The first concrete steps towards a national post-16 qualifications framework will be taken this month as examinations bodies submit their awards for accreditation. The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority will assess and accredit the qualifications submitted, working closely with awarding bodies. The framework was recommended in the Dearing report to provide clearer educational pathways through 17,000 post-16 qualifications. The QCA is taking bids from the employment sector. The first four qualifications, to be submitted this month, are child care, speech and drama, numeracy and playwork. The next, to be submitted in May, are art and design, construction, graded music, general studies and all A and AS levels.