NVQ Level 2 Health and Social Care

These qualifications:

• are nationally recognised

• are based on the Health and Social Care National Occupational Standards (NOS).

The NOS, assessment principles and qualification structures are owned by Skills for Care and Development.

The Edexcel Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) (QCF) has been approved as components for the Health and Social Care Advanced Apprenticeship framework.

What is the purpose of these qualifications?

These qualifications aim to guide and assess the development of knowledge and skills relating to the health and social care workforce.

The Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) (QCF) confirms competence in areas of health and social care as appropriate and is the required qualification for registration and regulatory requirements in the social care sector in England. Learners have the opportunity to take a general qualification in health and social care, or they may specialise in dementia care, or learning disabilities.

Who are these qualifications for?

These qualifications are for all learners aged 16 and above who are capable of reaching the required standards.

Edexcel’s policy is that the qualifications should:

• be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression

• ensure equality of opportunity for all wishing to access the qualification(s).

What are the benefits of these qualifications to the learner and employer?

The Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) (QCF) will be the only qualification that confirms occupational competence for identified roles in the Health and Social Care workforce in England.

What are the potential job roles for those working towards these qualifications?

• Senior care assistants/support workers/key workers in residential settings

• Senior healthcare assistants/support workers in community and primary care environments

• Senior healthcare assistants/support workers in acute health environments

• Senior care assistants/support workers/key workers in domiciliary services

• Senior care assistants/support workers/key workers in day services

• Senior support workers in supported living projects

• Community-based senior care assistants/support workers/key workers, including those working in specialist areas, eg dementia, learning disabilities

• Personal assistants employed directly by the individual they support or their families

• Emerging new types of workers and multi-disciplinary health roles crossing traditional service barriers and delivery models