Guidelines for accessing training (for care providers)

This is a simple guideline list of questions for care providers to consider and ask a training provider when looking to purchase training.

About training courses

1. What does the course cover?
2. What are the objectives of the course?
3. How recently was the course updated?
4. What follow-on training is available for my workforce?
5. Can you design a course for me, or tailor an existing one to meet my needs?
6. Does the course lead to a qualification or accreditation?
7. How is the course assessed (exams, course work, practical, etc)?

1. Where does the training take place?
2. When is it provided?
3. How long does the course last?
4. What are the minimum and maximum class sizes?
5. How long do the classes take?
6. When and where do the exams or assessments take place?
7. Can you match the training to the individual person's learning style?
8. Can you provide the correct and appropriate evidence within the required timescales to meet additional funding that I can apply for (e.g. Workforce Development Fund)?

Costs

1. How much does the course cost?
2. Are there any other costs (e.g. books, materials, software)?
3. Am I going to have to put in some of my own time?
4. Are there penalties if my employees do not complete their courses or are absent?

Payment arrangements

1. When do I have to pay for registration?
2. What are the payment arrangements after the course has been completed?
3. Are there exam fees?
4. Are there any grants available?

1. What other care providers use you're training courses?
2. Do you have references from other employers that have used your service?
3. Do you have accreditation from trade bodies (e.g. Health and Safety Executive)?
4. What is the extent of the trainers' experience of the care sector?

Services for employers

1. Do you do a pre-course assessment for each staff member who is training with you?
2. Do you offer mentoring or support for those who are having difficulties on the course?
3. What is the complaints procedure?
4. What is the system for reporting on progress?

1. Is there a work-based or work-simulation environment?
2. What equipment do you use?
3. What version of software etc do you use?
4. Is the equipment or software available on-site or can it be accessed somewhere else?
5. Do you offer distance learning or online learning (e-learning)?
6. What facilities and support are in place for learners with special educational needs?

1. Is there a crèche, and if so, what are the hours and costs for using it?
2. What are the parking arrangements?
3. How easy is it to reach the premises by public transport?
4. What is the accommodation like (classrooms, workshops, etc)?
5. What are the arrangements for disabled people?
6. Do you offer help for speakers of other languages?

Complaints

This is the process you should follow if you wish to complain about a training provider.

1. Follow the training providers grievance and complaints procedure - this will most likely require you to put in writing your complaint. You can send a copy of your letter of complaint to Care Learning so we can be kept informed of any issues, but Care Learning will not take any action at this stage.
2. If the above is unsuccessful or unresolved you can then provide all the relevant information, in writing to Care Learning.
3. If the training provider is one that is listed on this website then Care Learning will look at the complaint and work with yourself and the training provider to attempt to reach a satisfactory conclusion for both parties.
4. If the training provider is not listed on this website then Care Learning will attempt to discuss the issue with the provider in question but cannot guarantee any conclusion.