HC Deb 11 November 2003 vol 413 cc224-5W
Linda Perham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to recognise and accredit within the reformed qualifications framework the informal learning and development achievements of employees of small businesses. [136612]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

There are nearly 4,000 qualifications currently accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) in to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Awarding bodies are currently able to accept evidence from diverse sources of learning and achievement in assessing individual candidates, irrespective of the size of organisation within which they might work. For learning that does not lead to qualifications, and following the commitment given in "21st Century Skills Realising Our Potential" to develop a credit framework for adults, we have written to both the QCA and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) on 9 September 2003. The LSC has been asked to review the credit systems currently operating outside the NQF and to identify how the application of credit to this provision might bring incremental award for learning achievement, drive quality and flexibility in further education and how such credit might be developed to provide progression into the NQF and higher education.

Linda Perham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps he is taking to respond to the needs of small businesses in his reform of the qualifications framework. [136613]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

The National Qualifications Framework is currently capable of responding to a variety of needs of employers and it already contains qualifications that are directly relevant to the needs of small businesses. I have, however, asked the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) to lead on joint work with the Learning and Skills Council and the Sector Skills Development Agency to develop a system of vocational qualifications which has the flexibility to meet individual and employer needs. The QCA will also continue with their work to develop a fully unitised qualifications system. This will provide a flexible framework of qualifications that will enable employers of all sizes to identify packages of learning appropriate to their needs. Units will be capable of certification and individuals will be able to build their achievements over time.