Standards, guidance and policy

In this section you will find links to the key skills standards and guidance and other useful materials from QCA, DfES, ALI and others.

 Standards
Links to the QCA website for a range of documents related to the 2004 edition of the key skills standards

 Index of all key skills standards
This link will take to to QCA's index page for all key skills and all levels

Key skills download index
A matrix of downloadable files for all key skills will open in a new window

 Application of Number
These links will open a PDF version of the AoN standard in a new window for you to save to disc.

AoN level 1

AoN level 2

AoN Level 3

AoN Level 4

 ICT
These links will open a PDF version of the ICT standard in a new window for you to save to disc.

ICT Level 1

ICT Level 2

ICT Level 3

ICT Level 4

 Communication
These links will open a PDF version of the Communication standard in a new window for you to save to disc.

Communication Level 1

Communication Level 2

Communication Level 3

Communication Level 4

 Working with others
These links will open a PDF version of the WWO standard in a new window for you to save to disc.

Working with others Level 1

Working with others Level 2

Working with others Level 3

Working with others Level 4

 Improving own learning and performance
These links will open a PDF version of the IOLP standard in a new window for you to save to disc.

Improving own learning and performance Level 1

Improving own learning and performance Level 2

Improving own learning and performance Level 3

Improving own learning and performance Level 4

 Problem solving
These links will open a PDF version of the PS standard in a new window for you to save to disc.

Problem solving Level 1

Problem solving Level 2

Problem solving Level 3

Problem solving Level 4

 Guidance
Links to guidance and advice on good practice in the delivery and assessment of key skills in work based training

 DfES Guidance
Links and downloads on DfES guidance sites and publications

Functional Skills - your questions answered
A first information booklet from DfES, published in October 2006, which introduces the functional skills and seeks to answer initial questions on the topic.

Click the link above to download the booklet or visit the DfES 14 - 19 Gateway website.

Specialised Diplomas - your questions answered
Click the link above to download DfES's information booklet about Specialised Diplomas.  You can also visit the DfES website Specialised Diploma Gateway.

 QCA guidance publications
Links to guidance on the 2004 edition of key skills

Key skills policy and practice - your questions answered
2005 edition of the guidance booklet giving policy and practice advice form QCA, ALI and DfES

QCA key skills index page
Links to the latest news and publications on key skills

The key skills qualifications, standards and guidance
For levels 1 - 4 of communication, appliation of number and ICT

The key skills qualifications, standards and guidance (for the wider key skills)
For levels 1 - 4 of working with others, improving own learning and performance and problem solving

 ALI guidance
Links to the ALI website

Excalibur
Link the the ALI website's good practice database

 Policy
Links to key skill policy documents

 DfES reports

14 - 19 Implementation plan

 DfES white papers

FE reform: raising skills, improving chances

Skills: Getting on in business, getting on at work

 DfES web sites
Useful DfES sites specific to training and education

Skills Strategy
This site provides key information on the national skills agenda and aims to give partners, employers, providers, employees and learners the information they need to get on in business and get on at work.