P-scale on-line training
1. This training is designed to be an introduction to P-scales and The Learning Machine initiative to provide certification so that learners can celebrate their achievements as they make progress through the P-scale levels.
P scales - the SAFE strategy
2. P scales describe the progress of leaners with special educational needs who are working towards level 1 of the UK National Curriculum (NC). Since Level 1 in the NC is broadly equivalent in difficulty to Entry Level 1 in the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), P scales can also be used to monitor basic educational progress needed to gain access to qualifications in the QCF. Since the QCF is referenced to the EQF (European Qualifications Framework) it is likely that P-scales can provide support for progression into any national framework that is referenced to the EQF
3. There are eight levels of P scales with P1 being the lowest and P8 being the highest. Pupils working above level P8 will be able to cope with work in the main national and European frameworks. Having had their progress formally recognised through P scale certification, they will have the confidence to make that transition.
4. In schools in England, the use of P scales is statutory for pupils with special educational needs who are working below level 1 of the national curriculum. This ensures that there is planned progression for all these learners and schools in England use P scales to record and report the achievements of those pupils in English, mathematics and science. There is no requirement to formally celebrate P scale learning through certification but there is good reason to do so. We know that people in mainstream education are motivated by qualifications and officially recognised certificates and so on the grounds of inclusion alone we should provide the same for learners with SEN.
5. In summary, the SAFE strategy is to provide formal recognition for learners with SEN by organising the P scale assessment criteria into logical units in the style of the QCF, providing unit certificates for learners that meet all the criteria in a particular unit.
6. Practical examples of the P scales in action.
7. The link provides access to a range of videos exemplifying children working across the range of the P scales and with teacher comments about approaches to learning and assessment.
