FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here you will find answers to some of the questions we are most frequently asked about training with Wessex Training & Assessment Ltd. If you cannot find the information you need, please contact us – we will be happy to help.
What type of training does Wessex Training & Assessment deliver?
Wessex specialises in work-based training and qualifications within the Early Years sector.
Our learners may be completing an apprenticeship, a funded or self-funded qualification, or English and maths alongside their programme.
Depending on the qualification and funding arrangements, learners will usually be employed within an appropriate Early Years setting. For some qualifications, it may be possible to complete the required practical experience through a suitable voluntary placement.
How does training with Wessex work?
Every learner is allocated their own assessor, who provides individual one-to-one training, assessment, guidance and support throughout their programme.
Training is flexible and work-based. It may include workplace observations, professional discussions, tutorials, written or practical activities, research, online learning and reflective practice.
Your assessor will work with you and, where appropriate, your employer to help you develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for your programme.
Which awarding organisations does Wessex work with?
Wessex Training & Assessment Ltd is an approved centre working with City & Guilds and NCFE.
The awarding organisation will depend on the qualification or programme you are completing.
What is the Initial Assessment and why do I need to complete it?
Before starting a programme with Wessex, you may be asked to complete an Initial Assessment.
The Initial Assessment helps us understand your existing knowledge, skills and experience and identify the most appropriate programme and level for you. It also gives you an opportunity to experience the type of learning and written work that may be involved before making a commitment.
We may also discuss previous qualifications, experience, learning needs, English and maths and any additional support you may require.
Our aim is to make sure that the programme is appropriate for you and that you have the support you need to succeed.
What if I am struggling with my Initial Assessment?
Please don’t worry – the Initial Assessment is designed to help us identify where you may need support.
If you are unsure about any of the tasks or need some guidance, please contact us. We are happy to help and would much rather you ask if you are unsure.
How long do I have to complete my Initial Assessment?
We normally ask learners to complete and return their Initial Assessment within three weeks.
We understand that everyone has different commitments and circumstances, so please contact us if you need additional time.
The important thing is to keep in touch with us and ask for help if you need it.
What happens after I have completed my Initial Assessment?
Your Initial Assessment will be reviewed and you will receive feedback.
If the programme is suitable and you would like to continue, we will discuss the available funding options and any further eligibility requirements or paperwork.
Once the necessary arrangements and funding are confirmed, we will arrange your enrolment and get you started on your programme.
What funding can Wessex access?Depending on the programme and individual eligibility, funding options may include:
Funding and eligibility rules vary, so we will discuss the options available to you before you enrol.
Please visit our Funding page for further information.
Will I ever need to contribute towards the cost of my training?
This will depend on the qualification, funding route and individual circumstances.
Some funding schemes may cover the full cost of training, while others may provide part-funding or require an employer or learner contribution. Privately funded training is also available.
We will always explain the full cost, the funding available and any contribution that may be required before you commit to the programme.
Where a learner contribution is required, payment by instalments may be available.
Why might I be asked for my English and maths certificates?
We may ask to see your existing English and maths qualifications as part of the enrolment and initial assessment process.
Requirements vary according to the programme, apprenticeship, qualification, age and funding arrangements. Providing evidence of qualifications you have already achieved helps us establish your starting point and determine whether any further English or maths learning is required.
If your certificates are in a previous name, we may also need evidence of your change of name.
If you cannot locate your certificates, please speak to us and we will advise you on the options available.
What happens when I complete my qualification?
When you have completed all of the required assessment, your assessor will confirm that your portfolio is ready for completion.
Your work will be subject to Wessex’s Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) processes. The IQA helps ensure that assessment decisions are fair, valid, consistent and meet the requirements of the awarding organisation.
Once all completion and quality assurance requirements have been met, your achievement will be processed in accordance with the requirements of your qualification or apprenticeship.
For apprenticeships, there may also be further assessment requirements that must be successfully completed before the apprenticeship is fully achieved.
What is External Quality Assurance?
Wessex is subject to external quality assurance and monitoring by the awarding organisations and other organisations responsible for the programmes we deliver.
External quality assurance helps ensure that qualifications are being delivered and assessed consistently and in accordance with the required standards.
As part of this process, samples of learners’ work and assessment records may be selected for review.
How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?
We want learners and employers to feel comfortable raising any concerns with us.
If you have a concern or would like to make a complaint, please contact Wessex Training & Assessment Ltd and ask to speak to Andrea Serlin, CEO.
Telephone: 07708 247603
Email: [email protected]
We will take your concerns seriously and deal with them in accordance with our Complaints Policy.
Please see our Complaints Policy for full information about our complaints procedure.
Our learners may be completing an apprenticeship, a funded or self-funded qualification, or English and maths alongside their programme.
Depending on the qualification and funding arrangements, learners will usually be employed within an appropriate Early Years setting. For some qualifications, it may be possible to complete the required practical experience through a suitable voluntary placement.
How does training with Wessex work?
Every learner is allocated their own assessor, who provides individual one-to-one training, assessment, guidance and support throughout their programme.
Training is flexible and work-based. It may include workplace observations, professional discussions, tutorials, written or practical activities, research, online learning and reflective practice.
Your assessor will work with you and, where appropriate, your employer to help you develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for your programme.
Which awarding organisations does Wessex work with?
Wessex Training & Assessment Ltd is an approved centre working with City & Guilds and NCFE.
The awarding organisation will depend on the qualification or programme you are completing.
What is the Initial Assessment and why do I need to complete it?
Before starting a programme with Wessex, you may be asked to complete an Initial Assessment.
The Initial Assessment helps us understand your existing knowledge, skills and experience and identify the most appropriate programme and level for you. It also gives you an opportunity to experience the type of learning and written work that may be involved before making a commitment.
We may also discuss previous qualifications, experience, learning needs, English and maths and any additional support you may require.
Our aim is to make sure that the programme is appropriate for you and that you have the support you need to succeed.
What if I am struggling with my Initial Assessment?
Please don’t worry – the Initial Assessment is designed to help us identify where you may need support.
If you are unsure about any of the tasks or need some guidance, please contact us. We are happy to help and would much rather you ask if you are unsure.
How long do I have to complete my Initial Assessment?
We normally ask learners to complete and return their Initial Assessment within three weeks.
We understand that everyone has different commitments and circumstances, so please contact us if you need additional time.
The important thing is to keep in touch with us and ask for help if you need it.
What happens after I have completed my Initial Assessment?
Your Initial Assessment will be reviewed and you will receive feedback.
If the programme is suitable and you would like to continue, we will discuss the available funding options and any further eligibility requirements or paperwork.
Once the necessary arrangements and funding are confirmed, we will arrange your enrolment and get you started on your programme.
What funding can Wessex access?Depending on the programme and individual eligibility, funding options may include:
- Government apprenticeship funding
- Dorset Early Years and Childcare qualification funding
- Advanced Learner Loans
Funding and eligibility rules vary, so we will discuss the options available to you before you enrol.
Please visit our Funding page for further information.
Will I ever need to contribute towards the cost of my training?
This will depend on the qualification, funding route and individual circumstances.
Some funding schemes may cover the full cost of training, while others may provide part-funding or require an employer or learner contribution. Privately funded training is also available.
We will always explain the full cost, the funding available and any contribution that may be required before you commit to the programme.
Where a learner contribution is required, payment by instalments may be available.
Why might I be asked for my English and maths certificates?
We may ask to see your existing English and maths qualifications as part of the enrolment and initial assessment process.
Requirements vary according to the programme, apprenticeship, qualification, age and funding arrangements. Providing evidence of qualifications you have already achieved helps us establish your starting point and determine whether any further English or maths learning is required.
If your certificates are in a previous name, we may also need evidence of your change of name.
If you cannot locate your certificates, please speak to us and we will advise you on the options available.
What happens when I complete my qualification?
When you have completed all of the required assessment, your assessor will confirm that your portfolio is ready for completion.
Your work will be subject to Wessex’s Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) processes. The IQA helps ensure that assessment decisions are fair, valid, consistent and meet the requirements of the awarding organisation.
Once all completion and quality assurance requirements have been met, your achievement will be processed in accordance with the requirements of your qualification or apprenticeship.
For apprenticeships, there may also be further assessment requirements that must be successfully completed before the apprenticeship is fully achieved.
What is External Quality Assurance?
Wessex is subject to external quality assurance and monitoring by the awarding organisations and other organisations responsible for the programmes we deliver.
External quality assurance helps ensure that qualifications are being delivered and assessed consistently and in accordance with the required standards.
As part of this process, samples of learners’ work and assessment records may be selected for review.
How do I raise a concern or make a complaint?
We want learners and employers to feel comfortable raising any concerns with us.
If you have a concern or would like to make a complaint, please contact Wessex Training & Assessment Ltd and ask to speak to Andrea Serlin, CEO.
Telephone: 07708 247603
Email: [email protected]
We will take your concerns seriously and deal with them in accordance with our Complaints Policy.
Please see our Complaints Policy for full information about our complaints procedure.