As of the 1st of January 2011 this qualification has been replaced by the QCF Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care

Who is it for?
This qualification is designed for people who often work without direct supervision or on their own, perhaps in a user’s own home. They may have some supervisory responsibility or might be involved in specialist tasks with some degree of responsibility or independence. These awards are particularly relevant to senior care workers, health care workers, home care organisers and community support workers and include units for drugs and mental health workers. The Children and Young People pathway is especially relevant to residential child care workers and foster carers as well as workers in health, youth justice and educational settings.

Course content
To achieve a full Level 3 in Health and Social Care qualification, candidates must achieve 8 units: four mandatory units and four optional units.
The mandatory units are:

• Promote effective communication for and about individuals
• Promote, monitor and maintain health, safety and security in the working environment
• Reflect on and develop your practice
• Promote choice, well-being and the protection of individuals. The optional units chosen must be appropriate for the work function and setting of the learner.

Assessment
Assessment takes place through evaluation of work-based performance, presenting evidence, witness testimony and questioning. A portfolio of evidence is produced which demonstrates that the candidate can perform to the level described. Participants will all have a vocationally competent NVQ assessor who will help assemble the portfolio and prepare for assessment. In addition, candidates will have access to email and telephone support throughout their NVQ Level 3 Care programme together with resources as required.

Entry requirements
It is open to candidates at any age, of either gender and there are no entry barriers on the grounds of race, creed or previous academic attainment or learning. However, candidates must be employed in a workplace relevant to the occupational standards for Health and Social Care to enable them to complete the qualification successfully.

How long will it take?
There are no fixed periods for completion, however depending on experience most participants complete within 9 months.

Progression
On completion of this NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care programme candidates are able to progress on to NVQ in Health and Social Care Level 4.