The Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice in the UK Course Accreditation Committee (CRED)
Application for recognition of new delivery as a satellite to an existing accredited course
GUIDANCE NOTES
What is a Satellite?
If the course is taught on more than one site it may meet the CRED criteria to be considered to have satellite sites. The CRED definition of Satellite centres is
“ A course that has the same overall managing organization context, marking, teaching topics and awards at a site remote from the existing visit, is a satellite.’
Why do Satellites need to be considered separately to main courses?
This is to ensure equivalence between the centres and that the all students have parity and equal opportunities on AFT accredited courses.
How are Satellites Assessed for accreditation?
The form below is intended for applications where a course already has accreditation and has expanded its delivery to a satellite site. This may involve a paper exercise or require a site visit. To begin the process we request a written application form (see below). We may also visit the satellite and may want to meet representatives (teaching staff) from the site. We would want student feedback from satellites and may want to speak to students and be informed about staff, teaching standards and materials, premises and resources at each satellite location. If the satellite comes on line while the main course is in mid- accreditation, it will need to be covered in a separate application using the form below. If the Satellite is accepted as such, then those students who have studied at a Satellite will be considered having gone through an accredited course.
Courses that do not fit this definition will need to undertake a new accreditation application (forms available on website).
What is the process of applying for recognition of a new delivery of a course as a Satellite?
1. Applicants complete form below
Please complete Part 1 and attach the documents requested in Part 2 to support the application.
2. Two Cred Panellists assess the application
3. Panellists may seek further information or a site visit
4. After the first cohort student feedback (if not already included in application) about the first delivery is provided by course
5. The satellite, if approved, will then become part of the usual accreditation cycle of the main course
6. Updates are provided by completing an annual review form for main course and one for each Satellite course.
7. If the Satellite is not approved, in that this application is not accepted as a satellite, then a recommendation will be made to apply for it to be accredited as a new course.
8. If the course is to be accredited as a new course, then additional documentation and payment will be required. The fee paid for this application will be counted as contributing to subsequent application as a new course.
Payment must be made in advance of the accreditation process – details will be set out in the invoice provided. Cost £175 however if a site visit is required the cost will be higher to cover travel etc.
Please return to the CRED Administrator: 7 Executive Suite, St James Business Centre, WilderspoolCauseway, Warrington WA4 6PS
Application for recognition of new delivery as a satellite to an existing accredited course
Part 1 – Satellite Recognition Application Form
(Please complete by adding your details under each heading)
Existing Accredited Course title
Existing Accreditation Status and Date of accreditation of original programme –
Named person responsible for the accredited course
Planned Satellite Course level (please delete those that do not apply)
· Foundation
· Intermediate
· Qualifying
· Supervision
Planned satellite course title
Name of Training Body responsible for delivering the satellite
Mailing Address
Named person responsible for the satellite course if different from accredited course
Site of Satellite (including organization and address of site).
Planned/No of Intakes at Satellite
· annual
· two yearly
· other, specify
Maximum and Minimum No of students per intake
Course structure
Specify if weekly, fortnightly or taught blocks etc
Specify hours (direct contact and hours of independent study / effort hours)
Course content
Overview of any differences in the course rationale and syllabus or state if it is the same programme in every respect.
Organisational aspects - eg, how is the course related to its institutional base? How is it supported in terms of administration etc? What is the relationship between base and satellite?
Funding - how is the course funded? What are the current fees?
Accommodation - teaching site(s), administrative site, facilities, access to written materials.
Entry requirements – note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria is used.
Selection - note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria is used.
APEL policy and procedures - note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria is used.
Evaluation and Review - note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria are used.
Complaints policy and procedures - note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria are used.
Appeals - note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria is used.
Course Team - (including co-ordinator, teaching team with brief CVs including qualifications and registrations (ie UKCP Register, AFT Supervisors Register)
Practice - (as appropriate to training level). Supervision, range of clinical work, procedures
for monitoring practice (including feedback and assessment), opportunities for experience/observation of health and social services settings or equivalent, how hours requirements met and monitored, opportunities to discuss work from outside the course (eg own work base).
Management of clinical materials and confidentiality - (as they relate to different course levels) - note any difference to accredited programme or if same criteria is used.
In the event that the Satellite course terminates while students are still studying what support and management arrangements will be instituted? (eg Host site undertakes in advance to take students into existing accredited course until completion etc)
Date
Signature
Contact Name: / Job Title:Contact Telephone: / Email address:
Part 2 - Course Documentation required to support this application
The CRED Panel requires information on the following aspects of the course, usually found in course handbooks. We only require these if they differ from the original accredited course documents. If they do not differ then please state this
· Outline of course structure (block, weekly etc) hours/days
· syllabus / curriculum / timetables
· teaching methods
· reading lists
· practice arrangements, including observation opportunities
· assessment, including how AFT Learning Outcomes met, assignment titles, marking standards and criteria, overall marking range, samples of work and feedback given
· extra course work (if required)
· summary of student feedback (eg taught input, course reviews)
· support given to students (eg tutorials)
· promotion of anti-discriminatory practice
· course statement on how it adheres to the AFT Code of Ethics
· course equal opportunities policy
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