Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Foundation Degree Science Nursing Associate, Level 5, 2023/24 - Course Handbook
Welcome to the Course
September and February cohorts
Welcome to our new and continuing apprentices for the Foundation Degree Science Nursing Associate apprenticeship. This handbook provides you with information that you will need on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course and a Practice Learning Handbook.
You are enrolled on an apprenticeship course that is preparing you for a career which carries with it both privilege and responsibility. You should be proud of the profession of which you are preparing to enter and look forward to upholding the values and standards that have made UK nursing so well regarded across the world.
It is important that you conduct yourself professionally at all times in order to justify the trust the public places in our profession. This can take some getting used to at first, but your course team and employers are here to support you. Throughout your course you will learn about the behaviour and conduct that the public expects from nurses and nursing associates. You will develop and be assessed on the knowledge, skills and attitude that you need to become a nursing associate. You should use the Nursing & Midwifery Council's Code of Conduct (2018) to guide your conduct at all times during the course: https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/code.
A lot of the information that follows in this handbook is common to all our pre-registration nursing provision. However, our intention is that you start to identify with the unique requirements for nursing associates from the onset. We have a team of staff who have a commitment to nursing and we work in partnership with your highly committed employers and placement providers to facilitate your development into future practitioners that are able to shape the future of nursing locally, nationally and even on a global platform.
The course is challenging and rewarding in equal measures - do commit to developing good relationships with your fellow apprentices and with your academic advisor. We look forward to getting to know you over the weeks and years ahead and working in partnership with you all. It is a privilege to be part of your journey. The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett is both enjoyable and successful.
On behalf of our University and the whole course team, we would like to wish you well in your studies.
Zoe Lambert, Course Leader, Nursing Apprenticeships
Downloading this Handbook: If you are downloading this Course Handbook, the appendices need to be downloaded separately from the Handbook.
Course calendar: This apprenticeship follows a non-standard academic calendar - see the course calendar/year planner in the Timetable Information section.
Welcome to your course in the School of Health. I am delighted to be able to welcome our new and returning students and apprentices into the 2023/24 academic year.
The year ahead will contain success, challenge, and personal growth for you, and the School's team of dedicated academics, learning officers and administrators are here to help you to achieve your potential.
Our School has a broad range of disciplines, including Biomedical Sciences, Health Promotion, Nursing and Healthcare, Nutrition and Dietetics, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychological Therapies and Mental Health, Safety and Environmental Health, Social and Community Studies and Sports and Exercise Therapy teams. Our academic teams work collaboratively - drawing on each other's expertise to support learning, undertake professional practice and consultancy, and delivery internationally recognised, societally impactful research.
Throughout the year ahead please do take time to let us know what you are enjoying and what you find valuable - but also please let us know if there are things we could do differently to improve your experience through feedback to your Course Director, at the School Forum or through the module evaluation and surveys.
I wish you every success for this academic year!
Dr Duncan Sharp, Dean of School
Leeds Beckett Students' Union (LBSU) is led by students for students! Their mission is to make your uni life better! Your Student Officer Team is elected by you to lead the Students' Union into the academic year. They represent all Leeds Beckett students and campaign for the changes you want to see in the university and beyond. They do this by representing your interests, giving you the chance to socialise and meet new people, hosting CV-boosting opportunities, and providing advice and support when you need it most. Shape your own experience by submitting your thoughts through your Course Rep, or if you'd like to influence the Students' Union's policy stance on particular issues or share ideas for improving the student experience across the University, submit your ideas on the Have Your Say platform, which is designed to make change happen! Below you'll find information on a few of their services but if you've any questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Silas Ozoya, your Academic Experience Officer, also wanted to say a few words to introduce himself: "Hey There! I'm Silas, your Academic Experience Officer. It's my job to ensure your academic experience at Leeds Beckett is the best it can be! We're a friendly and open-minded bunch at LBSU, so don't hesitate to get in touch with us! I'm looking forward to meeting you very soon!"
Contact LBSU at:
Email: lbsu-welcome@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Phone: 0113 812 8400
Website: www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk
- Following the lifting of all pandemic restrictions and advice from the Department for Education, we currently anticipate that no social distancing measures will be in place on campus during the 2023/24 academic year, enabling a normal on-campus experience. Our aim is to ensure that our students experience Leeds Beckett University, our courses, campuses, facilities and services to the fullest extent possible, while maintaining an environment where students and staff feel safe.
- In all cases, the health and safety of students and staff is our priority and we will continue to follow guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, the Department for Education and all other recognised government agencies (such as the Office for Students) in full and keep matters under close review at all times. The advice and restrictions may change before and/or during the academic year, either nationally or in response to local conditions and rates of infection and include the need for social distancing measures and other restrictions. Our flexible delivery model allows us to revert to a blended and/or remote delivery model if this becomes necessary. In a worst case scenario it is possible our campuses may need to close.
- In the event that delivery is restricted as a consequence of pandemic restrictions, we will keep you informed of planned changes as they arise, to ensure you are provided with accurate information.
- We will provide general COVID-19 updates to our University community here and more specific updates will be provided by your School.
About Apprenticeships
Your apprenticeship provides a great opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge, at work and at the University, to ensure you are fully competent in your chosen field and enable you to progress in your career.
Successful apprenticeships are built on strong relationships between the apprentice, their employer and the University, in particular the course team. These colleagues are there to support you on your learning journey and you will work closely with them to make sure you get the most out of this exciting experience. Full attendance is mandatory so you must keep your employer and course team fully informed about any matters relating to your attendance, support you might need, concerns you have and any other challenges you come across. We need this information to help keep you on track to complete your apprenticeship successfully and so we can remain compliant with government rules for delivering apprenticeships.
On-the-job training refers to the activities that you undertake during your working role. It is training for the sole purpose of enabling you to perform the work for which you have been employed. Through your on-the-job activities you will have opportunities to apply the learning that you gain through your off-the-job learning, particularly your on-campus days. Your course team will indicate activities that can be classed as on-the-job training, and this will also be reflected in your training plan.
All apprentices spend a significant part of their working time undertaking 'off-the-job' training. If you started your apprenticeship in the academic year 2021/22 or earlier you are required to spend at least 20% of your working time 'off-the-job'. If you started your apprenticeship from academic year 2022/23 onwards you are required to spend at least 6 hours per week of your working time 'off-the-job'.
This time is typically spent in University but it may also include learning activities in your workplace, but outside your normal day-to-day tasks.
You are expected to undertake off-the-job learning throughout the whole year including during university holiday periods when you don't have timetabled activities. Your course team will provide further advice about what is expected.
You will need to keep track of this off-the-job learning through our Aptem system which includes an activity log. If you need further guidance or training on using Aptem, contact your course team or the Apprenticeship Team (apprenticeships@leedsbeckett.ac.uk).
Your training plan is a personalised formal document which provides details of your apprenticeship requirements, including both the on- and off-the-job training that you will undertake. It forms part of the apprenticeship agreement which you, your employer and the University should have agreed signed off before the start of your apprenticeship.
Our University was inspected by Ofsted in November 2022 and was given a rating of good for overall effectiveness and also for each of the thematic areas specified in their Education Inspection Framework (EIF):
- Quality of education
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Personal development
- Leadership and management
Key Contacts & Keeping in Touch
Academic Advisor
On this course, you will be allocated an academic advisor/ personal tutor who will support you for the duration of the course. They are available to support your academic, personal and professional development and progression across the programme. They will also provide pastoral support throughout the year and where needed signpost you to Student Services for counselling, financial support, disability support, etc., as appropriate.
Academic Assessor
You will also be allocated a NMC academic assessor. Their role is to review your practice assessment documents at the end of each placement and confirm your achievement of proficiencies and other NMC requirements to inform your progression.
You are usually allocated these staff during your induction period.
Your workplace mentor will support you in the workplace by, for example, helping to identify relevant learning opportunities and helping you succeed in these. More details of your workplace mentor and other support options will be listed in your training plan.
Olivia Taylor, o.taylor@leedsbeckett.ac.uk, 0113 812 3767, Portland Building room 513
Your Course Representative details will be provided in class or via MyBeckett.
The Academic Librarians for this course can be contacted at: sohlibrary@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Or complete their online form for help with academic and research skills: Get Help form
Practice Learning team
PLTapprentices@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Please also see your Practice Learning Handbook for more contacts and who to contact for queries.
Pre-Registration Nursing Practice Learning Lead
Kathryn Waldegrave, k.e.waldegrave@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Freedom to Speak up Guardian
See details here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/freedom-to-speak-up/
The contact details of other key services, such as The Student Advice Team, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, the Library, Money Advice, Careers, Students' Union Advice Service and Students' Union Student Voice Team can be found on the Students web page.
In addition:
Apprenticeship Assessors - these colleagues are a key contact for you; they will coordinate and complete progress review meetings with you and provide on-going support.
Apprenticeship Team - these colleagues support apprentices, employers and other university staff with the recruitment, application and on-boarding processes; they also ensure apprenticeships run smoothly and are compliant with government rules.
Please see your training plan for contact details.
Academic and administrative staff use your University email address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly i.e. at least twice a week. You can forward emails from your University email address to a preferred personal email address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that emails sent from external email addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your University email address is the only email address that you use to contact University staff. Information on how to access your email address can be found on the Library IT Support page http://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/office365/outlook
Please make sure that you inform your Course Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you.
We will inform you of class activities and course notifications, including any cancellations. Cancellations or changes to timetables will be notified as soon as possible. This will usually be done by email to your University email address and announcements sent out via MyBeckett. If on a rare occasion, you do attend a session and the member of staff does not arrive, please contact the Course Administrator for advice.
For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you and the Nursing Group on MyBeckett will be the preferred method of communicating course Information.
Contacting Staff
If you need to contact a member of the academic team, you should first try to speak to them at the end of your lectures or in practice support. If they are not available, or the matter is urgent, please email them for an appointment.
Responses from Staff
Please allow staff 3-5 of their working days to respond to your email and if you do not receive a response, please re-email or phone. If you do have difficulties contacting a member of the team, your Course Leader or administrator will be able to help.
Changes to Timetables
Please check the electronic timetable regularly (at least once a week) to see any changes which may have been made to forthcoming sessions. The course team will notify you by email of any changes which have to be made with short notice - i.e., affecting sessions in the forthcoming 7 working days.
What to do if staff are late / do not arrive to sessions
If staff do not arrive for a session within 10 minutes of the start time, please stay in the room and request course representatives contact the Course Administrator and staff responsible for teaching to ask for advice. It is unusual for this to happen so please ensure this is reported.
Also see the Attendance and Absences appendix below and your Practice Learning Handbook.
If you will be absent from University sessions, email nursing@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Please ensure you include full name; course; intake year and month; personal tutor name; reason for absence and expected date of return. You must inform your employer.
For placement absences, see details in your Practice Learning Handbook. The absence reporting web page is here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/absence-reporting/.
If you are unable to study, you must follow the requirements in the Attendance and absence appendix.
MS Teams is part of the Office 365 suite used by staff, students and apprentices for communication and collaboration:
- Access via MyBeckett on University devices as well as on personal mobiles via a free downloadable app.
- Participate in online meetings and video conferencing in groups or one-to-one.
- Work on shared content, ideas, projects and online learning.
- Utilise breakout rooms to create more dynamic sessions
Further information is available on the Library's MS Teams FAQ web page.
Timetable Information
The University’s standard term dates are available on our Academic Calendars web page for information.
You will be able to access your timetable through Aptem.
Taught sessions will normally be scheduled and included in your timetable. This will include on-campus sessions that you should attend. Depending on your apprenticeship, this may also include scheduled online teaching and learning sessions that you need to take part in. Module information will be made available online by the school for enrolled apprentices. Timetables will also be made available via:
- The Student Portal (MyBeckett)
- The Leeds Beckett app
You should discuss any difficulties relating to your engagement with timetabled sessions with your Course Director.
School Forums, where students and apprentices raise feedback on their academic experience, are scheduled into all students’ and apprentices' timetables. Any apprentice can attend but only Course Reps are expected to be in attendance.
Course Overview
The philosophy underpinning the course reflects a vision of nursing and nurse education which has been developed through discussion and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. It reflects the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) Standards for Pre-Registration Nursing Associate Programmes, the NMC (2018) Code and Leeds Beckett graduate attributes. The resulting philosophy places emphasis on the development of autonomous graduates who can demonstrate the required skills, knowledge and attitudes, values and technical abilities that underpin personalised, safe, effective and competent care.
Nursing is a caring and compassionate activity, where the relationships, formed between nursing staff and people using services aim to foster hope. These relationships are based upon principles of mutuality, empowerment, integrity and candour aiming to establish a solid foundation of trust. Nursing associates aim to work collaboratively with people towards health, well-being and personal recovery in a context sensitive manner. Given the need for nursing associates to engage in these close, therapeutic relationships, they need high levels of self-awareness and ways of sustaining the emotional labour involved in this work.
Nursing is collaborative and flexible in approach, recognising and supporting individuals and teams, to address the diversity of physical and mental health need across the lifespan, including end of life care. Nursing care is respectful, non-discriminatory, research informed, effective and safe, making the needs of people using our service the first priority. To support the personal recovery of people using health services we recognise the need to understand and engage in highly personalised ways with people ranging across biological, social, psychological and spiritual dimensions. This engagement seeks to build on the strengths and assets which people have within their own social networks.
On completion of the course, nursing associates are educated knowledgeable and confident graduates who provide support to people and their families by facilitating self-care or through the delivery and co-ordination of integrated care across the patient pathway. They will have effective communications skills and be competent to deliver packages of care which address individual health needs and promote informed decision making. The course prepares apprentices to deliver safe, evidence-based and quality care. They will facilitate effective working with a range of healthcare professionals and work with registered nurses to delegate and supervise fundamental aspects of care to others who are sufficiently trained.
As an apprentice you will be working towards achievement of the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) for your specific apprenticeship. However, through achieving the apprenticeship KSBs you will also meet the requirements of a Leeds Beckett qualification, normally an honours or Masters degree. These qualifications have defined Course Learning Outcomes which are statements about what you will be able to do at the end of the qualification. The Course Learning Outcomes of your qualification have been provided below for information.
Apprenticeship Learning Outcomes and NMC Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates Platforms
These learning outcomes collectively reflect the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required to become a competent registered nursing associate as defined by the sector in the Apprenticeship Standard, and the NMC's Standards of Proficiency for Nursing Associates (2018).
On completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will be able to:
Platform 1 Being an accountable professional
Act in the best interests of people, putting them first and providing nursing care that is person-centred, safe and compassionate. They act professionally at all times and use their knowledge and experience to make evidence-based decisions and solve problems. They recognise and work within the limits of their competence and are responsible for their actions.
Platform 2 Promoting health and preventing ill health
Play a role in supporting people to improve and maintain their mental, physical and behavioural health and well-being. They are actively involved in the prevention of and protection against disease and ill health, and engage in public health, community development and the reduction of health inequalities.
Platform 3 Provide and monitor care
Provide compassionate, safe and effective care and support to people in a range of care settings. They monitor the condition and health needs of people within their care on a continual basis in partnership with people, families, and carers. They contribute to ongoing assessment and can recognise when it is necessary to refer to others for reassessment.
Platform 4 Working in teams
Play an active role as members of interdisciplinary teams, collaborating and communicating effectively with nurses, a range of other health and care professionals and lay carers.
Platform 5 Improving safety and quality of care
Improve the quality of care by contributing to the continuous monitoring of people's experience of care. They identify risks to safety or experience and take appropriate action, putting the best interests, needs and preferences of people first.
Platform 6 Contributing to integrated care
Contribute to the provision of care for people, including those with complex needs. They understand the roles of a range of professionals and carers from other organisations and settings who may be participating in the care of a person and their family, and their responsibilities in relation to communication and collaboration.
- Identify, apply and evaluate a range of culturally sensitive approaches in practice to prevent and manage illness and disease and promote well-being.
- Integrate into practice the key policies and principles and theories relevant to general nursing, demonstrating values of commitment to collaborative, co-productive models of healthcare.
- Apply a range of established techniques to initiate and undertake critical analysis of research and other forms of evidence, to propose solutions to problems arising from that analysis to enhance nursing practice.
- Effectively communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms to specialist and non-specialist audiences and deploy key techniques of the discipline effectively.
- Work more independently in clinical practice, with less direct supervision, in a safe and increasingly confident manner, demonstrating qualities and transferable skills necessary to exercise personal responsibility and emergent autonomous decision-making.
- Recognise and work in clinical practice within professional, legal and ethical boundaries.
During your apprenticeship you will develop Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) that have been identified by employers and subject experts across the country as being essential in ensuring you are fully competent in your specialised role. These KSBs are built into the modules you will study as part of the apprenticeship and will be developed through a range of learning activities at work and at University.
The apprenticeship's learning outcomes listed above collectively reflect the KSBs required to become a competent registered nursing associate as defined by the sector in the Apprenticeship Standard and the NMC's Standards.
Every module has been mapped to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours - see the details in your module handbooks.
The details of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours are the in apprentice standard:
https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/nursing-associate-nmc-2018-v1-1
Assessment & Feedback
Level 4 is assessed by coursework, with examinations and practical assessments.
Level 5 is assessed by coursework, with examinations and practical assessments.
Apprentices are assessed in practice and in the workplace at both levels.
All Apprentices are required to complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) before they can successfully pass the apprenticeship. Course teams will support and prepare you for your EPA throughout the apprenticeship. Before an Apprentice can attempt the EPA they must satisfy a number of criteria, which are referred to as Gateway Requirements. Once they have met the Gateway requirements, the Apprentice undertakes the EPA which is designed to test/confirm the Apprentice's KSBs and their overall competency.
EPAs will be conducted by an outside organisation (EPAO) or by someone within the University who has not been involved in the delivery of the apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship grade will normally be based on the EPA, for example, if you achieve a Pass in the EPA you will be awarded a Pass in the Apprenticeship.
There are a wide range of EPA requirements across all of the apprenticeships and therefore the details below provide more information about your specific EPA. You are advised to contact your Course Director with any questions relating to the EPA.
Your Nursing Associate fully integrated End-Point Assessment (EPA)
When this apprenticeship standard was originally approved, it had a 'non-integrated' EPA, meaning additional assessments had to be undertaken after the degree was awarded in order to complete the apprenticeship. This is no longer the case and the EPA is now integrated in the degree. The Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education has published the EPA plan for the Nursing Associate fully integrated apprenticeship standard and here is a summary.
Overview
Apprentices will typically spend 24 months on-programme working towards the occupational standard. The EPA period should only start, and the EPA be arranged, once the employer and University are satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard and all of the pre-requisite gateway requirements for EPA have been met. It is expected that the gateway will be reached on completion of the final qualification module and before the Examination Board. The EPA period is expected to last a maximum of one month beginning when the apprentice has passed the EPA gateway. The EPA starts with the Examination Board and finishes when the University makes the required declarations to the NMC. The apprentice is not required to carry out any additional assessments. The EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard and grades of:
-Pass
-Fail
Please note that while apprentices can no longer achieve a merit or distinction for their EPA and apprenticeship, apprentices can still achieve merit (level 5 average mark of 60% - 69%) or distinction (level 5 average mark of 70% and over) for the FdSc Nursing Associate award.
Gateway requirements (this wording has been contextualised for your apprenticeship)
-The apprentice has met the knowledge, skills and behaviours: the employer and University are satisfied the apprentice has consistently demonstrated they meet the KSBs of the occupational standard.
-Achieved English and mathematics at Level 2.
-Practice Assessment Document (PAD) completed and signed-off by the workplace and practice and academic assessor.
-Completion of all required modules, taking into account any Recognition of prior learning (RPL) of the foundation degree approved by the NMC in line with the requirements specified in the Nursing Associates Programme Standards (NMC 2018) which include the mandatory protected learning time and a minimum 460 hours of external practice placements, but before the Examination Board.
The EPA plan and your occupational standard link: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/nursing-associate-nmc-2018-v1-1
Please note the exam/assessment periods in the programme plan and make sure that you are available during those periods. Further details of your schedule of examinations can be found on your timetable once the examination schedule is released. Coursework submission deadlines can normally be found on MyBeckett and in individual Module Handbooks/other module guides.
Disabled students requiring adjustments to assessments/examinations should contact Disability Advice as soon as possible. We can only guarantee that adjustments can be put in place if students have contacted us by the following deadlines:
Semester 1 - 10th November 2023
Semester 2 - 8th March 2024
Contact us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked.
It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances process. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. Full details of the penalties for late submission of course work are available in section 3 of the Academic Regulations at https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/our-university/public-information/academic-regulations/
You are required to submit your written work via Turnitin and information on Turnitin is available here: https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/it_support/mybeckett/turnitin
ASSESSMENT AND REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS
For apprentices with Reasonable Adjustment Plans, you should arrange to meet with your academic advisor at the start of the semester and discuss any challenges from the assessment hand-in dates for the semester and how these may best be managed with support identified in your reasonable adjustment plan.
Apprentices with Reasonable Adjustments Plans or anticipatory adjustments, which include flexibility around deadlines, can submit on the extension date for the first sit of the module (or if you are undertaking a re-assessment, the extension date for the resit). Please let the module leader know if you wish to make use of this adjustment.
If you feel that your requirements for your RAP require a further extension, please contact your module leader to discuss.
These RAP extensions do not apply to exams and the mitigation process should be used.
Due to the professional requirements of the course, readers and scribes are not usually permitted in any exams relating to online calculations exams or practical exams. These exams and assessments replicate practice and this level of support is not reasonable in practice. Learners will be supported with extra time if detailed in the reasonable adjustment plan.
GUIDELINES FOR ASSIGNMENT PRESENTATION
The following guidelines are provided as general guidance for assignments unless otherwise specified in your module handbook.
Format
Layout - assignments must be typed in double line spacing (except for quotations of more than 3 lines) on a A4 size document. Margins should be 2 cm wide. Pages should be numbered. Font - Arial or Calibri or similar, size 12 should be used.
Structure
Title Page - giving your University ID number, University details, course, module details and word count.
Statement of Confidentiality - a clear statement of your intention to protect the anonymity and confidentiality of clients and colleagues should be included in all assignments. Please see below for further guidance.
Contents Page - showing all page numbers for the detailed listing in sequence.
Reference List - for all written assignments, in alphabetical order of authors, listing all journals/books used or referred to in your text. Use the Harvard referencing convention as outlined in 'Quote Unquote': https://libguides.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/subject_support/harvard_referencing/quote_unquote_online
Word count - assignments must not exceed or fall below 10% of the total word count allowed unless otherwise specified. Any content over the word count +10% will be disregarded and will not be marked. For example, if the word count is 3000 words then the marker will mark up to 3300 words and disregard anything written after that point. All words, including quotes, within the assignment are included in the word count, except for the reference list, appendices and any tables. Please specify how many words you have used for your assignment on the front page. Assignments which do not declare their word count will not be marked.
Appendices - if these are required as support materials they should be clearly numbered and listed in the contents page.
Style - try to write in a straightforward, clear style, avoiding colloquialisms and abbreviations like 'didn't' and 'can't', etc.
Plagiarism - Acknowledge all quotations and sources of information to avoid plagiarism using Harvard referencing. Use single quotation marks at the beginning and ending of the precise words used. Quotations longer than three lines should be indented five spaces and single spaced, so that they stand out clearly from your own material. Check the Skills for Learning web pages for further guidance on avoiding plagiarism and paraphrasing guidance so you can show your understanding.
Ensuring anonymity and confidentiality in assignments
All work submitted must have the confidentiality statement together with a submission sheet. In your academic work, you may be required to draw on your experience in practice. It is vital that in addition to ensuring confidentiality in terms of the names and identifying characteristics of patients/service users/ colleagues, the place of work should not be identifiable in any way. This includes the department, ward or service in addition to the Trust or private organisation. Examples of terms you might consider using to ensure confidentiality include:
.a surgical ward in a large teaching hospitals Trust in the north of England
.a specialist community team from a large mental health Trust in the north of England
..a private nursing home in an inner city area
If you need to cite a local policy or locally developed practice guidelines, you should use the term 'Trust' or 'Nursing Home' without actually citing the actual name. An example of this would be:
...Mary was assessed using the Trust's validated pressure sore assessment tool (Trust, 2021)
In the reference list, this should be presented as: Trust (2021) Pressure Sore assessment practice guidelines
In addition, any copies of local documentation that you might be submitting as an appendix (such as an assessment tool) should have any identifiable logos, letterheads or brandings obscured.
If you are in any doubt about the issue of how to maintain confidentiality and anonymity in your written work, please seek advice from your module leader.
- Breaches where the exact patient cannot be identified are managed through a deduction of marks between 5-10%.
- Where patients can be identified, e.g., exact details of condition and area of care, the work is failed at 0% and if it was a first submission, the reassessment is capped at the pass mark.
Assessed work will normally be returned with appropriate feedback within 20 working days after your submission. There is sometimes a perceived delay between submitting an assessment and receiving feedback, as work has to be marked and moderated, before feedback can be given, but this will normally be within the standard return period. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive feedback on your assessments.
Formative feedback: This will be provided either at face to face sessions, during module sessions or via online or written feedback.
Summative feedback: Marks will usually be released online on or before 6pm at the end of the 4 week turn around period. Marks may be released earlier and if so, students will receive an email informing them of the release. The module leader will then arrange for you to collect your work if necessary. Please note this 4 week period does not include Bank holidays and periods where the University is closed for business. Students who are unclear about their feedback should make an appointment to discuss this with the marker in the first instance and should contact the Course Leader if there are any unresolved concerns.
Results from module assessments and decisions on progression to the next level of study (e.g., from level 4 to level 5 of an undergraduate degree) or awards (if you are in the final level) are available on the Results Online: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/exams-assessments-and-awards/results-online/
Results will appear on Results Online within five working days from the date of the Progression and Award Board meeting (the meeting where your end of level outcome will be decided) or the Module Board meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided).
If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Course Administrator.
The University recognises that, from time to time, apprentices may encounter issues which may prevent them from being able to submit or take assessment. Where this is the case, apprentices may be able to submit their 'extenuating circumstances' for consideration. Please see the Mitigation and Extenuating Circumstances web page for further information.
If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g., whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is).
You will be advised of the re-assessment opportunity and details by group email or a MyBeckett announcement from the module leader when results for the first assessment are released.
You are advised to contact your module leader, Course Administrator or academic advisor for any clarification.
Please note that if you fail a module at the reassessment opportunity, the Progression and Award Board may offer you a repeat module or repeat year opportunity. This offer does not guarantee support from your employer to continue your apprenticeship.
If a practice experience is failed, please check the information in the Additional Regulations section.
Details about our Appeals process can be found on the appeals web page.
Academic integrity means intellectual honesty and is part of good academic practice. Further information can be found on our academic integrity web page.
Teaching & Learning
As part of the apprenticeship, you will undertake a wide range of off-the-job and on-the-job activities, at work and at the University. Off-the-job learning is defined as activity which is undertaken outside of the normal day-to-day working tasks required for your job and directly links to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours you need to pass the apprenticeship. This can include training delivered at your workplace.
You must spend a minimum period of your paid working hours doing off-the-job activities. You must carefully and regularly log these activities/ hours and submit them to the University as they will be used in regular reviews (guidance will be provided on this).
The off- and on-the-job learning activities work together and collectively enable you to develop the KSBs that are required for you to successfully complete the apprenticeship's End-Point-Assessment (EPA) (please see below) and determine your competency as a Nursing Associate. Your employer and course team will offer support and guidance throughout your apprenticeship, providing you with the necessary learning opportunities and helping you to make the connections between the different activities you will undertake and the Apprenticeship Standard.
Examples of on-the-job learning
Protected learning time in practice for developing new clinical knowledge, skills and behaviours through a process of formal practice supervision and assessment and documented within the practice assessment documents. Learning in practice might include opportunities to practise clinical skills under supervision, observation of practice by a Practice Supervisor/Practice Assessor, receiving constructive feedback on practice performance and following a patient pathway across settings.
Examples of off-the-job learning
Learning and teaching activities include lectures, seminars, application to practice groups, simulated learning, online quizzes, and e-learning modules and activities. There is a apprenticeship and level overview of learning and teaching which ensures that there is balance across the year and progression throughout the apprenticeship. There is a focus on encouraging increasing independence and advancing skills, taking account of different preferences, learning styles and disabilities.
Through your apprenticeship journey to becoming a competent practitioner you will be provided with a range of opportunities to develop your confidence and resilience, to recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in society, and in your profession, and to prepare you for further learning/ training/ employment following your apprenticeship.
Professional standards while studying on the course
To ensure the highest standards of teaching and learning, the course team takes a zero tolerance to any disruption in class. Disrupting the learning of others contravenes both Leeds Beckett University Student Regulations, which you have agreed to abide by when enrolling on the course, and the Nursing & Midwifery Code of Conduct (2018). Disruption may take the form of arriving late, using mobile phones in class and talking which disturbs others concentration.
Learners are required to refer any other learner who is in breach of these regulations to the module leader in the first instance, for immediate management and to the Course Leader if problems continue. The module / Course Leader will arrange to meet with the learner and may issue a letter of warning following the meeting. Learners who do not meet standards of professional behaviour during the course may be referred to the University Fitness to Practise Panel. Information relating to unprofessional conduct may be recorded on any references supplied by the University.
Any concerns regarding your professional conduct will also be discussed with your employer.
Ensuring Professional Standards while studying on the Pre-Registration Nursing Courses
The School of Health is committed to ensuring that learners and staff conduct themselves at all times in a way that shows respect to one another, to visitors and to members of the community. The Student Charter states that 'We are responsible, diligent, reliable and considerate in our academic and professional actions and behaviours'. The University is committed to providing a high-quality learning and teaching experience for all learners. This can only be achieved if members of the University community live and work beside each other in an environment which promotes respect.
However, unfortunately, this is not always the case in terms of the direct contact from learners towards their staff. The following offers two examples in which we ask learners to uphold their professional standards while on campus and in their interactions with all colleagues.
Example: Disruption in class
Being on a professional course your professional behaviour at University is fundamental to your success and the success of others. We all wish to ensure the highest standards of Learning and Teaching for all concerned. As such, course teams will take a poor view to any disruption in class. Disruption may take the form of arriving late, openly talking to others, using a mobile device during the session without good reason, eating and drinking or any other activities that disturb others' concentration. Disrupting the learning of others contravenes our 'Student Code of behaviour', which includes 'Students and staff are expected to follow the principles below to ensure that we all work collaboratively to enhance your learning experience'. Classroom disruption is one of the examples cited as being a problem.
BEHAVIOUR CONDUCT FOR TEACHING SESSIONS
As lecturers we will: Start and finish sessions on time, support your learning, ensure relevant resources are available before scheduled sessions (where appropriate and practical) and welcome your feedback.
As apprentices you will:
-Arrive for sessions on time; switch mobile devices off unless using these for the session, avoid private discussions and intervene if someone is disruptive by asking them to stop.
-Follow your absence reporting procedure. Persistent non-attendance or non-engagement will mean that your Course Team will follow the 'Attendance and Engagement' policy.
-If not using SEAtS for a session on campus (details on this link), ensure that you sign the register for that session and do not sign anyone else's attendance or ask any others to sign you into the session. Those who appear to have signed the register but who are not present and who have not followed absence reporting procedure will be referred for 'Fitness to Practise' review.
-Email your Course Administrator (or your course's absence inbox if there is one) if you need to leave a session part way through and do not plan to return to the session. Please provide details of the session and the reason for your absence. Leave the session quietly. Ensure that missed work is completed.
-Use mobile phones appropriately for individual learning needs during lectures. This may be acceptable providing you are not disturbing the learning of others. During practical sessions the use of video on mobile devices is prohibited unless for filming oneself and/or if you have documented reasons for doing so in your 'Reasonable Adjustment Plan'.
-Join online sessions with microphone muted. Cameras should be switched on when you are answering or asking questions.
-Refer any individual who is persistently disrupting session despite being asked to stop to the Module Leader and, if necessary, then to the Course Leader if the problems persist.
Process for escalating concerns regarding disruption
-Stage One: If the cohort are disrupted by others in a session then they need to let those disruptive individual(s) know that they are causing difficulties affecting others' concentration. The learning cohort should ask the disruptive colleague to stop.
-Stage Two: If the disruption continues then the cohort need to highlight this the relevant Lecturer and identify the relevant individual(s) causing the disruption.
-Stage Three: Staff will remind the cohort of the professional conduct required.
-Stage Four: If further disruption is reported by the cohort to staff then staff will investigate the incident and potentially refer individuals for 'Fitness to Practice' review as appropriate. Information relating to unprofessional conduct may be recorded on any job references supplied by the University.
EMAIL COMMUNICATION
The following relates to improper use of communication especially that of email communication directed towards staff by students and apprentices. Unfortunately, staff report some inappropriate email communication from some individuals. The following offer suggestions to ensure your professional exchanges and status. A well written email with good email etiquette makes it more likely that people will respond positively to your emails. It shows people that you are polite and professional. It also makes it less likely to cause misunderstandings.
When starting the email use proper greetings. Starting an email with no greeting at all can appear rude. While you might say 'Hey', 'Heya' or 'Hey there!' to someone in person it is not the best way to start an email as it is too informal in professional settings. If you know the person that you are sending the email to then some common greetings such as 'Hi' or 'Hello' can be used. Otherwise, if you need to be a bit more formal then 'Dear ...' or 'Good morning/afternoon' are more appropriate.
The way to end an email is important too. For instance 'I look forward to hearing from you', if needed, is courteous. Common ways you can sign-off an email include 'Kind regards', 'Sincerely' or even 'Thank you'. For emails to staff, please include your full name, your course, your year group (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd year) and, where appropriate, your academic advisor/ personal tutor's name.
Keep the email content brief, relevant and polite while still being clear. If the message is something that you feel might need more explaining, then try contacting the person by a different method such by 'phone or face-to-face by appointment.
Politeness is not optional. If you wish to request something then it is polite to either use the word 'please' and form your request as a question rather than a command (e.g. write 'May I have an extension, please?' rather than 'I want an extension' or 'Give me an extension'). The tone of the email shows the writer's character or emotion at the time of writing. This is perceived by the reader as a result of how the email was written whether you intended it, or not.
Emails can come across as too casual. As such they can have unprofessional tone. Equally, emails can be perceived as angry or disrespectful. Proof-read the email before sending it and, if in doubt, wait and re-read the email and send later to ensure that it is written in a positive, constructive and respectful tone. Do not write in all CAPITALS. This makes it seem that you are shouting at the receiver. Refrain from bad mouthing. If you are emotionally charged it is best to wait 24 hours before emailing or responding to emails. The Golden Rule is 'treat those how you want to be treated'.
Example: It would be inappropriate to write the following:
Hey. I came to your office but you weren't there. I'm gutted at my mark. I worked REALLY HARD for this essay. The mark is unfair. I struggle to understand why you gave the mark. Can you explain why as I can't see a reason for it. The module was odd and don't understand the relevance of some of the tasks. I wait to hear from you. John
Instead you could write:
Dear Andrew, I'm one of your students in the XXXX module. To be honest I am disappointed in the mark that I have received for the essay as I thought that I had done better. Would it be possible to arrange a meeting with you to discuss the feedback so that I am able to better understand what has happened so that I can improve next time? I am on campus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and would be grateful if you could let me know if you have any availability on these days?
Regards.
John Smith, C12345678, Course: xxx; Personal tutor: name
LEARNER SUPPORT
At emotional or stressful times, we can make errors of judgement and act and/or communicate inappropriately. If you sense that your behaviour and actions differ from how you would normally feel, Student Wellbeing may be able to help. This is a confidential service providing information, practical and therapeutic support for you to work through in a safe space what you want to do about what you have experienced. The service provides counselling and mental health support. Contact the team on 0113 812 8507 or studentwellbeing@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
The Students' Union Advice Service can provide you with practical advice and support you if you want to make a complaint about another student or staff member. They are also able to signpost you to specialist one-to-one and group support. Contact the team: https://www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice/
STUDENT CODES AND POLICIES FOR BEHAVIOUR
The Student Code of Behaviour offers examples of misconduct as being:
1.3.7 Threatening, bullying or offensive behaviour or language
1.3.8 Antisocial behaviour
The University's 'Social Media Policy for Students' offers some additional relevant advice in that while using social media sites, students should refrain from:
a) making defamatory comment[s] about an individual or organisation.
b) making directly or indirectly discriminatory comments.
c) engaging in criminal activity, or inciting others to do so.
d) telling lies or making misleading comments.
e) posting inappropriate pictures or videos.
f) bullying or harassing any other individual[s] either directly or indirectly.
g) breaching confidentiality, for example by revealing confidential information owned by the university or another person.
h) breaching copyright, for example by using someone else's images or written content without their permission, or by failing to give acknowledgement where permission has been given.
Links
Student Charter link
Student Code of Behaviour link
Academic Engagement Policy link
Fitness to Practise Policy and Procedure link
Social Media Policy for Students link
All modules are core. Modules are 40 credits except the non-credit bearing Practice Assessments modules or where noted below.
Indicative delivery: the course uses a non-standard academic calendar over 45 weeks
Level 4/Year 1
Becoming a Nursing Student, semester 1
Fundamentals of Nursing Science and Practice, semester 1 and 2
Exploring Health and Wellbeing, semester 2
Practice Assessments 1, semester 1 and 2
Level 5/Year 2
Developing Professional Skills, semester 1
Application of Nursing Science, semester 1 (20 credits)
Providing Quality Integrated Care, semester 2
Transition to Registered Nursing Associate, semester 2 (20 credits)
Practice Assessments 2, semester 1 and 2
A standard 40 credit module equates to 400 notional learning hours and a 20 credit module equates to 200 notional hours, comprising teaching, learning and assessment, placement activities and independent study. The course exceeds the normal notional hours for a foundation degree due to placement hours.
Overall workload in hours | Level 4 | Level 5 |
Teaching and Learning | 216 | 180 |
Independent Study and Assessment | 406 | 443 |
Placements and Associated Hours | 578 | 577 |
We are committed to providing a safe environment for our degree apprentices. We work with employers to ensure that you have a safe learning experience as set out in 'Keeping Our Apprentices Safe'. This includes information on how to identify and report concerns and access support covering safeguarding, wellbeing, online safety, the Prevent Duty (preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism) and British Values.
In our University there is no place for bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct which includes sexual violence. We encourage any member of our community who has experienced any of these forms of unacceptable behaviour to use our Support, Report, Respect tool to access advice and raise concerns, which can be done anonymously.
Not sure who to contact? Speak to Student Advice: 0113 812 3000 or email studentadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. They will listen and assess your concerns, offer information and advice, and refer to specialist support as required.
An understanding of British values is embedded in the apprenticeship curriculum.
British values are defined as:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Mutual respect and tolerance
In line with these values, we will foster a culture where values, opinions and beliefs can be shared in the knowledge that they will be respected.
British Values, Personal Development, Behaviours and Attitudes are embedded into the first module that you will study as an apprentice, Becoming a Nursing Student/Apprentice. This module introduces apprentices to academic skills for learning, and to the principles that underpin accountable evidence-based professional practice. It provides a foundation for future development towards achieving registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).
Details of School academic staff can be found on the School of Health Website.
Attendance & Absence
The University does understand that from time to time there is good reason why you cannot attend a class, and in this instance you must contact your School office and employer to let them know. Depending upon the reasons why you are unable to attend, and how long this might be for, arrangements will be put in place to ensure you can catch up on your missed learning. The School and your employer will work together to support you with this.
Our most important aim is to support your studies, but we are also required to report attendance to various external bodies such as the Student Loan Company, the Home Office and the Apprenticeship funding body, the Education and Skills Finding Agency (ESFA).
You must notify your Course Administrator if you are absent (for example for an interview, emergency unforeseen circumstances, or for compassionate leave). If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence.
Please note that if your apprenticeship carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional apprenticeship-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
You are advised to review your commitment statement or training plan to ensure you are clear on who to contact in your employment organisation and University if you will be absent.
If you are unable to study because of illness for more than 14 consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note.
You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Administrator, and then send the original by post.
If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details as possible. Your submission for mitigation may be made online and the circumstances surrounding it may be self-certified unless your period of absence is prolonged. Generally, all absences of 2 weeks or more will require the submission of verifiable documentary evidence.
For more information on 'fit to sit' and mitigation please visit our Mitigation web page.
Please note that if your course carries professional accreditation or recognition, there may be additional course-specific absence reporting requirements detailed elsewhere in this handbook.
Campus-based apprentices who suspect they may have, or have been diagnosed as having a serious infectious disease such as coronavirus, Mumps, TB, measles, meningitis or chicken pox should not attend campus. For notifiable diseases, students should notify their Course Director or Course Administrator as soon as possible giving information regarding which groups of students or apprentices (and/or colleagues and clients on placements) you have been in contact with and when. For some diseases, such as TB and meningitis, your doctor and our Student Wellbeing Team have a responsibility to notify the West Yorkshire Public Health Protection Team who may also wish to speak to you (or your family) to determine if others require screening or medication. You should follow advice given by the hospital or your GP about when it is safe to return to University. Further information is available on the Student Wellbeing web page.
For guidance on what to do if you have symptoms of Covid-19 (coronavirus), please visit our Covid-19 web page.
You are advised to review your Commitment Statement to ensure you are clear on who to contact in your employment organisation and University if you will be absent due to illness.
You must let your Apprenticeship Assessor know immediately if your employment status changes. This includes, for example:
- Redundancy
- Change in job role
- Change in employer
- Change in contracted hours
- Parental leave
- Other break in learning
Professional Accreditation or Recognition Associated with the Course
Nursing and Midwifery Council
NMC Standards: The pre-registration nursing associate standards and the Code can be found here: https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/
The NMC provides online resources for learners here: https://www.nmc.org.uk/education/information-for-students/
Successful completion of the course provides eligibility to apply for registration with the NMC as a nursing associate.
Declaration of Health and Good Character
https://www.nmc.org.uk/education/becoming-a-nurse-midwife-nursing-associate/guidance-for-students/
In order to meet NMC and practice placement requirements, all learners must demonstrate that they are of 'good character' and must participate in an enhanced pre-entry DBS check. Any previous cautions, reprimands and convictions must be declared. The presence of a caution, reprimand or conviction will not necessarily automatically result in rejection of the application but will be assessed in relation to the nature, severity and timing of the offence, and whether it is a single incident or repeat offence. Applicants may be invited for interview to discuss the circumstances before a decision is made. Any DBS not meeting requirements will be discussed anonymously with placement providers. Learners will only be offered a place if agreement is given by placement providers.
Apprentices are required to inform the Course Leader and employer if there are any changes to their Health and Good Character during the course and immediately prior to applying for registration. In addition to this, at the start of every academic year, learners will be required to complete a "Declaration of Health and Good Character" form which will be reviewed by the Course Leader. You must keep a copy of your DBS certificate for the duration of the course. You may be required to provide a copy before you can start practice in some placement areas and University do not keep a copy so safe keeping of this is essential. If you fail to keep a copy, you may be asked to pay for a replacement. Learners who withdraw for more than 6 weeks will be usually required to complete another DBS on return to the course.
As an apprentice, you are responsible for informing your Course Leader and employer immediately if you develop a health condition or disability that may affect your ability to practise safely and effectively. This is so that your fitness to remain on the programme can be reassessed. You will be required to declare your good health annually.
Registration with the NMC
You will be required to complete a declaration of Good Health and Good Character towards the end of the course which will be reviewed by your Course Leader. Once you have completed the course and this has been confirmed at exam board, the University will inform the NMC. You have up to six months to register with the NMC or will need to follow additional processes detailed on the link below.
https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/register-nursing-associate/england/
https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/register-nurse-midwife/trained-in-the-uk/applying-to-the-register-after-more-than-six-months/
'In Year' Work Placement Information
Apprentices are employed in a healthcare setting as a requirement to access the apprenticeship. Placements take place across both years. In order to meet the requirements of the nursing associate curriculum, apprentices are required to have at least two placements in settings other than their primary placement of employment. Apprentices have a primary 'hub' and secondary 'spoke' placements. Placement of the apprentices and availability of workplace mentors or for the NMC 2018 Standards, the practice supervisors/practice assessors, are the responsibility of the employers, supported by the School's Practice Learning team. In addition, academic assessors will provide support to apprentices in practice environments.
Apprentices have in total at least 2300 hours of protected learning time, comprising 1150 hours of theory and 1150 hours practice learning in hub and spoke placements. Practice hours may be managed, for example, as one or two days a week or may be undertake as a block. Apprentices are required to achieve 660 hours of practice learning away from the hub in spoke and enrichment (self-sourced) placements. These placements which will usually be at least four weeks in length but no longer than six weeks. Nursing associate apprentices are not expected to have placements in each field of nursing but should, through their programme, benefit from experience with adult, children, and patients/service users with mental health conditions and learning disabilities (NMC, 2018).
Placement Activities
As part of preparation for placement, you are required to undertake mandatory training via your employment and health clearance each year and declare your good health and character.
Mandatory Training
Apprentices complete their mandatory training through their employment and this is checked by the course team in PebblePad.
Occupational Health
Apprentices are required to ensure their health meets the requirements for placement through following advice from their employer's Occupational Health Department.
Placement experiences
Placements are arranged by the Practice Learning team. Please contact PLTapprentices@leedsbeckett.ac.uk if you wish to discuss your allocations.
Practice Learning Handbook
You will have online access to a handbook each year which contains information on learning in practice, whistle-blowing, raising and escalating concerns and NMC requirements. Your academic assessor will also support you with any questions or concerns regarding practice.
Reasonable adjustments on placement
Please refer to your Practice Learning Handbook for details for adjustments in practice.
Reporting absences for placements and placement activities
For placement absences, see details in your Practice Learning Handbook. The absence reporting web page is here: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/health-practice-learning-hub/absence-reporting/.
Please ensure that at all times you follow your employer's sickness/absence processes.
Skills, Employability & Graduate Opportunities
Apprentices are in full time employment whilst studying for the foundation degree, so they are able to very quickly utilise their newly acquired knowledge and skills within the workplace for the benefit of patients and service users. The course includes a variety of practice experiences and assessments, combined with academic studies designed to complement and underpin the apprentices' practical learning. This blended approach is designed to be adaptable and flexible with a combination of face-to-face teaching and online learning. Practice support sessions encourage learners to reflect on the practice they have been engaged in and relate this to professional, legal and ethical frameworks and to identify supporting evidence.
Apprentices completing this apprenticeship will have developed a wide portfolio of practical and academic skills. The Nursing Associate apprenticeship standards identify the standards and essential skills required for nursing associates and you will be working towards achieving these on the course. Academic skills developed include reflective and report writing, critical thinking and evaluation, team working, use of databases to search for evidence, change management and leadership skills.
You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative.
By joining a society with Leeds Beckett Students' Union, you can make new friends, have fun, try something new and enhance your CV - societies provide a great opportunity to learn new skills and improve your existing ones. It can be difficult to get to know new people at university but don't worry, everyone is in the same boat! Our Leeds Beckett Students' Union believe that joining a student-led society is the best way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. There are so many societies out there - from course-based to hobby-based to religious to political and campaigning. Whether you're just starting out at Leeds Beckett or working on your last year of study, it is never too late to find the right society for you - or start one yourself!
Course-based societies are a great way to meet people on your course, expand your networks and celebrate your achievements together such as end of year Society Balls. If you have a great idea for a society, we can help you get it up and running. There are resources and support available for all societies - including funding to help make your society goals a reality. For more information on starting your own society, visit: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/societies/create.
Graduate attributes: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/academic-skills-and-advice/graduate-attributes/
There are three Graduate Attributes for Leeds Beckett University and these are tailored to suit your course. The three attributes you should achieve by the end of the course are for you to be digitally literate, have a global outlook and for you to be enterprising. Learning about these attributes and being assessed on these as part of your modules will provide you with capabilities for your future career and wider life as you move on from your studies here. Where appropriate these attributes have been embedded into modules and across levels of the course and are identified in individual module handbooks.
Digital literacy
Throughout the course learners build on their digital literacy skills. Formative and summative assessments have been designed to progressively develop digital literacy skills. Learners engage with digital tools to search for information, and evaluate and present information for PowerPoint, video and poster presentations. Learners are supported at level 5 to develop skills in appraising literature from a variety of sources. The use of the virtual learning environment, MyBeckett, is integrated throughout the course with structured learning activities to support face-to-face teaching and learning. Learners work online to practise clinical calculations, and complete clinical skills assessments on an e-learning platform. Turnitin is used for assignment submission. Learners are required to access and maintain patient data using a range of software and devices. The course uses online packages such as 'Elsevier', 'CareShield' and 'Safemedicate' that replicate authentic drug calculations and practical skills activities in a virtual setting.
Being enterprising
The nature of nursing associate courses requiring that apprentices meet certain standards ensures that these attributes are embedded. In particular, the curriculum ensures that a reflective approach is used in assessment and learning. Apprentices have the opportunity to practise giving and receiving feedback and develop self-awareness and team working skills. There are sessions that address employability skills and how apprentices can optimise their employability through CV development and mock interviews. These sessions are supported by practice partners and the University's Careers team.
Global outlook
The course has embedded cross-cultural capability and global perspectives throughout. The NMC Code stresses the importance of apprentices' acceptance of different cultural traditions and beliefs, demonstrating respect for diversity and individual preference, and value difference regardless of personal view.
The apprenticeship has been developed as a collaboration with local healthcare employers. The apprentice is employed in a specific healthcare setting as a requirement to access the course. On successful completion of the nursing associate course, graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the NMC and be employed as a nursing associate.
For nursing associates wishing to become registered nurses, FdSc Nursing Associate graduates can apply to BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing or BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing, joining these courses in level 5, subject to Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Alternatively, nursing associates working in healthcare, not wishing to become registered nurses, can undertake the BSc (Hons) Health and Community Care level 6 CPD course and CPD standalone modules.
Learning Support
If you have a question or a problem relating to your apprenticeship, your Course Administrator is there to help you. Course Administrators work closely with academic staff and can make referrals to teaching staff or to specialist professional services as appropriate. They can give you a confirmation of attendance letter, and a transcript. You may also like to contact your Course Rep or the Students' Union Advice team for additional support with apprenticeship-related questions.
Your Academic Advisor will be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your apprenticeship. Your Course Director will make sure that you are given the contact details of your Academic Advisor at the beginning of each year, usually in your apprenticeship induction. Further details on the role of your Academic Advisor are available on the Academic Advisor web page.
If you need support, but you're not sure where to go, your Student Advice Team are here to help. The team are an essential part of your Student Support Network and are dedicated to ensuring you can access the advice and support you need, when you need it most.
Student Advice can also help in the practical elements of university. The team will produce your first campus card and assist you in replacing your campus card if needed throughout your time at Leeds Beckett. They can provide Confirmation of Enrolment and Bank Letters for our current students and full or partial transcripts for our graduates and fully enrolled students.
If you need help with more complex queries or concerns, our trained Student Life Advisers offer 1-1 appointments, providing a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space to talk about your circumstances and identify support that you can access both within and outside of the university.
To contact the team, or to arrange an appointment, visit The Student Advice webpage for full details.
The Student Voice & Insight team at LBSU works alongside the elected Academic Experience Officer to effectively represent students' and apprentices' academic interests.
We provide support, training and ongoing development to over 1,000 Course Representatives, Postgraduate Research Reps, Student Community Leaders and Global Majority Student Ambassadors who represent you whilst you study at Leeds Beckett; and facilitate the collection of student and apprentice feedback on your academic experience.
Unsure who your Course Rep is? Maybe you're interested in becoming a Course Rep or have feedback about your academic experience? Get in touch at:
- Email: studentvoice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Telephone: 0113 812 8400
- Website: leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/your-voice
You can find information and resources online through the Support and Opportunities tabs in MyBeckett. In the Support tab, you can find details of a range of services that provide academic and personal support. These include Student Advice, Library Services, the Students' Union, Student Money, Disability Advice, Student Wellbeing, Student Immigration Advice and Compliance and Accommodation. There is also an A-Z of Support Services, and access to online appointments/registration.
In the Opportunities tab, you can explore the options you have for jobs, work placements, volunteering, and a wide range of other opportunities. For example, you can find out here how to get help with your CV, prepare for an interview, get a part-time job or a voluntary role, take part in an international project, or join societies closer to home.
If you have a disability, long-term physical or mental health condition, or a specific learning difference, we believe this should never be a barrier to studying at our University.
Please get in touch with us as soon as possible so we can ensure everything is in place before your apprenticeship starts.
What should I do next?
- We will ask you to provide evidence of your disability, usually from a health professional or educational psychologist. Don't worry if you haven't got any, we can support you with this.
- Usually, we will arrange an appointment with your Disability Adviser to discuss any adjustments you might need and support you in applying for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- We will work with you to ensure any adjustments you need are available so you can fully participate on your apprenticeship.
Please watch this short video about how the Disability Advice Team can work with you.
Disabled students and apprentices can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer. More information is available on the Library website.
What is Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?
DSA is government funding to help with the cost of any additional support you might need while studying, such as: one-to-one support, specialist equipment (including useful software) and travel. For more information visit our website.
Contact Us:
Email: disabilityadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Tel: 0113 812 5831
Website: https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/disability-advice/
The Library
The Library offers 24/7 support for your studies. You can access thousands of resources via MyBeckett or the Library website which also provides full details of all our services.
Library Academic Support
The Library Academic Support Team can help you develop your academic skills such as critical thinking, academic writing and analysing data, and research skills such as how to find, use and evaluate information for your studies. The team liaises with your lecturers to provide the information resources you need for your subject and to arrange academic skills sessions to support you in your studies.
The team maintains a number of websites and modules to support your learning:
- In your Subject guide, you'll find a variety of information resources which have been selected as a good starting point for research in that area. These are available on the Skills and Subject Support web page or via My Beckett.
- On the Skills for Learning website, you'll find online resources covering topics such as essay writing, research and time management, English Language and academic English plus information to help you reference and avoid plagiarism, alongside details of workshops that are designed to help you succeed in your assessments. The Skills for Learning website can be found on the Library website or via My Beckett.
- LBU Study Smart is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to the key skills and services you'll need to study successfully at Leeds Beckett. There are also additional modules you can take as you move through your course to help you transition between study levels. The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
- The Academic Integrity Tutorial is a module in MyBeckett which introduces you to academic integrity at LBU and will help you develop the skills you need to attain good academic practice, including avoiding plagiarism and academic referencing.
Library and Student IT Advice Service
The Library and Student IT Advice Service team can answer your queries on borrowing, finding information, passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA) ,Office 365, online meetings, saving your work, MyBeckett and more:
- online (including 24/7 chat) via the Contact Us web page
- by phone - 0113 812 1000 (24/7 IT support)
- face-to-face in either of our Libraries, check Library opening times for details of when staff are available
They also have a wide range of short tutorials available on the Library's YouTube channel.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on the University campus is provided by eduroam, a secure wireless network, which also allows you Wi-Fi access if you visit other universities. To connect:
- Select eduroam from available Wi-Fi
- Your login details are:
Username followed by @leedsbeckett: e.g. c1234567@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Password: your normal university password
*Android Users: Select under Phase 2 Authentication - MS-CHAPv2
Help is available on the Library's Wi-Fi web page.
Microsoft Office 365
You are provided with free access to Office 365 and the latest version of Office can be downloaded from the IT tab in MyBeckett or from office.com. All apprentices who are registered for a qualification at Leeds Beckett University are eligible and you can use the subscription for the duration of your apprenticeship. For instructions and more information, please see the Office 365 support page.
OneDrive
OneDrive Leeds Beckett is your individual file storage with 1TB of storage space. With OneDrive you can access and share your files across your devices. This is accessible on University PCs and off-campus through Office 365 portal. See the Saving your Work pages on the Library website for more information.
Leeds Beckett RemoteApp
The Leeds Beckett RemoteApp gives you access to a range of specialist software for your course on your personal devices. See the RemoteApp page on the Library website for more information.
Media Equipment - free loans
You can borrow high-end Media Equipment for free. Browse, reserve and collect equipment ranging from GoPros to Remote Presenters from the ground floor of the Shelia Silver and Headingley Libraries. Further information is available on the Media Equipment web page.
University life can have its ups and downs, and occasionally you may find yourself in need of advice. That's where we come in. Here at the SU we have a free advice service that is here just for you, the students and apprentices at Leeds Beckett University.
The Advice Service at LBSU is a confidential, non-judgmental service run by professional advisers.
The service is independent from the University, so if you are having any problems with your apprenticeship you can talk confidentially with us - although we do work with the University to find the best solutions, we would only contact them with your permission. We can advise on a range of topics including all aspects of the University Regulations and Procedures, housing issues and finance issues. We can guide you through any processes or procedures.
We're here to help you with any questions or problems you might have while you are studying at Leeds Beckett.
Get more information at www.leedsbeckettsu.co.uk/advice.
Resources
MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment provides:
- access to your modules and timetables;
- your reading lists and email account;
- your personal storage area on our University IT servers;
- information on where to look for academic or personal support (Support tab);
- information on opportunities such as jobs, careers, part-time work, placements and volunteering (Opportunities tab)
- access to Library and student IT advice
Further information and support for using MyBeckett can be found on the MyBeckett Support Pages.
- Classroom and lecture facilities with PC and smart board facilities
- Social learning spaces with individual tutorial rooms
- Online learning repository 'MyBeckett' which contains lectures, notices, assignment submission facilities
- Clinical skills suite and Communication skills suite
- Online learning platforms, e.g., CareShield, Safe Medicate and Elsevier Clinical Skills
- Location: The course is delivered in the University, predominantly at the City Campus and in healthcare placements within West Yorkshire. We have a Practice Learning team that supports the apprentices with their placements.
- Teaching and learning take place in a number of venues in the University: lecture theatres and classrooms, the science laboratory, the communications suites, clinical skills laboratories and the simulation suite.
- Skills resources: The course is supported by a range of equipment including task trainers, adult, child and high fidelity simulated manikins, online learning packages including the Safe Medicate medication programme https://www.safemedicate.com and the Elsevier clinical skills web site https://www.elsevierclinicalskills.co.uk/
- Nursing lecturers: The course is primarily delivered by nurses with current registrations with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Non-nursing lecturers may deliver into some sessions for the specialist context.
- Service users and carer involvement in the delivery and assessment of the course, is a valued asset and continues to be developed.
- Library Resources: The course is also supported by the Libraries and Learning Innovation who provide a variety of services which include the libraries and IT facilities, individual University accounts, MyBeckett, resources and equipment loans.
- Online: Learners are introduced to MyBeckett (our virtual learning environment, VLE) at induction and it is integrated throughout the course to support all structured and guided academic activity. Independent study and learning are also facilitated through MyBeckett with a range of interactive resources and links to professional and academic materials and sites. Examples include virtual discussion areas, electronic submissions and feedback, self-assessment quizzes, lecture slides available on the VLE for relevant modules and the Safe Medicate and Elsevier clinical skills web site.
Student Voice
We are committed to working in partnership with you and the Students' Union to provide you with an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for all our students, apprentices and our staff. An important element of your time studying with us is your engagement in developing your learning. Your engagement and attendance on your apprenticeship enables you to further your learning and supports your achievement, apprenticeship completion and aspirations for the future. There is an expectation that apprentices will attend, engage in their learning and submit on time for assessment. We provide support for you to maximise your time studying with us and to develop your learning, skills and abilities to support you in your chosen career path.
We seek active participation by all our apprentices in the continuous enhancement of our apprenticeships and through our monitoring, annual review and enhancement processes. These are formal processes used by our University for assuring the academic standards and quality of your apprenticeship and its continuous improvement. These processes utilise your feedback, External Examiners' reports, feedback from staff and others, data relating to apprentice outcomes on the apprenticeship and apprentice surveys to reflect on areas of good practice and areas for further enhancement. We invite all apprentices to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your apprenticeship and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student and apprentice surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific apprenticeship or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey. We utilise the outcomes of these surveys to benchmark our apprenticeships nationally and to inform annual apprenticeship enhancements.
Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your Academic Advisor or module tutor or via your Course Representative. Our partnership with you enables us together to make the most of your learning experience with us and to enhance the quality and reputation of your apprenticeship. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students' Union, your tutors or through the Library.
Course Representatives (Reps) at undergraduate and postgraduate taught levels are student and apprentice volunteers who represent you in formal and informal meetings with the University, and follow up on actions that have occurred because of student and apprentice feedback. You can become a Course Rep, volunteering to represent the views of your peers in order to improve apprentices' academic experience.
In the first few weeks of your time at Leeds Beckett, your Course Director will facilitate an opportunity to appoint Course Reps on your apprenticeship.
LBSU provides support, training and ongoing development for Course Reps and supports their engagement in enhancement activities throughout the academic year.
Being a Course Rep provides you with an opportunity to enhance your own learning and the development of relevant professional and employability skills alongside your studies. As a Course Rep you would play an important role in:
- Acting as a point of contact and advocate for apprentices on your apprenticeship and in supporting their active engagement.
- Gathering feedback from apprentices on your apprenticeship to inform enhancements to the quality of your apprenticeship and the apprentice experience.
- Facilitating good communication between apprentices and staff on the apprenticeship.
- Working with the Course Director, members of the course team and the Students' Union to enhance your apprenticeship.
- Facilitating and engaging in meetings about your apprenticeship; and
- Being an ambassador for your apprenticeship.
Further information about being a Course Representative is available at:
We invite all apprentices to participate in a range of opportunities to provide us with feedback on your apprenticeship and modules. This may include discussions with staff, focus groups, and meetings (e.g. with Course Representatives or with staff) and formalised student and apprentice surveys e.g. mid module reviews, end of module evaluations and specific apprenticeship or other surveys such as the Student Barometer, National Student Survey and Graduate Outcomes Survey.
We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students and apprentices. We welcome comments and compliments from apprentices, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your apprenticeship can be raised with your Course Representative or directly with your Course Director or Academic Advisor.
If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available on the Students web pages.
In addition to the University processes listed above, as an Apprentice, you also have the right to make enquiries or raise concerns outside of the University. Full details of these options can be found in your training plan.
General Information
Certificate of Higher Education Health Related Studies
Diploma of Higher Education Health Related Studies
Leeds Beckett University
An occasional activity may take place at Headingley campus.
Policies, Standards & Regulations
Key University regulations and policies can be accessed on the following web pages:
- Academic Regulations (including assessment regulations) are available on our Academic Regulations web page
- The Student Contract is available on our Student Regulations web page
- The Student Charter is available on our Academic Regulations web page (Section 20)
Other Student regulations and University policies, including Safety, Health and Wellbeing policies, are available on our Student Regulations web page
You should also familiarise yourself with our Zero Tolerance Report and Support web page regarding sexual harassment and assult.
The course follows the Academic Regulations except where noted below.
Progression and achievement of the award
All assessments, components of assessment, modules, practice assessments and practice experiences (placements) must be passed for progression to level 5 and for the conferment of the target award. The course does not allow for compensation or condoning of marks at component of assessment level or module level by the Progression and Award Board. There is no compensation in assessments across theory and practice. The pass mark is 40% or pass for pass/fail marking, except for the components of assessment noted below.
Components of assessment with pass mark above 40% and two reassessment opportunities
The following components of assessment have pass marks as stated and learners will be given exceptionally two re-assessment opportunities for these components (this would also apply if the module was repeated):
Level 4 Fundamentals of Nursing Science and Practice Online calculation exam 80%
Level 5 Application of Nursing Science Online calculation exam 100%
Non-credit bearing modules
The Practice Assessments modules at each level are non-credit bearing and accommodate the practice experiences (placements), episodes of care, practice hours and skills. All components of assessments must be passed for progression to level 5 and to achieve the target award.
Reassessment opportunities for practice experiences (Practice Assessments modules)
An apprentice may fail one practice experience only across the whole course. A recovery opportunity is provided in the same academic year if this fail takes place in semester one. If the failed practice experience takes place in semester two, then wherever possible, learners have a recovery opportunity provided before the end of the academic year. This fail remains on the learner's profile in the event of the apprentice being given an opportunity to repeat the full year.
An apprentice failing two assessed practice experiences during the course will be deemed to have failed the course and a recommendation will made to the Progression and Award Board to withdraw the apprentice from the course and be awarded a contained award if the requirements of that award have been met. There are no reassessment or repeat opportunities.
Apprentices cannot claim mitigation against practice assessments. If an apprentice has extenuating circumstances, they should discuss this with their academic advisor and employer.
Rapid reassessment viva
Reassessment opportunities include an option for a rapid reassessment viva in certain assessments (as detailed in the relevant module handbooks) for learners who obtain 35-39% at the first attempt. This is to provide learners with alternative options to reassessment.
Attendance
As well as following the University's Academic Engagement policy, the apprenticeship has minimum attendance requirements of 100% for University sessions and 100% attendance on practice experiences. The course stipulates 100% attendance in order to meet the required practice and theory hours. Nursing Associate apprentices must follow the absence reporting procedure detailed in the Attendance and absences appendix (see end of this Handbook) and the Practice Learning Handbook where details are provided for how absence is managed for both taught and practice hours. Attendance is monitored by University sessions and on placement, and by the employer.
Academic calendar (see the course calendar/year planner in the Timetable Information section)
This apprenticeship follows a non-standard calendar to accommodate placements, including start and end dates, semester deliveries, and assessment periods. Annual leave entitlement and agreement of annual leave dates are determined by the employer. You may be required to work during annual leave from University to support winter pressures or other busy periods in your workplace. If the University closes, this does not release you from any employment requirements.
Contained awards
Learners who fail to achieve the minimum performance required for the target award shall be recommended for the conferment of a lower award with a different title in line with the Regulations:
-Certificate HE Health Related Studies
-Diploma HE Health Related Studies (when the Practice Assessments 2 module is not passed)
The contained awards do not provide eligibility to apply for registration as a nursing associate and follow the standard Academic Regulations.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
To meet the NMC requirements for RPL for credit transfer, a maximum of 50% of the credit for the course can be recognised through prior learning.
Reasonable adjustment plans
Due to the professional requirements of the course, readers and scribes are not usually permitted in any exams relating to online calculations or practical exams. These exams and assessments replicate practice and this level of support is not reasonable in practice. Learners will be supported with extra time if detailed in the reasonable adjustment plan.
Health and Good Character on entry and throughout the course
Apprentices are required to have satisfactory occupational health assessments and DBS and make an annual declaration of health and good character at the start of each academic year and prior to course completion. Any changes to an apprentice's health and good character during the course must be declared to the Course Leader and the employer.
Fitness to Practise
The course is authorised to use the University Fitness to Practise Policy. Apprentices are expected to act in a professional manner at all times in line with the Policy. Being fit to practise requires nursing associate apprentices to have the appropriate level of skills, knowledge, health and character to practise safely under supervision. The Code (NMC, 2018) sets out the professional standards that nursing associates must uphold in order to be registered to practise in the UK. You are expected to use this code to guide your conduct and behaviour. Employers will be informed immediately if any fitness to practise concerns are raised for an apprentice. https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/-/media/files/policies/student/ups_fitness_to_practise_policy_procedure.pdf
Merit and distinction awards
The course follows the Academic Regulations for the achievement of merit or distinction.
Notional hours
In view of the theory and practice/placement hours requirement of this professional course, the notional hours exceed the usual 2400 hours for a foundation degree.
The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other apprentices on the same apprenticeship and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar apprenticeships taken by apprentices in other higher education institutions within the UK. The External Examiner(s) provide an annual report for your apprenticeship. External Examiner reports are available on our External Examiner Reports web page, which is accessible via the Course Information link on the Students home page
Appendices
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