However, it seems that a full Access Certificate may not be a requirement for entry to the Foundation Degree. If this is the case, funding arrangements for Access will need urgent amendment to enable individual programmes leading to credit less than the full Certificate to be funded. This is currently not possible and would therefore make it difficult for FE colleges to fund appropriate preparation for entry on to the Foundation Degree. These are particularly attractive to adult students whose experience and levels of knowledge prepare them well to sustain concurrent study at different levels. Parity of esteem should not only be sought in relation to academic value but must also be established in relation to professional qualifications.
Professional bodies are powerful stakeholders in vocational higher education.
It is important that professional bodies are brought on board at an early stage to support the development of the Foundation Degree, and their influence and requirements must be taken into account in the planning of the new qualification It will be very important to establish appropriate guidance and support mechanisms for learners where flexibility, modularity and diverse opportunities across the HE and FE sectors make choice a critical component in the learning process. If a cross-sector programme such as the Foundation Degree is to be an effective vehicle for widening participation, particular care will need to be taken in the delicate negotiation with learners at the points of entry and exit. It would be inadvisable to replicate the current situation found in secondary schools under pressure to recruit to sixth forms, where information and guidance on opportunities offered by other post-16 providers is frequently limited. Clear arrangements for delivery and funding of impartial guidance at this stage will be important. The development phase should look as a matter of urgency at processes for negotiating properly-supported quality work placements .