Everybody that is employed as a Care Assistant, within the care sector, no matter which provision, has to achieve a Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care, to meet national minimum standards within the Care Standards Act, but more importantly will enable them to carry out their job more successfully and to a higher standard and maintain a high level of quality of care. The NVQ 2 in Health and Social Care is divided into units that stipulate the information required by service providers to affect care within their roles and is flexible within different provisions.

The units are constructed of mandatory and optional units and you will be required to complete a blend of these so that you can attain your Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 award.

NVQ Level 2

A Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 in is constructed of 6 units. All learners must complete all mandatory units, then choose 2 units from the selection of optional units.

Mandatory Units for Health and Social Care NVQ level 2 in:

1. Communicate with and complete records for service users.
2. Support the health and safety of yourself and service users.
3. Develop your knowledge and practice.
4. Ensure your own actions support the care, protection and well- being of individuals.

Who should take this qualification?

Care Assistants/Support Workers who work in care sector provisions such as elderly residential, learning disability, supported living, day care services and domiciliary care.

Progression on to a level 3, if the job role allows for a Supervisory role.

NVQ Level 3

Who should undertake this qualification?

Level 3 will be suitable for you if you use your knowledge and skills to carry out a broad range of complex work activities. You job role will have considerable autonomy or responsibility, and often require you to manage or train others.

At Level 3 you can cover everything from communicating using the latest assistive technologies to managing confidential information in line with Data Protection legislation, from acting appropriately if abuse is suspected to administering and storing medicines safely.

To acheive a full NVQ 3 a learner must complete 4 mandatory units and choose 4 units from the selection of optional units.

1. Promote effective communication for and about individuals
2. Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the working environment
3. Reflect on and develop your practice
4. Promote choice, well being and the protection of all individuals

NVQ Level 4

Who should undertake this qualification?

Suitable for those in a Management position, this then progresses onto Leadership and Management for Care Services.

You can be working any organisation or industry but you must be able to show that you have responsiblity for the work of others.

To acheive a full NVQ 4 a learner must complete 4 mandatory units and choose 4 units from the selection of optional units.

Mandatory units for NVQ level 4:

1. Use and develop methods and systems to communicate, record and report
2. Contribute to the development and maintenance of healthy and safe practices in the working environment
3. Take responsibility for the continuing professional development of self and others
4. Develop practices which promote choice, well-being and protection of all individuals