My pool doesn’t have a 20m stretch for the timed swims. How can I ensure this is completed correctly? Expand Following testing we have developed centre guidance around this area. The tests have been completed to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged at this part of the assessment. If your pool does not have a straight 20m length where the timed swim can be completed, you can apply a reasonable adjustment as follows: Accurately measure out and mark the distance of the swim. Ensure candidate(s) start from the side as per the guidance and syllabus. Brief candidate(s) to touch and push off the wall whilst completing the swim where pools are less than 20 metres long. Tumble turns are not permitted as part of this process. Below you will find an example of what a timed swim would look like in a 15-metre rectangular pool:
Who can carry out Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)? Expand As an ATC/ P Coordinator it is important that you appoint the right people in the right roles. The guidance currently says for NPLQ that the person completing this must have: Knowledge of the qualification that is being quality assured Knowledge and understanding of the course training and assessment procedure The ability to interpret awarding organisation policy and guidance and convey this accurately to all involved in the course training and assessment process Good organisational and administrative skills Good communication skills Good decision-making skills The rules around First Aid qualifications are a little different. When appointing someone to carry out an IQA of ANY first aid course they must hold a relevant current Regulated qualification First Aid at work or NPLQ and hold a relevant Internal Quality Assurance Qualification or have attended our 1 day CPD – Please see page 12 of the Approved Training Centre/ Provider Guidance Manual for an example list. We STRONGLY recommend that anyone completing an Internal Quality Assurance check on NPLQ has either a relevant IQA qualification or has attended our one-day CPD course.
What reasonable adjustments can I make as an ATC/P co-ordinator/ trainer? Expand As an ATC/P Co-ordinator and/or Trainer you can make the following adjustments without the need to come to us providing you are satisfied you have sufficient evidence: Extra time up to 25% Supervised rest breaks Change in the layout of assessment room Taking the assessment at an alternate venue Use of coloured overlays Assessment material on coloured paper Reader In all situations, you will need to fill in a reasonable adjustment application form that must be retained with the course/ assessment paperwork. Download an application form Access the full policy
A candidate has disclosed they have learning difficulties on their enrolment form. What should we do for them? Expand Speak with the individual candidate and refer to the Reasonable Adjustment Policy. There are a number of ways a learner can be supported through the course. These will be different for each individual. The learner may have evidence to support their claim they have received extra/alternative support in the past which will help you to adapt things (where necessary) during course delivery. Remember to be sensitive to the Candidate’s needs, they may not want to disclose they have special requirements with everyone on the course, invite them to come and tell you confidentially. During an assessment you can utilise the proof to make the correct reasonable adjustments. Please be aware that a reasonable adjustment application form should have been filled in and retained with course paperwork before any adjustments have been made. Some reasonable adjustments should be sent through to the Compliance team for review before being allowed. You can contact the compliance team here.
What should I do if the candidate does not have proof of a learning difficulty or support, they need in an assessment? Expand It is important you speak with the candidate first to see what their difficulties are and refer to the Reasonable Adjustment Policy. You could accept a letter from a candidate’s manager who has been working with them and understands their needs. Failing that you could create your own multiple-choice paper and give it to the candidate to see how they get on with it. Be aware that creating a multiple-choice paper on the subjects you are about to teach may not benefit you as the candidate would not have the knowledge to answer the questions. If all else fails you can use your professional judgment based on your observations or discussions with the Candidate or others that may know of the Candidate's difficulties. In any of these situations, a reasonable adjustment application form should be filled out and retained with the course paperwork.
Can a competency test be used as evidence of CPD hours? Expand A competency assessment is designed as a short test of someone’s skills to ensure they are competent, there is no training included and therefore does not constitute CPD.
I deliver ongoing training for my company but do not attend. Can these hours be counted towards my 20 hours of CPD needed for renewal? Expand Unfortunately not. CPD is all about the enhancement of personal skills and knowledge. This is gained through attending training rather than delivering it. For more information on what would be acceptable as evidence of CPD please view the “Certificate Duration and Re-qualification” section of the relevant Guidance and Syllabus.