Focus Awards Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance (RQF) Direct Learning Support

Qualification Purpose:

The Focus Awards Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance (RQF) is aimed at experienced practitioners who work directly with clients. The qualification looks at developing the practical skills of learners working in all advice and guidance settings.

Learners will acquire and consolidate their knowledge and skills in communication and interactions to support clients in preparing and completing their chosen actions; the knowledge required to work with procedural and legislative frameworks; mediation, advocacy, representation and formal proceedings; working with other services through liaison, negotiation and referral ; reviewing own development; understanding and promoting careers education guidance within organisations and enabling clients learning through group work. This qualification recognises the skills and competences of candidates in the workplace.

Age Ranges:

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners should be aged 16 to undertake this qualification.

Geographical Coverage:

This qualification is available in England and Northern Ireland.

Learner Entry Requirements:

Learners should be competent in literacy and numeracy to help with elements of communication. This is at the discretion of the centre as they may decide to use diagnostic testing methods to ascertain how they can support learners.

Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations:

Please refer to the Focus Awards ‘Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy’. A copy is available for download from the Focus Awards website at the following url: https://www.focusawards.org.uk/wp– content/uploads/2016/08/Reasonable-Adjustments.pdf

Assessment Methods:

This qualification is Internally Assessed. Each learner must create a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates achievement of all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria associated with each unit.

The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include some or all of the following:

• Assessor observation
• Witness testimony
• Learner product
• Worksheets
• Assignments/projects/reports
• Record of oral and written questioning
• Learner and peer reports
• Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Progression Routes:

Learners attaining a Focus Awards Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance (RQF) may progress into specialist areas such as careers guidance, community development, counselling, financial advice or teaching, or may undertake the following qualifications:

• Diploma in Careers Guidance
• PTLLS
• CTLLS

Supporting Material and Useful Websites:

• https://focusawards.org.uk/supportingmaterials

• https://ofqual.gov.uk