TSIF 2009/2010 (Training Strategy Implementation Fund)

Care Learning distributed, in June 2009, the current TSIF information and application forms to all care providers in Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (funding through Care Learning is only available in these areas)

Important Notice 16th December 2009: We have now used our unit allocation due to the high demand for units of TSIF 09-10 (Training Strategy Implementation Fund) this year. We have requested additional units from Skills for Care, but it is unlikely that there will be more available. You may submit applications which we will hold and submit if permitted by Skills for Care.

Please check this page on a regular basis for news and updates on funding, you can also sign up to our mailing list to ensure you receive updates from Care Learning by contacting Philip on 0117 973 3695 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Note - your NMDS-SC must be fully updated otherwise any TSIF application will be rejected.

Care Learning wrote to all care providers in the West of England on the 27th November 209 regarding important changes to ESOL, First Aid, Food Hygiene and Moving & Handling.  If you have not received this letter then it can be found below under "attachments" at the bottom of this page.

Frequently Asked Questions (subject to availability of funding)

What units/courses are funded?

Skills for Care will be funding the following for TSIF 2009/2010:

• NVQ in Health and Social Care Level 2, 3, 4, RMA, A1 and V1 awards
  
• Leadership and Management Award in Care Services
• *NEW* First Aid, Food Hygiene and Moving and Handling (learning programme must be validated by an external body/recognised body) - i.e CIEH, HSE approved, St Johns Ambulance
• Common Induction Standards (First 12 Weeks CIS covering 6 principles)
• Learning Disability Qualification as Induction (LDQ)
• *NEW* Manager Induction Standards
• English for Speakers of Other Languages for Work (ESOL for Work) (validated by an external body)

How much will I be paid?

All units are funded at £65 per unit, this is a contribution to the cost of individuals in your organisation achieving relevant units.

Applications usually take around 1-2 months to be processed if they are successful.

Can I claim for Train to Gain funded or Free Courses?

No, you cannot claim for NVQs or courses that have been pre-funded through Train to Gain or other funding sources and you cannot claim for any FREE courses for  First Aid, Food Hygiene, Moving & Handling and ESOL.

Can I claim for In-House training?

Yes we provide funding for units achieved in-house, this is subject to the evidence provided and course delivered.  If you have any further questions on in-house funded units then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695.

Can I claim for units achieved before the 1st January 2009?

No, we can only fund units that are dated after the 1st January 2009.  All NVQ units MUST be signed and dated by the assessor and internal verifier after the 1st January 2009.

What is the deadline for submission of applications/units?

The deadline for submitting applications is the 5th March 2010.  Funding is given on a first come-first served basis and is subject to availability.  Applications can be submitted throughout the year, we recommend submitting batches as the units are completed.

What is the NMDS-SC (National Minimum Data Set for Social Care)?

The NMDS-SC gathers information about the social care sector. It has been designed to gather information about services and information about the social care workforce.  You must update your NMDS-SC online, it is a requirement to update your record after the 1st April 2009, please ensure you have your user name and password stored safely.  If you have not registered already then you can visit www.nmds-sc-online.org.uk - If you have lost your user name and password then please contact the NMDS-SC help desk on 0845 873 0129.  Optionally, start inputting your worker information on the NMDS-SC, should you require any assistance with this then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695 - Care Learning has also created a Staff Questionnaire to help collect the worker information for the NMDS-SC, this can be found on the NMDS-SC page.

What evidence is required to claim for Food Hygiene, Moving & Handling and First Aid?

The following evidence is required:

• A valid learner certificate
  
• Evidence that shows the course is validated by an awarding or official recognising body. This should be in the form of documentation issued from the awarding or official recognising body to the training provider stating that they are approved to deliver that particular course (if not clearly demonstrated on the Learner Certificate)
• Skills for Care evidence form (see attachments below)

What evidence is required to claim for NVQ units?

The evidence can be obtained from your training provider/college once units have been completed and signed off.  They maybe titled the following depending on the training provider and awarding body:

The sheet MUST contain the Candidate Name, Unit Number (i.e. CL1, HSC31), Assessor and Internal Verifier Signature and Date (after 1st January 2009).

Unit Summary Sheet
Unit Assessment and verification declaration
Knowledge Evidence Record
NVQ Unit Assignment Review Sheet
Candidate Statement and Summative Assessment Report

If you do not send the correct signed and dated evidence your claim cannot be processed and will be returned.

Certificates for NVQs cannot be accepted.

If you are unsure or have problems obtaining this evidence from your training provider please call Philip on 0117 973 3695.

Quick guides (subject to availability of funding)

Applying for NVQ funding

• Complete or update the NMDS-SC (National Minimum Data Set for Social Care) - If you have completed this previously but do not know your user name or password then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695.  If you have never completed the NMDS-SC then visit www.nmds-sc-online.org.uk and click "Create an Account" then follow the steps, you will then be given an NMDS-SC identifier number.
  
• Gather your unit summary sheets as evidence (see examples below).  They can be obtained from your training provider once the units have been signed off or sometimes in the candidates portfolio.  If you have trouble obtaining these then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695 as we have contact with some training providers and can provide help in obtaining these.
• Complete the TSIF application form and return this to Care Learning with your unit summary sheets (evidence of completion).

Applying for Induction, LDQ and Manager Induction funding

• Complete or update the NMDS-SC (National Minimum Data Set for Social Care) - If you have completed this previously but do not know your user name or password then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695.  If you have never completed the NMDS-SC then visit www.nmds-sc-online.org.uk and click "Create an Account" then follow the steps, you will then be given an NMDS-SC identifier number.
• Once the induction has been completed you need to complete the relevant evidence form (see attachments below)
• Complete the TSIF application form and return this to Care Learning with your evidence form.

Applying for First Aid and Food Hygiene

• Complete or update the NMDS-SC (National Minimum Data Set for Social Care) - If you have completed this previously but do not know your user name or password then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695.  If you have never completed the NMDS-SC then visit www.nmds-sc-online.org.uk and click "Create an Account" then follow the steps, you will then be given an NMDS-SC identifier number.
• Complete the evidence form (see attachments below) and photocopy the cerificate issued (check that the learning programme has been validated by an awarding body with your training provider i.e. CIEH, St John's Ambulance, HSE).  Please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695 for further guidance on this or if you have certificates which you are unsure about.
  
• Complete the TSIF application form and return this to Care Learning with your evidence form and photocopy of the certificate.

If you require any help completing the TSIF application form, gathering the evidence or updating/completing the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care then please contact Philip on 0117 973 3695 as we will provide you with the support needed to enable you to claim for this funding.