Initial Assessment and Induction Policy

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This policy in 60 seconds

• Who it is for: every new TTT learner and the staff who enrol them.
• Before you start, we check the course suits your goals, prior learning, English level and any support needs.
• An online induction module covers the LMS, your course terms, deadlines and key policies.
• Complete it before you begin assessments. If it is not done within 14 days, the Course Coordinator will contact you.

The full policy below is the official version.

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how TTT carries out initial assessment and induction for online learners, in a way that fits TTT's online delivery model rather than borrowing the structure of a college-based provider. It ensures that every learner is on a course suitable for their needs, prior learning and goals; that learners understand the qualification, the assessment process, TTT's expectations and the support available before any assessment activity begins; and that the audit trail meets awarding organisation centre requirements.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All prospective and newly enrolled learners on any TTT qualification or short course
• All Course Tutors, Course Assessors, IQAs, the Course Coordinator and the Centre Manager
• All delivery modes operated by TTT, with online self-paced delivery as the standard model and face-to-face or employer-cohort delivery handled as exceptions in Section 8

3. Definitions

The following terms carry the meanings given throughout this policy.

4. Policy Statement

TTT is committed to the following principles and commitments.

1. 1Every prospective learner completes an initial assessment that confirms course suitability, identifies prior learning, tests English, mathematics and ICT readiness and surfaces any support needs. For TTT's online delivery model, this initial assessment is delivered through the Course Application Form rather than a separate event.
2. 2Every enrolled learner completes a structured induction before beginning assessment activity. For TTT's online delivery model, induction is delivered through a dedicated LMS module rather than a face-to-face session.
3. 3The standard online flow is replaced by a tailored one-to-one conversation with the Course Coordinator or Course Tutor whenever the application form or induction module surfaces a matter that needs personal discussion.
4. 4Initial assessment outcomes inform the learner's course route, including any reasonable adjustment under the Accessibility, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy and any RPL claim under the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.
5. 5Completion of initial assessment and induction is recorded on the LMS and on the learner folder before assessment activity begins.
6. 6No learner is enrolled on a qualification that is not suitable for their prior learning, career goals or practical circumstances.
7. 7Learners are informed clearly of any restrictions or prerequisites before they commit, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
8. 8The TTT model is reviewed annually to confirm that the Course Application Form and the LMS Induction Module continue to do the job that a face-to-face initial assessment and induction would do in a college setting.

5. Initial Assessment Through the Course Application Form

TTT does not run a separate initial assessment session. The Course Application Form is designed to perform the initial assessment function and is completed by every prospective learner before enrolment is confirmed.

5.1 What the application form assesses

The application form gathers and tests the following:

• Identity and right to enrol on the qualification
• Age and any prerequisite qualification or experience required by the awarding organisation
• Self-reported prior learning and current occupational role
• A short set of questions testing English, mathematics and ICT readiness at the level required for the qualification
• The prospective learner's career and learning goals, including why they are pursuing the qualification and how it fits their plans
• Practical readiness for online study, including reliable internet access, a quiet study space, a suitable device and the time to commit to the programme
• Any disclosed disability, long-term health condition, specific learning difficulty or other support need
• Any safeguarding-relevant disclosure
• Any prior learning that may be eligible for RPL under the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy
• Confirmation that the prospective learner has read the Course Terms and Conditions, the Privacy Notice and the Learner Code of Conduct

5.2 How the application form is reviewed

The Course Coordinator reviews each completed application against the published entry requirements. Three outcomes are possible:

Outcomes are recorded against the application and held on the learner folder.

5.3 Tailored one-to-one conversations

Where a tailored conversation is needed, the Course Coordinator or Course Tutor contacts the prospective learner to discuss the matter and agree any adjustment, additional support or alternative course route. The conversation is summarised in writing on the learner folder. The standard online flow then continues, with any agreed adjustment applied. Where adjustments are needed, a Learning Support Plan is created under the Accessibility, Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations Policy.

6. Induction Through the LMS Module

TTT delivers induction through a dedicated module on the LMS, made available to the learner from the date of enrolment. The induction module replaces the face-to-face induction event used in college-based delivery.

6.1 What the induction module covers

6.2 Completion and progression

• The induction module is completed before the learner begins assessment activity
• Completion is recorded automatically on the LMS, with timestamp, version of the module and the learner's acknowledgement signature
• The Course Coordinator confirms completion is logged on the LMS
• Where a learner does not complete the induction module within 14 calendar days of enrolment, the Course Coordinator contacts them to support completion

6.3 Tailored one-to-one induction conversation

A one-to-one induction conversation with the Course Coordinator or Course Tutor is offered, in addition to the LMS module, where:

• The application form review flagged a matter requiring discussion
• The learner has a reasonable adjustment that affects access to the standard induction module
• The learner explicitly requests a conversation
• The Course Coordinator judges that personal contact would protect course success

The conversation is held by audio or video call and summarised in writing on the learner folder by the Course Coordinator where needed.

6.4 Why TTT delivers induction this way

TTT's online delivery model is designed to give learners the same induction content a college learner receives, in a format that fits independent online study. Every learner receives the same comprehensive content, in the same order, at a time that suits them, with an audit trail. The model is reviewed annually to confirm it continues to perform the function of induction at the standard the awarding organisation expects.

7. Roles and Responsibilities

8. Face-to-Face and Employer-Cohort Delivery

Where TTT delivers a face-to-face cohort or an employer-funded group programme, additional or alternative arrangements may apply, in particular:

• Initial assessment may be supplemented by a face-to-face or live online discussion at the start of the cohort, in addition to the application form
• Induction may be delivered as a live session, with the LMS induction module remaining available as a reference for every learner
• Group induction sessions are scheduled around the cohort's needs and recorded where the cohort agreement permits

In every case, the audit trail is maintained on the LMS and on the learner folder at the same standard as the online delivery model.

9. Records and Retention

TTT retains the following for a minimum of three years after certification, or longer where the awarding organisation requires it:

• The Course Application Form and the Course Coordinator's review outcome
• Notes of any tailored one-to-one conversation
• LMS induction module completion record (timestamp, version, knowledge-check result, acknowledgement)
• Authenticity Declaration
• Learning Support Plan, where applicable

Records are held securely in line with the Data Protection and GDPR Policy and the Data Retention and Disposal Policy.

10. Monitoring and Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Centre Manager as part of TTT's self-evaluation process. Effectiveness is measured through early-course withdrawal rates, first-submission pass rates, learner survey feedback on the induction experience and EQA feedback. Interim reviews are triggered by changes to the application form, the LMS induction module or awarding organisation expectations. All outcomes are recorded in the Version History at Section 12.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

12. Version History

13. Approval

This policy has been reviewed and approved by the Centre Manager of TTT.