We’ve worked with members of the SSSC Awarding Body Forum, Scottish Network Internal Verifiers, external verifiers and some stakeholders to update the guidance and make sure it supports SVQ assessment centres.
As the Sector Skills Council and social service workforce regulator we recognise the challenges COVID-19 presents to services and the impact on workers gaining benchmark qualifications.
Flexibility
Flexible approaches to observation and assessment are needed due to restrictions on workplaces and people moving around. This will help ease some of the anxiety around completion of qualifications. The SVQ assessment methodology or the assessment strategy has not changed.
The updated guidance focuses on achievement of SVQs wherever possible and practicable, while maintaining the quality and integrity of qualifications. It is not intended to replace assessor and internal verifier judgement and employer contributions.
Guidance documents
We’ve produced three guidance documents to support SVQ assessment centres.
- Supplementary guidance for SVQ assessment centres to support candidates impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Guide to using video conferencing and video recordings for SVQ assessment
- SVQ assessment examples
Each is available as a pdf document to download.
The guidance also applies to other qualifications where SVQs feature, including HNC and foundation apprenticeships.
SQA has developed separate guidance on completion of the HNC in Social Services and HNC Childhood Practice in partnership with the SSSC. Read the HNC Social Services and HNC Childhood Practice – COVID-19 guidance on the SQA website here.