Embedding SfL in Social Care LESSONS FROM THE STARCARE PROJECT DAVID YOUNG LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER SOUTHWARK HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE

WHAT IS ‘STARCARE’? Commenced in 2002 (currently preparing for 4 th phase Providing NVQ Levels 2/3/4 to Southwark care workers (P&V & Statutory) Funded from European Social Fund, TSIF & National Training Strategy Grant Multi-agency partnership (employees from over 20 organisations, 3 NVQ providers)

Achievements to Date Winner: LSC Central LSC 2004 Championing Equality & Diversity Over 400 successful candidates Completion within 7 months on average Pass rate averaging 86% (national average < 50%) Written testimonials from candidates

Initial Starcare Components 1 Initial Diagnostic Element - Originally written submission - Cambridge diagnostics added (literacy, numeracy & ESOL) - For most recent phase, numeracy replaced by skillsort Candidates ‘streamed’ into fast track, moderate & those with significant SfL needs

Initial Starcare Components 1 Compulsory workshop attendance in addition to on job assessment (on average 6) 1:1 support for candidates Learning sets for peer support Some supplemental training – IT, some SfL

What issues did we find? Underestimated level of ESOL need – and needs more basic (around 5% referred to ESOL but many more would have benefited) Success limited in bringing recognised ESOL providers into the workshops High levels of concern regarding diagnostic testing A dilemma – high achievement rates but not all SfL needs met

Changes for Starcare 4 Qualitative not quantitative Re-directing funds to SfL with help of other funding streams e.g. Train to Gain Getting employer buy-in to extra support Widening partnership to include recognised deliverers of SfL - but….. Keeping it wrapped around NVQ progression