QQI-QA
QQI Quality Assurance Resources
- What is QQI?
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) is an independent state agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. It was established in 2012 and is responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training. It makes awards for these sectors and validates programmes for providers.
- What is Reengagement?
Reengagement is a one-off occurrence that allows a provider to establish its quality assurance (QA) procedures with QQI.
It allows providers to show that they can act autonomously in developing programmes and assessing learners, focusing on the achievement of learning outcomes. Providers can also demonstrate continuous self-evaluation to achieve a strategic focus on enhancement and educational development.
To receive QQI Approval of its QA, a provider must demonstrate how their governance and quality assurance systems meet the QQI quality assurance guidelines.
- How does QQI evaluate a provider’s QA?
QQI conducts evaluations of a providers’ governance and quality assurance procedures.
- When did QQI approve the Quality Assurance procedures of Scoil Mhuire Clane?
In November 2023, QQI formally approved the QA of Scoil Mhuire, Clane.
- Can I see the QQI Reengagement Final Panel Report on Scoil Mhuire Clane?
Yes. The QQI Reengagement Final Panel Report for Scoil Mhuire Clane is available to view using the following link:
Reengagement Final Panel Report - Assessment of Capacity and Approval of QA Procedures
- Scoil Mhuire Clane has received approval by QQI to enter into a collaborative provision arrangement with other schools. What does this mean?
Collaborative Provision
Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane (first provider), sees collaboration with other VSCCS schools as being an important contributor to increasing access and making accredited programmes as widely available as possible.
This type of collaboration sees Scoil Mhuire Clane act as the hub school in the role of the first provider and the satellite schools operates under Scoil Mhuire Clane’s QA system in the role of second providers. This arrangement enables pathways to accreditation for learners which may not otherwise be available to them. It also facilitates closer working relationships and networking between Scoil Mhuire Clane and other schools.
Collaboration takes the form of Scoil Mhuire Clane (the first provider) collaborating with other VSCCS schools (the second provider) to deliver programmes. The second provider must have the capacity and resources necessary to implement Scoil Mhuire’s QA. As the first provider who has the QA agreement with QQI, Scoil Mhuire is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the QA process in the satellite schools as it relates to the corroborative arrangements and for ensuring the quality of programmes delivered collaboratively. Scoil Mhuire has the same responsibilities to all learners; whether we deliver programmes ourselves or in collaboration with another school and we have the same responsibility to monitor the achievement of programme objectives and learner satisfaction on all programmes.
- What is the Mission Statement of Scoil Mhuire Adult Education?
Scoil Mhuire Adult Education’s key objective is to meet the needs of ongoing education in our community while contributing towards the spiritual, moral, mental and physical well-being and development of the community.
We also promote community-based learning in a caring, disciplined and inclusive environment.
Our courses facilitate learning that is skill-based and knowledge-based and which benefit the Community in general and enable individuals to contribute to the Community in a more positive and enlightened way.
All teaching and learning is in line with the Mission, Vision and Values of Scoil Mhuire while meeting the requirements of our awarding bodies including QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland).
To help all learners achieve their potential, Scoil Mhuire Adult Education:
- Provides a supportive learning environment responsive to the needs of learners to enable them to enhance their knowledge and skills and reach their full potential.
- Has a flexible learning model which is accessible and caters for learners from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Promotes a sense of autonomy in the learner, while providing guidance and support for the learner.
- Encourages the use of a wide range of different pedagogical methods which are continually monitored, reviewed, and adjusted accordingly.
- Provides a supportive learning environment responsive to the needs of learners to enable them to enhance their knowledge and skills and reach their full potential.
- Has a flexible learning model which is accessible and caters for learners from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Promotes a sense of autonomy in the learner, while providing guidance and support for the learner.
- Invites learners to take part in programme reviews and other ongoing initiatives for improving the learning experience.
QQI - Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many nights do I have to attend?
Most of the modules run for 10 nights. Check our brochure or website for module details.
You will need to complete eight modules to get your full Award, so if you complete two modules a term, you may be able to complete the Award in two years in Clane Community School. If you have completed modules elsewhere, you may be able to count these towards your Certificate and complete the other modules in less than two years.
If you want to do just one module at a time, that is fine also. Each module completed is a Minor award with a certain number of credits. You can build up your credits at your own pace to get to the total number of modules and credits required for the Major Certificate.
2. How big is the class?
The classes range in size from 10 people up to 24 people. This allows for plenty of personal time with the tutor as well as learning from the other night class participants when doing group work.
3. Must I sit an exam at the end?
In some modules, you will sit an exam. In other modules, you will complete assignments as you go through the course, as well as skills demonstrations. Don't worry about the exams as the tutors will ensure that you are well prepared. Talk to your tutor if you are still anxious during the course.
4. I've been away from study for over 20 years. Will I be able for what's involved?
In this case, we would advise that you do the Level 5 Communications (5N0690) course first. This will re-introduce you to writing and will show you how to structure any essays you may have to write. It will also help to build your confidence when it comes to writing and research.
5. What do I need to qualify to attend the course?
As this is a part-time course, it is designed for adults, so you must be over 18 to attend. All Learners’ English Oral and Communication skills should be appropiate to the QQI level which they wish to study.
6. Will my attendance affect my result?
Your attendance will affect your result in that you will miss out on elements of the assignments that your tutor requires. If is difficult to get a proper 'feel' for the coursework just from your tutor's notes, as class discussions always play a big part in the learning in adult education. It is vital to attend as many nights as you can in order to get the best result you can.
7. How do you register for the course?
You can register using Easy Payments Plus, by post, by calling into the school from 9am-4pm during term time, by attending our information evenings in September and January, or by letter from a State organisation such as SOLAS or the Department of Social Protection. Full information is provided here.
8. Can I pay the fees in instalments?
Yes, we have a Payment Plan Option for all our QQI Courses.
9. Can I get funding towards this course?
If you are in receipt of unemployment benefit or certain other types of Social Welfare, you may be entitled to a training grant. You should go to your local INTREO (FAS) office or social welfare office and ask to speak to the Training Facilitator. Funding needs to be in place before you start the training, so it is important to see the training facilitator as early as possible.
10. When do I do work experience?
Work experience forms part of some modules as well as having its own full module, Work Experience (5N1356). If you are doing some work experience as part of a module, you can ask your tutor when is best. For the QQI Level 5 Minor Award in Work Experience (5N1356), you should wait until that module has started before going on work experience as a learner record must be kept and you will be told how to fill that out.
11. Do I organise my own work experience?
Yes, you will organise your own work placement.
12. When do I get my results?
All coursework is assessed in June of each year by QQI. Results are circulated to students at the end of June and certificates are presented at an awards ceremony in September.
13. If I have completed modules in another college can I use them towards a Major award?
Yes, you can. Results for your completed modules are retained by QQI and can be used as credits.
14. If I drop out of the course, will I lose my certification?
You will receive certification for any module you have completed. Results for your completed modules are retained by QQI and can be used in the future as credits against another course.
15. I have not completed all my modules with Clane Community School. How do I apply for my full Cert?
Come and talk to us in the Adult Education Office and we can find out how many modules you have completed and take it from there.
16. Will Healthcare Support qualify me to work as a Home Help?
Yes, it will, and it will help you to seek further work opportunities in general hospitals and nursing homes.
17. Can I go further with my qualification?
Yes. You can consider further third level study in nursing and related health studies either in universities or Institutes of Technology. Your options could include Level 8 degrees in nursing degrees or social care.
18. Are the tutors qualified?
We have different tutors for different modules and all of them have relevant professional qualifications in their discipline.
*If you do not see the answer to your question here, you can email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 045 868255.
