Accreditation

The Open College Network

The Open College Network (OCN) is a group of awarding bodies recognised by the Further Education Funding Council and the Department of Education and Employment. It is the fastest growing of the independent national awarding bodies and is the third largest behind Edexcel (formerly B/tec) and City & Guilds. It consists of a consortium of over thirty training organisations throughout the UK, which provide a standardised approach to recognising learning achievement for students of all ages. Successful students are able to build up nationally recognised 'credits' on a range of hundreds of specialised vocational and educational courses that will enable them to access Higher Education.

The National Open College Network is accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) so that courses which result in OCN certification not only attract further education funding but have the highest level of recognition.

The OCN system is divided in to four levels, Introduction, Foundation (Level 1), Intermediate (Level 2), Advanced (Level 3). A specially convened panel rigorously evaluates every course submitted to OCN. The panel is composed of members who understand both the OCN requirements and the technical detail of the course in question and meets to review the course and its outcomes under an independent panel chairman. A Quality Management programme is as integral requirement of every course and an independent moderator is appointed by OCN to sample and validate the work submitted to make sure that it reaches the standards laid down.

The establishment by OCN of the standard 'credit' system has enabled all educational organisations, whether public or private, to measure the work of their students against traditional, national standards. For instance, 4 credits at Level 2 are equivalent to a pass at GCSE and is recognised as such by admissions tutors when selecting student for university education.

Animal Care College committed to accrediting all its courses with the Open College network and this process is near to completion. Students who have completed course which are now being accredited may apply for an OCN award via an Accreditation of Prior Learning procedure. Current and successful past students are sent information as to how this can achieved as soon as it is available. The College is recognised by the Enhanced Learning Credits organisation for Higher Education courses for the Armed Forces'.

The Animal Care College has been in the forefront of animal care education for over twenty years and in the past year it has been consolidating and rationalising its courses in the light of the needs of the sector. This has resulted in a new animal care education framework for personal development, behavioural studies and vocational studies in animal care and has been warmly welcomed by those who contributed to its development.

Those organisations that have relied on Animal Care College certification when appointing employees will now be able to more clearly identify the level of the awards and the depth of knowledge of candidates. At the same time, those who are anxious to improve their personal knowledge and understanding of all aspects of animal care can be assured that if they do decide to move into a professional role, their qualifications will be even more valuable in the future.

The Animal Care College
Ascot House,
High Street, Ascot,
Berkshire SL5 7HG
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)1344 628269
Fax:+44 (0)1344 622771
E-mail: acc@rtc-mail.org.uk