SmartScreen

Maurice Lister, Chief Verifier and dedicated ‘ask an expert’ for all Hair & Beauty Qualifications on SmartScreen tutor forums gives some examples on how the tutor forum has been used to share information, utilise feedback and make the most of the ‘ask and expert’ service successfully on our Hair & Beauty qualifications…

1. ask an expert Q&A

“The following question was posted to the Ask an Expert in the hairdressing Level 3 tutor forum. It shows how the tutor forum and particularly the Ask an Expert feature is a valuable source of important information. Many of the questions seek clarification of our requirements and some are significant, such as in this example. These types of issues will of course be communicated to our centres and EVs through other established channels but the key message is, ‘if you want to know first check SmartScreen!"

Colour start skin testing- Is it legal??? by Karen Mackle
12/07/2006 14:16

Maurice

I have recently sent for information regarding colourstart skin testing patches (they were very helpful and efficient), however on speaking to my line manager it seems that the Health & Safety Executive have said these patches are not legal i.e. we are still liable. I know that other colleges use them because I saw it on the L2 tutor forum. So what information do you have?

Karen Mackle

reply by Maurice Lister
14/07/2006 18:01

Hi

At present the hairdressing standards require that candidates follow the manufacturers’ instructions relating to the testing and use of their products that are being used. Alternative testing methods may be used for assessment if the method is stated as acceptable by the manufacturer of the product being used during the assessment.

Best regards

Maurice

2. Sharing information

“This example shows how the tutor forum provides an online network and place for centres to share information and ideas on good practice”.

Topic: Preventing Dermatitis by Stephanie Powell
01/09/2006 08:49

The HSE and our local authority are undertaking a project to raise awareness of work related dermatitis.  They are visiting local employers training providers etc.  The first stage of the programme is to raise awareness and the second stage to check on the uptake of H/S teaching materials and good practice controls.

What do your learners/employees wear for shampooing? If anything.  Do you have both vinyl and latex gloves available?  Do any of you have the longer gloves for shampooing?  What training do you give your staff?  What publications do you use?

reply by Maurice Lister
08/09/2006 22:27

Hi Stephanie,

Thanks for sharing this.

Best regards

Maurice

reply by jane donald
16/10/2006 11:32

I, myself have experienced contact dermatitis and know of the irritation it can cause working in this industry.  My advice to students is to properly dry hands after shampooing, regularly use a good hand cream and invest in cotton gloves, E45 cream and 1% hydrocortisone cream to wear at night.  It works wonders!

reply by Jacqueline Atkinson
13/11/2006 15:04

I wonder if anyone can tell me where we might get some long gloves for shampooing?  We’ve looked in Ellisons but the ones they have are not really suitable.

Jacqueline Atkinson

3.  Utilising feedback

“This case study shows how we can use the tutor forum to seek and utilise feedback on an ongoing basis rather than in large and often time consuming consultations. This information is used to clarify or amend existing requirements or is fed into the appropriate review process, as required.”

If you could change one thing about Level 3?  by Maurice Lister
15/06/2006 20:33

If you could change one thing about Level 3 what would you change?

reply by Lorraine Harris
15/06/2006 22:00

The assignments being so repetitive.

reply by susan cassidy
20/06/2006 23:07

Answer guides for the assignments to ensure standardisation across centres and avoid differing interpretations.

reply by Anne Stephens
30/06/2006 12:36

Repetition of questions for E3A papers, are you able to cross reference repetitive questions?

reply by Maurice Lister
30/06/2006 13:55

Hi

Thanks for your replies – please keep them coming.  Anne, yes you can cross reference the questions.

Best regards

Maurice

reply by karen quinn
10/07/2006 10:06

Assignments are very long and repetitive.

reply by kelly king
11/07/2006 11:47

Agree repetition of E3a papers.

As there are so many good activity/worksheets used from SmartScreen as in class activity it would be nice to be able to use them as supplementary evidence for E3a.  It would be nice to have a generic paper that covers all cross referencing to one paper, of course ensuring that the answers are relevant to that unit.

reply by karen mackle
11/07/2006 15:56

Maurice

If we can cross reference E3as why is there not a generic paper for these?  Would it be acceptable for us to produce one as long as we don’t change the questions?  Would this also apply to E4s – as H30 and H28 are ritually the same?

Thanks

Karen Mackle

reply by Maurice Lister
17/11/2006 12:55

Hi Karen

Only just seen this post so sorry for the late reply.

We have to produce separate papers for each unit to allow candidates to undertake the units individually. We are investigating the use of synoptic tests alongside individual unit tests. When ready they are likely to become part of our new GOLA system in the future.

Yes you can develop generic papers for similar E3a questions, please make sure that you let your EV know. The E4 papers cannot be changed, however you can identify where questions have been covered in an earlier papers and cross reference to these. Please ensure that the knowledge tested is identical and that the mandatory written questions requirements, e.g. 70% rule, etc. are met before cross referencing E4 questions.

I hope this helps.

Kind regards

Maurice