NKLP Letter to HODS / Directors introducing Functional Skills

NKLP Letter to HODS / Directors introducing Functional Skills
Dear Head / Director of DepartmentMy name is Paul Annear, I am the Lead Co-ordinator for the implementation of the Functional Skills pilot across the CPR schools.The ‘Gateway 2’ Consortia of Camborne, Pool & Redruth Schools, otherwise known as the North Kerrier Learning Partnership (NKLP) were successful in our bid to host Level 1, 2 & 3 Diplomas in Engineering, Business and ICT to start in the September 2009. As part of the Gateway process the NKLP has to start delivering Functional Skills in September 2008. Don’t panic! We have a year to get things in place. Initially you will need to nominate someone who will lead Functional Skills in your department. This does not necessarily have to be the HOD, but could provide a professional development opportunity for another teacher. It would be a good idea for each school to have working knowledge of ‘who is who’ in terms of Functional Skills Representatives.Having established staff as Representatives in each department for Functional Skills, we need to get staff trained! The South West training events are:24th June 2008 - Bristol4th July 2008 - Gloucester17th July 2008 - PlymouthThe contact number for booking is 0845 071 0800, but you can only book with a representatives name. I would advise you to book this as early as possible. This training day offers the national perspectives and framework for Functional Skills generally. However, most examination awarding bodies are offering specific training events for Functional Skills geared towards their own specifications for assessment. You are advised to send your Functional Skills Representatives to these training days also. There are meetings and further training sessions being planned by myself and the LA, and you will be contacted about these as they are scheduled.We are currently working on a NKLP website which will include the latest information available to HODs and Representatives, but this site will also be aimed at sharing resources, information and good-practice. This will be available by the end of June 2008.At present the model for delivery of Functional Skills is still being formulated and agreed. Also, other training events, LA Advisors roles, meetings, etc, are still being scheduled and planning is ongoing. May I assure you that I will inform you of any latest developments as they unfold. In the meantime please feel free to contact me and I will help sort any issues as best I can.Thanks for your time.