Foundation Learning and E2E

There are different types of Foundation Learning Course and you will need to check out specific courses are offered in your schol or area. All FL courses are at entry level or level 1 and could be BTEC courses, NCFE, NVQ, ASDAN or other types of course. The search facility on Routes should help you identify the different courses.

As mentioned before there will be FL courses i your area, though these may be different to FL courses offered in another area. More and more FL courses will become available between now and 2013 so keep your eye on Routes to see how the number of courses grows.

Foundation Learning (FL) enables learners to choose what they want to study and how they want to study it. FL courses are all at entry level or level 1 and can build your confidence by helping you to gain lots of smaller qualifications rather than taking on more that you can manage. FL also provides the grounding to move up to level 2 qualifications. Once FL courses are introduced everywhere there should be courses available that suit the different needs of all learners.

Because Foundation Learning is a personalised programme there is not one type of FL learner. Young people who are suitable for FL programmes may have had difficulties learning in the past, they may have special needs or health issues, they may lack confidence in themselves or they may be going through personal problems at home. In many cases you will probably need to talk to someone about whether FL is the right programme for you.

Foundation Learning involves following a planned learning route that can help you to progress onto higher levels of learning such as GCSEs, 14-19 Diplomas or an Apprenticeship. By being personalised it will help you address particular issues you may have with learning and provide the support you need to overcome these.

Many people combine different courses together and there's no reason why you couldn?t combine FL courses with qualifications from a different route. Again, check out what suits you best and also what is available. It's always a good idea to start with what you would really like to do and what might lead you into the kinds of jobs you want to do, but it is also good to be flexible and be ready with a back up plan if you can't combine your first choice courses.

E2E programmes are made to suit individual learners? needs. Usually the programme will involve developing the skills needed at work, basic reading, writing and number work if needed, key skills like working as part of a team and finding and applying for jobs. Learners will also get the opportunity to try out different types of work to see which is right for them sometimes this is through work placements with employers.

E2E aims to build up your confidence and skills. You will have the opportunity to experience work, and develop the kind of skills and attitudes that will make you employable. It will also prepare you to start a level 2 course.

E2E courses are available in every area so there will be a programme near you. You will need to complete an E2E referral form with your Connexions Personal Adviser before starting an E2E course. This can be done at school or at your local Connexions Centre.

This depends on which provider you go with and the type of course you follow. Some E2E programmes lead to an NVQ Level 1 qualification but you may also get the chance to get other certificates for example in IT or First Aid or Basic Skills.

You can start E2E if you are not employed, have left school, are under the age of 19 and have not achieved an NVQ level 2. You should also not be at school, college or in training. If you have learning difficulties or disabilities and are between 19-24 you could also still start E2E but your should contact Connexions for more advice.

There is no fixed length of time for an E2E programme to last. You stay as long as you need to. However, the average programme lasts about 22 weeks. At some point too another programme may be better for you than E2E and you can then transfer to this.

Yes. You will receive ?30 a week in EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) and you will also be paid any travel expenses.

If you feel you need more information about whether E2E is right for you, speak to your Connexions PA or call in at your local Connexions Centre where they will talk through your options with you.