Introducing: your new Maths & English functional skills learning journey

The Childcare Company understands that completing functional skills maths and English as part of your apprenticeship can seem like a daunting task to begin with; not to mention time consuming.

That’s why we’re excited to share a new, improved functional skills learning platform designed to help you get your Maths and/or English qualifications done quicker and easier than ever before.

Our new partnership with Pass Functional Skills (PASS) will give you access to functional skills online learning and a clear learning programme and high-quality resources to help you achieve your goals.

What are Functional Skills?

Apprenticeship Maths and English requirements depend on your age, your role, and your learning programme. If you’re aged 16 to 18, and don’t yet have the required English and Maths qualifications (GCSE grades C or above), you’ll work towards there as part of your apprenticeship. This ensures you build the essential skills needed to thrive in your career.

For learners aged 19 and over, English and Maths training can also be included in your programme if needed. This will be agreed as part of your personalised learning plan, giving you the right support to grow in confidence and capability.

At The Childcare Company, we’re here to support every learner to succeed, no matter where you’re starting from.

Getting started early

From your very first week on programme, you’ll begin your Maths and English journey, building strong foundations early on.

Depending on your starting level and individual needs, your Functional Skills learning will take place over 12 to 24 weeks. We’ll help to determine your starting point, and place you on the right pathway, ensuring you receive the level of support you need.

Learning With PASS: Your Personalised Pathway

You’ll be completing your Functional Skills learning through the Pass Functional Skills (PASS) online platform.

Here’s what you’ll get with your premium account:

• A personalised learning plan based on your starting point
• Short, engaging video lessons
• Step-by-step explanations
• Practice questions that give you instant feedback
• Full functional skills mock exams with detailed feedback
• Exam-ready checklists

You will upload your evidence of learning to Aptem, to ensure your course progress remains on track.

Already started your apprenticeship?

Don’t worry! Any progress you have already made with your functional skills will be recognised when you complete your PASS initial assessments, and receive your personal learning plan.

The Childcare Company provides support throughout

Even though much of your Functional Skills is self-directed, you will always have support available.

For example:

• Your Development Coach will review your PASS progress, provide guidance, help you set realistic goals, and support you to prepare for your final assessments.
• Our specialists Maths and English Leads support your Development Coach with expert guidance, provide additional resources if needed, and run optional topic specific group workshops on MS Teams.

If you have additional learning needs, our ASPIRE Team is here to help make your learning experience accessible, inclusive, and positive.

Recommended learning time each week

To get the most out of your Functional Skills, we recommend at least 4 hours per week of Maths and/or English learning through PASS. This will depend on how many items are in your individual learning plan.

Maths and English beyond Functional Skills

Gaining an extra qualification isn’t the only benefit! You’ll learn valuable knowledges that will support you in your apprenticeship and career progression. This includes skills such as:

• Planning and writing assignments, reports and emails.
• Understanding detailed documents
• Participating confidently in discussions
• Analysing information or data related to your role
• Carrying out numeracy-based job-specific tasks

Your Development Coach will help you apply your learning to your real-world work responsibilities so you can grow in confidence and capability.

What you can do to stay on track

Here are some simple habits to help you succeed when completing a Functional Skills qualification as part of your apprenticeship:

• Create a revision timetable – little and often works best! PASS works well on mobile devices too
• Log into PASS each week and complete your recommended modules
• Upload your results into Aptem and speak to your coach if you’re unsure about anything
• Celebrate your progress!

This new approach and partnership are all designed to make your functional skills apprenticeship journey as easy and hassle-free as possible.