NVQ Assessments

The following information provides an overview of the process to achieve the National Vocational Qualification Level 2 (Revised 2002) Sport and Recreation and Allied Occupations (Teaching/Coaching and Instruction) in the context of Swimming and its associated disciplines and how it works.

The work you will have to complete will largely be influenced by the your background in the teaching/coaching of swimming, e.g., when you achieved your ASA Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Swimming or Teaching Aquatics.  This guidance relates specifically to candidates who have achieved the ASA Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Swimming or Teaching Aquatics (or other ASA discipline) within the 18 month period prior to registration for an NVQ.  The ASA Level 2 Certificate will be used as Accreditation of Prior Achievement (APA) and this guidance will summarise the key points you will need to consider before embarking on the programme.

1.  Your first step is to contact your local centre to ascertain whether they are registered with the ASA as an NVQ assessment site.  If the centre is not registered but are interested in becoming an assessment site then contact should be made with the ASA Workforce Development Department to ascertain more details.

2. You must ensure that you have completed sufficient practical teaching/coaching in the workplace to help you more feel confident in your ability to complete the process successfully.

3. If you decide to apply for the programme you should complete the application form below and return it to the Registrations Department, ASA Awarding Body, together with a cheque for £300.00 (this includes the City & Guilds registration fee). The cheque should be made payable to the “Amateur Swimming Association”. The registration fee element will be paid direct to City & Guilds on your behalf.  Included in the fees are the City & Guilds Candidate Pack and the ASA Guidance Notes and Link Logbook.

4. Because NVQs test your competence in the workplace, i.e., where you will be working on a regular basis over a period of time, you will have to identify such a venue. This might well be your normal place of work, perhaps a leisure centre or a swimming club or a school, etc.
 
5. Prior to registration you are advised to speak with the centre where the assessment will take place to ensure that an Assessor is appointed to support and advise you throughout your programme and to make assessments on your performance. These assessments will be against the performance criteria of the National Occupational Standards in Sport and Recreation and Allied Occupations (Teaching/Coaching and Instructing) in the context of Swimming and its associated disciplines, i.e., NVQ Level 2. The Assessor will visit you in your workplace from time to time to observe and to discuss your progress.  If your centre does not have access to an accredited assessor please contact the ASA for help and assistance.

6. In addition another person, called an Internal Verifier (IV), will also be appointed to monitor the quality of the assessment process. This person will also visit you, but only on one or two occasions.  The internal verifier is appointed by the ASA.

7. In addition to the fees shown above you will also have to pay for the Assessor’s services. The cost and method of payment will depend on the centre through which you arranged for your Assessor to be appointed.

On receipt of your completed application form and cheque you will be sent the City & Guilds Candidate Pack, the ASA Guidance Notes and the Link Logbook.

If you have any queries please contact Ayoma Chalkley at ayoma.chalkley@swimming.org