As of the 1st of April 2011 this qualification has ben replaced by the QCF Level 5 Diploma in Health and Social Care and Children and Young People Services

Who is it for?
This NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care qualification is designed for supervisory or management roles and covers managerial duties in addition to the assessment planning and review of individuals’ care needs. At this level students will have management or supervisory responsibility for other staff or a high level of autonomy in developing individual responses to the assessed needs of service users.

Course content
To achieve a full Level 4 Health and Social Care qualification, candidates must achieve 8 units: four mandatory units and four optional units.
The mandatory units are:

• Use and develop methods and systems to communicate, record and report
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of healthy and safe practises in the working environment
• Take responsibility for the continuing professional development of self and others
• Develop practices which promote choice, well being and protection of all individuals. The optional units chosen must be appropriate for the work function and setting of the learner.

Assessment
Assessment of the Health and Social CAre NVQ level 4 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 Health and Social Care level 4 programme together with resources as required.

Entry requirements
The NVQ level 4 in Care 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 9-12 months.

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