When the two of the most heavyweight quality bodies for apprenticeships ask for the same thing, you can be pretty sure it's a big deal.
Both Ofsted and the DfE say that recognising prior learning (RPL) is a crucial part of apprenticeships.
Ofsted wants providers, and subsequently tutors, to recognise prior learning so that teams can personalize the curriculum and track individual learners' progress.
And the DfE wants providers to recognise prior learning against the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) within each standard, so they can tailor course content and duration, avoid repeat learning, and adjust apprenticeship funding claims.
The guidelines around RPL can be open to interpretation, but here are our top tips on how to get ahead:
Apprentices often have relevant prior learning in the field of their apprenticeship - but everyone follows a different path. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) gives providers the opportunity to find each apprentice's starting point, so they know exactly what training each apprentice will need.
Prior learning is any education or experience an apprentice has which matches the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) in the standard. This could be work experience, prior education, training or qualifications, and any previous apprenticeships.
Training providers are responsible for assessing prior learning in initial assessments before apprenticeships start. Once the RPL has been completed, providers will be able to form a view on apprentices' suitability for the course, potential ways in which the curriculum will need to be personalised, and how best to adjust apprenticeship funding.
A good place to start is with the KSBs in the standard. Providers should talk to apprentices and employers to find out which KSBs have been achieved to date. Make sure these are documented - by providing evidence in the evidence pack and commitment statement.
Once you have evidenced and recorded RPL, you'll need to adjust your curriculum and funding application. It's important to get this process right, because the DfE will check how RPL has been recorded and used in their audit - and you don't want to stand out for the wrong reasons.
To maximise value, the government has specific rules on how apprenticeship funding must be used. It says that: 'Prior learning must be factored into the price that is negotiated between the provider and the employer: apprenticeship funding must not be used to pay for, or certify, the delivery of existing knowledge, skills and behaviours, as this represents poor value for money.'
This means that apprenticeship funding should be adjusted up if stakeholders are ambitious - for example, want to stretch and challenge the apprentice, achieve a distinction, or include additional off-the-job training. But the cost should be negotiated down if apprentices have already completed relevant prior learning and training.
With Onefile's RPL Funding Calculator, you can recognise prior learning remotely, adjust funding claims according to RPL, and check the viability of applicants online. It's cost-effective, convenient and compliant. You'll have auditable evidence of each applicant's RPL and clear, audit-ready reports to show Ofsted and the DfE how you've adjusted your funding claims according to prior learning.
To find out how you can use the RPL Funding Calculator in your centre, download your free guide.