Guidance is now available to centres relating to the awarding of qualifications in Spring and Summer 2021 after Ofqual’s introduction of the Vocational and Technical Qualifications Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF). This has replaced the extraordinary Regulatory Framework (ERF) and the Extended Extraordinary Regulatory Framework (EERF). You can download this guidance here.

The Framework will cover any assessments that took place or were planned to take place between 1 August 2020 and 31 August 2021.

What does this mean for my learners?

You should continue to teach and assess learners where possible. You can make use of adaptions in order to allow assessment to continue. Please view the relevant qualification pages on our website to find out which adaptions are allowed for the qualifications you deliver, and for further information regarding how to make an adaption.

What do ‘Category A’ and ‘Category B’ qualifications mean?

For ‘Category A’ qualifications, if you are unable to assess learners and cannot make use of adaptions, it is advised that you delay delivery and/or assessment until it is safe to assess in line with the requirements of the qualification you are delivering.

For ‘Category B’ qualifications, if you are unable to assess learners and cannot make use of adaptions, it may be possible to award the qualification to the learner on the basis of incomplete evidence. This is referred to as Teacher Assessed Grades and more information regarding TAGs can be found within the issued guidance.

Is there anything specific I need to do?

The guidance contains a ‘What should I do next?’ summary on page 10. As well as these pointers, you should also arrange for the Head of Centre to complete the Head of Centre Declaration, which can be downloaded here. This form should be completed and returned to our Compliance and Regulation Team prior to submitting your TAGs. Please refer to the guidance for deadlines relating to TAGs as these can vary between qualifications.

We understand that your delivery and assessment methods may have had to change and you might be encountering specific challenges while navigating this new way of working. We are here to help.

We will be offering fortnightly online drop-in sessions to provide you with ongoing support with your delivery and assessment. These sessions will be interactive and will give you the chance to talk directly to our friendly and experienced team about any assessment or delivery questions you might have. The next session will be:

When: Thursday 15 April 2021
Where: Zoom
Time: 13:00 to 14:30

Follow the link below to drop in to the session next week. There’s no need to book, just pop in as and when you like!

Join the session

During the pandemic we are continuing to deliver end-point assessment in accordance with guidance issued by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and the Education and Skills Funding Agency.

For customers who currently have a service agreement in place, regular updates are provided via email and on our bespoke EPA platform.

For customers who do not yet have a contract for EPA services, please email our EPA team for more information.

Helpful essential guidance regarding apprenticeships can be found here.

We remain committed to providing our customers with dedicated support and guidance during this period of uncertainty. Our team have pulled together some answers to common questions we are being asked. We hope you find them useful but if you need support contact our Customer Support Team.

When will more information be available?

We cannot say for certain what the timeline will be. We are expect Ofqual to release a consultation on the 15 January 2021. Once we have further information we will share this with Centres.

Will we able to estimate/calculate a grade?

A decision regarding whether or not Vocational and Technical Qualifications will be eligible for Centre assessed grades has not yet been decided by Ofqual.

Are assessment variations/adaptions allowed?

Under the Extended Extraordinary Regulatory Framework (EERF) you are able to request an adaption to the assessment method. To submit a Variation to Assessment request, please download the form from the resource section on the COVID-19 Hub. All requests will be responded to within five working days.

What should I do if I have a moderation visit due?

You do not need to do anything at this stage. We have postponed all face-to-face moderation visits and we will continue to undertake moderations remotely.

Are we able to extend course end dates?

Yes, we are happy to accommodate this where appropriate. Please contact a member of our Customer Support Team on 0115 854 1620 who will be happy to assist.

Are you still open for business?

Our offices remain open, although some staff members are working remotely our Customer Support Team are still available to provide advice and support as usual. To speak to a member of the team please call 0115 854 1620 or email us.

Will there be a delay in receiving certificates?

We are continuing to certificate submitted and verified claims as usual. We currently certificate through our e-certification platform and printed certificates.

Can I still register to become a Centre?

Yes, please contact our Centre Recognition Team on 0115 854 1672. They will be able to help you through the process of becoming a Centre. Our Relationship Management Team are also happy to meet to discuss your needs. To arrange an online conference call contact us on 0115 854 1620.