COVID 19 CONTINGENCIES UPDATES – Updated 29 April 2021

As you will be aware, as a result of some exams and assessments being cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic situation in 2021, the government has now announced the policy and scope of awarding vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) in 2021, and Ofqual has published the outcome of its technical consultation on this.

Ofqual has now published the VTQ Contingency Regulatory Framework (VCRF) for Awarding Organisations (AOs) offering VTQs, and these regulatory arrangements will enable AOs to be sufficiently flexible to support as many learners as possible to achieve qualifications, whilst still retaining the integrity of those qualifications.

We have also published our {click here} LASER Guidance for Centres: Awarding Ofqual Regulated Qualifications in 2021 which must be read by all relevant centre staff. This document includes a list of all LASER qualifications and the category in which each qualification sits which then determines how each will be assessed.

The infographic from Ofqual illustrates the following three categories of qualifications under the VCRF:

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OFQUAL INFOGRAPHIC

Category A (right hand side, yellow)

VTQs used to demonstrate occupational or professional competency or proficiency or to gain a licence to practise. Assessments for these qualifications should continue wherever this is possible, subject to PHE guidance, and adaptations may be allowed for some but not all. If assessments cannot take place, then they need to be delayed. Teacher assessed grades (TAGs) cannot play a part in awarding these qualifications. Some LASER qualifications sit in this category.

Category B1 (left hand side, turquoise)

VTQs most like GCSEs, AS and A levels. These qualifications will be assessed by teacher assessed grades (TAGs). LASER has no qualifications in this category.

Category B2 (middle, purple)

VTQs which do not share the characteristics of GCSEs, AS and A levels (eg do not have fixed exam series/dates, do not have results days, and can be assessed at any time and on an ongoing basis throughout the course). Assessment should go ahead wherever possible and in line with PHE guidance, and can be adapted where necessary to take account of issues associated with the pandemic. Teacher assessed grades (TAGs) may play a part in awarding these qualifications but only if assessment cannot take place, or alternatively assessments may need to be delayed. Most LASER qualifications sit in this category.

All our centre contacts have been provided with spreadsheets of current courses with learners registered with us, and we have also provided all centre contacts with our guidance document (see link above) which includes a list of all LASER qualifications and the category in which each sits.

Please contact us on quality@laser-awards.org.uk if you have any questions or concerns.

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Welcome to Laser Learning Awards

Laser Learning Awards (LASER) is an international awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual to offer qualifications, and is approved by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to offer licence-linked qualifications in the security sector under the brand name Trident Awards. LASER is also a QAA regulated Access Validating Agency for Access to Higher Education qualifications. In addition, we provide a wide range of education and training related support and services which can be tailored to meet your individual needs.

To find out more, please choose from one of these main areas of our website.