Get set for the QCF

Useful links to funding information

2010-07-28T11:59:00.000+01:00

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

2010-06-23T10:23:00.000+01:00

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

2010-06-08T13:47:00.000+01:00

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

2010-05-18T12:34:00.004+01:00

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

2010-04-30T12:51:00.002+01:00

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

2010-04-26T14:02:00.005+01:00

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

2010-03-25T17:33:00.002Z

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.

Update on Adult Learner Responsive funding

2010-02-26T15:25:00.003Z

The transition from the NQF to the QCF is proving a challenge, especially with regard to understanding how qualifications will be funded. In order to aid your planning, we have put together a summary document which rounds up all of the information we have at this stage regarding Adult Learner Responsive funding.

As an awarding body our main function is to develop and accredit qualifications and whilst we are not directly involved in funding decisions, we have been working closely with our stakeholders to maximise the funding potential of our forthcoming QCF qualifications. The picture is an evolving one, but as ever, we'll try and keep you as up to date as possible.

Click here to download our funding update document.

Core CYQ qualifications gain QCF accreditation

2010-02-18T10:42:00.004Z

Great news! We're delighted to announce that our forthcoming Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing and Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training have been accredited onto the QCF. We are the first awarding body to achieve this, in line with our aim to be QCF ready.

The qualifications are live on NDAQ and can be viewed by clicking on the links (for easy reference, we've also listed the accreditation numbers below):

CYQ Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (QCF) 500/8269/3
CYQ Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training (QCF) 500/8259/0

Please note these qualifications are not available for immediate delivery. The full launch will be in September 2010; syllabuses will be released in April 2010 so you can begin planning, making delivery prior to September a possibility.

More news as and when it happens, but in the meantime we'd encourage you to book onto one of our QCF readiness training days on 11th March (Solihull) and 5th May (London).

NVQs in the QCF

2010-01-08T16:34:00.002Z

Happy New Year! 2010 is the year it all happens. I seem to have been saying to people for as long as I can remember that the NQF will cease to exist in 2010 and here we are! CYQ is working flat out on QCF preparation and we can now share some much anticipated news on NVQs.

We will have replacement NVQs in Level 2 Activity Leadership, Level 2 Operational Services and in Fitness at Levels 2 and 3. The standards for these will be made available to us in the early part of 2010, meaning that we should realistically be ready to offer them by about June. By September, we should also have Leisure Management ready.

All other QCF work moves on apace; our first QCF Readiness training day is on February 4th, where some of our new look qualifications will get their first airing. There are only a few places left, so if you would like to join us, click here to get booked on. Hope to see you there!

Nick

Confirmed: New QCF fitness instructing qualifications

2009-11-20T11:16:00.004Z

Hot on the heels of our QCF approval, we also have major news on the qualifications front. The units for the following qualifications have been confirmed:

• Level 2 Gym, Exercise to Music, Water-based Exercise and Children’s Fitness
• Level 3 Personal Trainer

Click here to download more detailed information about these new qualifications including GLH and credit values.

Recently, we have also held two review groups to start the process of creating the new syllabuses and resources that will support these new qualifications. Busy times - more news as we get it!

CYQ gain QCF approval

2009-11-20T11:08:00.003Z

Great news for CYQ – we have achieved 'supplementary recognition.' This means we are fully operational in the QCF. Until now we were able to operate within the QCF, but this was time limited and Ofqual (our regulator) required evidence to show that we were geared up for the QCF which we are! It's a significant step for any awarding body and very many are yet to get through so we're delighted.

Click this link to read the full story.

LSC release QCF funding facts

2009-10-09T12:57:00.009+01:00

Several interesting documents from the LSC dropped into our inboxes today. Both shed light on how funding will change for the QCF. One is a factsheet which provides a basic overview of LSC funding priorities in a post-NQF world; the other is an FAQs document which delves into those priorities and principles in considerably more detail. Click below to download the relevant document:

LSC QCF Funding Fact Sheet
LSC QCF Q&As

QCF forum presentations available to download now!

2009-10-07T14:32:00.003+01:00

A big thank to everyone who attended our Get Set for the QCF Forum at Leisure Industry Week. We hope that you found the event useful. For those of you who couldn’t make it, don't worry, you can still view and download the presentations, including the LSC's Principles of QCF Funding session by clicking here.

QCF readiness conferences for learning providers

If you still hanker after more QCF information, the Learning and Skills Improvement Service is holding two QCF readiness conferences for learning providers in Manchester on Monday 19 October and London on Wednesday 21 October. The events will provide information about the QCF readiness programme and the support available to proivders. Click here to find out more.

QCF funding session confirmed for our forum

2009-08-20T15:25:00.001+01:00

The countdown to our forum at LIW continues! We’ve just had confirmation that a representative from the LSC will be joining us to deliver a short session about the principles behind QCF funding. This is always a hot topic, so if you have any burning questions about funding for QCF qualifications make sure that you join us there. If you haven’t already done so, click here to sign up.

Level 1 accreditation edges closer

2009-07-22T09:46:00.007+01:00

We still await the ‘common units’ from SkillsActive that will form the basis of the key QCF qualifications for the fitness industry. These include: Level 2 Gym, Exercise to Music, Aqua, and Kids, and Level 3 Personal Trainer. As soon as we receive these, we will begin developing new syllabuses and resources.

In the meantime, we are well on our way to having the following new qualifications accredited:

Level 1 Awards and Certificate

There will be two Level 1 awards, one with a fitness theme and one with a lifestyle theme. Through combinations of units, learners will also be able to work towards an overall certificate. These qualifications really utilise the QCF’s potential:

They have choices or pathways embedded within the awards
They are a mixed economy of levels (known as a spiky profile) including entry Level 3 and Level 2 units
They use ‘shared’ units from other awarding bodies (never before seen in CYQ qualifications)

Level 2 awards in Circuits, Group Indoor Cycling, Studio Resistance Training and Step

These awards have been reworked and streamlined. I’m not giving too much away about these until they are safely accredited!

Don’t forget that we are having a QCF event at LIW on 23rd September. It would be great to see you there - it's filling up nicely, so click here to find out more and book your place!

Funding - CYQ talks to the LSC

2009-07-03T16:55:00.003+01:00

Welcome back!

Funding is a word that fills all of us with horror. It’s complicated and there never seem to be any clear answers. As an awarding body we do our best to help you with this, but it's not easy! On that note, I mentioned in my last blog entry that Lori and myself had attended a meeting with the LSC and I'd like to share our findings with you. I hope they are of use to you.

Click on the link below to view the file:

http://www.cyq.org.uk/funding-cyq-talks-to-the-lsc-june-2009.pdf

Theory paper update

2009-06-24T14:25:00.005+01:00

You should have recently received an E bulletin but I just wanted to reiterate a few points and I had some more to add, some of which is not QCF related!

A number of centres are still using the Certificate in PT Syllabus version 1.3. This was replaced in May last year with 1.4. There were no significant changes from 1.3. to 1.4 but some errors were corrected. Please ensure you are using the most up to date version. We will be adding version information to our website so you will always know which version you are on. As QCF quals will all be version 1.0 this should make life easier.

You no longer need to shred theory papers after each sitting, these can be securely stored and reallocated. You will need to shred once we issue new replacement papers. However, please note that there is no change to the process of allocation. You must still request theory papers as before and these will be allocated by our Customer Support Advisor.

On the subject of new theory papers, new Level 2 and 3 EFK papers are on their way soon. These are revised and improved based on your feedback. Level 2 will be a one section, 50 question paper to reflect our move towards e assessment and optimise learner achievement. We will still offer paper assessments but they will need to be comparable to the e assessment and vice versa.

Lori and myself have had a very constructive meeting with the LSC regarding funding. This helped us understand more fully the forthcoming priorities and how we can best align our QCF qualifications to these.

Our next tranche of submissions to the QCF will be all our level 2 awards: circuits, GIC, SRT etc. These will be revised, slightly shorter in GLH and with formative assessment models.

Last point! The National Occupational Standards have been revised and will be signed off any minute. This means we can begin the task of writing the new common unit qualifications starting with Gym, ETM, Aqua and Kids. Kids is not currently a common unit but will become one and also an entry route to REPs with the other disciplines.

Lots to be getting on with.

QCF blog kicks off!

2009-06-17T12:54:00.004+01:00

Hello,

Welcome to the CYQ blog. Very exciting to feel so ‘technological’ although I still don’t know what ‘Twitter’ is!

If you missed our email update about CYQ and the QCF visit www.cyq.org.uk/cyq-and-the-qcf.

QCF work is going really well. We have submitted a new qualification to SkillsActive and Ofqual this week. The Level 2 and 3 Awards in Employment Awareness in the Active Leisure Sector will replace the Level 2 and 3 Understanding the Fitness, Leisure and Recreation Industry. The Level 2 Award attracts 6 credits and the Level 3 Award 8 credits. The new qualification embraces the unitised nature of the QCF and one of the level 2 units forms part of both awards.

These will also be the Industry and Organisational Awareness technical certificates in forthcoming Apprenticeship Frameworks. More information confirming assessment specifications, resources and accreditation dates and numbers will follow.

That’s all for now, more to follow.