duration of the Apprenticeship if applicable.

Once completed alongside other sign-up documents for the Apprenticeship these documents will be sent out via DocuSign which require signatures from all parties involved prior to any induction or learning taking place.

Stage 5 – Appeals

As with any assessment decision, if a Learner wishes to appeal against a decision made about their assessment, they need to follow the standard Appeals Procedure.