FUNCTIONAL SKILLS POLICY - Yeovil College

FUNCTIONAL SKILLS POLICYPURPOSE OF THE POLICYYeovil College is committed to improving the literacy and numeracy skills of learners in order tosupport the Skills for Life National Strategy. The National Strategy seeks to provide learnerswith the opportunities to acquire the key/functional skills necessary for active participation insociety and in the work-place. This policy is part of the college’s commitment to wideningparticipation and becoming a regional focus for life-long learning.Learners entering a college programme will have different starting and exit points. It istherefore important that learners have access to key/functional skills development appropriateto their needs and level, in accordance with National and Government guidelines.This policy is a transition document to monitor and oversee the move from Key Skills toFunctional Skills and as such will be reviewed annually to take account of changes as theyemerge.The Policy is intended to ensure that:all full time and substantive part time will enjoy an equal entitlement to the assessment anddevelopment of their key/functional skills (literacy and numeracy)that such opportunities are offered to a consistently high standard, by enthusiastic andexpert staffopportunities are offered at all college locations.SCOPEAll learners who commence programmes at Yeovil College will undertake an initial assessmentin literacy and numeracy at, or prior to, enrolment to ascertain their level of functional skillsRESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITYThe Senior Curriculum Leadership Group is responsible for agreeing the policy and for agreeingand implementing the procedures. All academic staff have delegated responsibility forimplementing the policy and procedures.RELATED POLICIES, PROCEDURES, DOCUMENTS, DEFINITIONSThe following documents should be read in conjunction with this policy:Learning and Teaching strategyAssessment code of practiceAcademic appeal policy and procedureIV and moderation policy non NVQTutorial policyPre-entry A&G policyCollege charterTuition Fees Policy and ProcedurePolicy ReviewAuthorCliff ShawPositionVP Learning & QualityApproved byCorporation/CommitteeApproval date27 Feb 2012Review date27 Feb 2014Initial Equality Impact ScreeningHave you consulted on this policy, service, strategy, procedure or function?Details: Yes, FD, PFL&W, AQM, Assessments ManagerYes / No

What evidence has been used for this assessment?Could a particular group be affected differently in either a negative or positive way? Indicate Y where applicableGroup Negative impact Positive impact EvidenceAgeDisabilityGender (incl. Transgender)Race (incl. Gypsy &Traveller)Religion or beliefSexSexual orientationMarriage & civil partnershipPregnancy & maternityOther groups (see guidance)If any negative impacts are identified, are there any related polices, services, strategies, procedures or functions that need to beassessed alongside this screening? If yes, please detail below:Should the policy, service, strategy, procedure or function proceed to a full Equality Impact Assessment? Yes / NoIf no, please give reasons No, no negative impactsDeclarationWe are satisfied that an initial screening has been carried out on this policy, service, strategy, procedure or function (delete thosewhich do not apply) and a full Equality Impact Assessment is I is not required.We understand that the Equality Impact Assessment is required by the College and that we take responsibility for the completion andquality of this assessmentCompleted by: Cliff Shaw Position: VP L&Q Date: 27/02/12Checked by: Derrick Goddard Position AQM Date: 27/02/12