Useful links to funding information

We regularly receive queries from centres seeking the latest funding information. Here are a few links we recommend to help those centres seeking further clarity about funding.

The first is provided by the Skills Funding Agency and includes the QCF Approved for Funding List for both Adult Learner Responsive and Train 2 Gain learners for the remainder of 2009/10 and 2010/11 - click here to go to the QCF section of their website. It is worth noting that this list is updated approximately every two weeks, therefore CYQ qualifications are still being added to it.

Our second recommended link is to the Learning Aims Database (LAD). This shows which qualifications will be funded in the future by looking at the Accreditation End Date and the presence of funding information - click here to go the LAD.

With respect to 16-18 learners funded by the Young People's Learning Agency, we have received confirmation from them that the CYQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing and CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, approved under Section 96, are shown on the LAD as eligible for funding with 16-18 funding notes attached.

CYQ Level 2 Exercise to Music (QCF) now available

After our big QCF launch at the end of April, we are once again cranking up the development tempo and can now announce the launch of another qualification, the Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing – Exercise to Music (QCF). This qualification is now available for delivery; click here to view full qualification information or, if you are CYQ approved centre, download the syllabus from the centre area of the CYQ website.

Coming soon, we will have news on circuit training, step, group indoor cycing and studio resistance training QCF qualifications.

Response to latest Skills Funding Agency publication

We are posting this response to new funding information recently released by the Skills Funding Agency (SFA). You can view the SFA information via the following link:

http://skillsfundingagency.bis.gov.uk/publications/latest/

SkillsActive has commented that the list "bears no resemblance to the draft list, and is not the list SkillsActive agreed to. There are massive, glaring errors." CYQ is of the understanding that information we supplied to SkillsActive regarding QCF replacements for NQF qualifications would result in QCF qualifications appearing as eligible for funding for 'new starts' at different points in time (July 2010 and December 2010). If a replacement qualification is already accredited on the QCF - and is eligible for funding - then this qualification should appear on the SFA's lists. (NB: eligibility does not guarantee funding).

This list contradicts information that we have supplied to SkillsActive and also contradicts the SFA's previous information showing CYQ qualifications as available for funding. For example, the information on the spreadsheet on the SFA's website states against the Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Fitness Instructing - "no replacement planned." This is incorrect as the replacement is already accredited in the QCF: Level 1 Award in Fitness and Physical Activity (500/8428/8).

Click here to view all of our comments on the SFA's spreadsheet

We appreciate the difficulties this kind of information presents but we are doing our utmost to ensure the maximum number of available qualifications in the correct funding categories. SkillsActive is in communication with the SFA and BIS to ensure that this information is corrected.

Fitness NVQ replacement qualifications in the QCF

The future of NVQs in the QCF has been a question that has been puzzling us all for a while but now we can answer it. In real terms NVQs will NOT exist in the QCF. Like all other qualifications in the QCF, work/competence-based qualifications need to conform to the titling convention of award, certificate and diploma.

Therefore, in our sector the fitness NVQs will be replaced by certificates and diplomas and the terms VRQ and NVQ don’t really apply in our new environment. However, NVQ does appear in the title of the qualification allowing us to distinguish these qualifications from the non work-based qualifications.

This translates as follows (click on the title to view details of the qualification):

• CYQ Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness
  replaces CYQ Level 2 NVQ in Instructing Exercise and Fitness


• CYQ Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Personal Training
  replaces CYQ Level 3 NVQ in Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise

These diplomas are yet to be accredited and so will not show on NDAQ. Also, resources to support them are under development. Further information on replacement qualifications for our other NQF NVQs will follow. It is expected that these qualifications will be available later in the year.

First phase of CYQ QCF qualifications launched

We're delighted to launch the first phase of our Level 1, 2 and 3 qualfications for the QCF. The new, licence to practice qualifications are accredited onto the QCF and also align with the new REPs structure at Level 2 and Level 3. The new Level 1 qualifications provide a progression route for those learners who are interested in exploring a career within the health and fitness industry; they address key issues such as physical activity, healthy weight and lifestyle management.

From today, you can view full information on each qualification – click on the relevant link below to find out more:

Level 1

CYQ Level 1 Award in Fitness and Physical Activity (QCF)
CYQ Level 1 Award in Lifestyle Management (QCF)

Level 2

CYQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing - Gym Based Exercise (QCF)
CYQ Level 2 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning (QCF)

Level 3

CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training (QCF)
CYQ Level 3 Award in Employment Awareness in Active Leisure and Learning (QCF)
CYQ Level 3 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (QCF)

Head on over to the CYQ website and visit our updated QCF pages or to read the launch press release.

Major CYQ QCF update coming 30th April 2010

We will shortly be revealing a wealth of new information about our QCF qualifications including:

• The lowdown on the first phase of our new Level 1, 2 & 3 QCF qualifications
• Free, downloadable syllabuses for approved centres
• A wide range of QCF guides and materials

Visit our website (www.cyq.org.uk) on Friday 30th April for the full story or, if you're a CYQ approved centre, look out for our special email headed to your Inbox!

New Level 1 qualifications approved for the QCF

Following on from Level 2, we're delighted to announce that our new Level 1 qualifications have been also accredited onto the QCF. The qualifications are live on NDAQ and can be viewed by clicking on the links below):

CYQ Level 1 Award in Lifestyle Management 500/8442/2

Click here to view the structure of this qualification

CYQ Level 1 Award in Fitness and Physical Activity 500/8428/8

Click here to view the structure of this qualification

Syllabuses for the these qualifications will be released in April 2010 with all new tutor and learner resources following in time for the new acadamic year.