Qualification number: 610/7192/4
Build your professional foundation in adult social care with a qualification that develops the knowledge, understanding and skills you need to work competently as a care or support worker. This flexible programme combines core care principles with specialist optional units, so you can shape your learning around your role, your setting and where you want your career to go.
You will study through practical portfolio development and workplace assessment, building expertise in communication, safeguarding, health and safety, person-centred practice and mental capacity, alongside specialist knowledge in areas such as dementia, autism, mental health or end-of-life care. This qualification is recommended for the ‘Care or support worker’ role category within the Care Workforce Pathway.
Mode of study: Flexible learning – part time / online / blended Indicative study hours: 12–15 hours per week Duration: 24–32 weeks (6–8 months). This is indicative — you can complete earlier if you invest more study hours. Course fee: £1,299 Guided learning hours: 453 Total qualification time: 580 Credit value: 58 Grading: Achieved / not yet achieved
Entry requirements
Suitable placement settings
Residential and nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, some clinical healthcare settings, and community settings.
This qualification is ideal for:
This qualification can also be undertaken as part of the Lead Adult Care Worker apprenticeship standard. Nexsy Academy delivers it as a standalone qualification.
On achieving this qualification you could progress into:
Employment
Learners also go on to team leader and supervisory roles, and to specialist positions in areas such as dementia, autism and learning disability support.
Further education
Higher education — this qualification carries UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for current points allocation.
Nexsy Academy is approved to deliver the Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care and the Level 5 Diploma in Leading and Managing an Adult Care Service, so you can continue your progression with us.
The qualification is internally assessed by Nexsy Academy and externally quality assured by NCFE. You will build a portfolio of evidence using the full range of assessment methods approved by the awarding organisation:
By completion, you will be able to:
To achieve the qualification you need 58 credits: 39 from the mandatory units and a minimum of 19 from the optional units. At least 35 credits must be at Level 3 or above.
Mandatory units (15)
Optional units (minimum 19 credits)
The optional units cover aspects of support, specialisms, clinical skills and healthcare tasks, and leadership and management. Specialist areas include dementia, autism, learning disability, mental health, acquired brain injury, diabetes awareness, trauma-informed practice and end-of-life care.
Your assessor will help you select the optional units that best fit your role, your setting and your intended specialisation.