Wednesday, August 08, 2012
Following the news that we are to launch our first Skillsfirst accredited qualification 'Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care', we have been inundated with questions about how best to integrate this into current induction training plans. Common questions include;
- How does this fit with Common Induction Standards training?
- What funding is available and how do we access it?
- Does the qualification build credits towards Health and Social Diploma?
So in order to provide a little more clarity, we have provided the following flowchart along with some additional information to help contextualise why this qualification is so important.
Example Learner Pathway
Step 1
Learner completes Common Induction Standards (12 weeks).
Step 2*
On completion of Care Academy CIS, Learner is registered onto Level 2 Certificate 'Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care' qualification.
Step 3
Learner completes 9 unit assessments and has access to e-learning support modules as required.
Step 4
Completed assessments are automatically marked and feedback provided immediately. Assessor support is provided within system where appropriate.
Step 5
Upon successful completion of the qualification, learner achieves accredited qualification and employer can then claim up to £300 per qualification via Skills for Care WDF fund.
Step 6
Learner automatically achieves 20 credits towards a full Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care.* Learners who have completed CIS outside of Care Academy can jump straight to step 2. Alternatively, learners who are not required to undertake CIS (i.e. Apprenticeships) can also register directly onto qualification.
Additional Notes
Skills for Care
SfC state: ‘The new standards (CIS) mirror exactly the new mandatory and core units for Health and Social Care diplomas, so that if the CIS are done well, any evidence of the knowledge gained will be direct evidence that can be used towards the diploma. So there is an incentive for learners and employers to ensure that the CIS are delivered effectively as this will save time when moving on to the diploma. To find out more visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk
Care Academy
The CIS programme available within Care Academy has been reviewed by national awarding organisation Skillsfirst and learners undertaking our programme will be equipped to undertake the assessments required to achieve Level 2 certificate ‘Preparing to work in Adult Social Care’.
Care Quality Commission
CQC expects service providers to demonstrate good practice in meeting the essential standards of quality and safety and in delivering positive outcomes for people who use services. With specific reference to workforce training and development CQC state that “Care providers must show that they are complying with the relevant regulations covering staff competence and training. The ‘relevant regulations’ in this context mean the Common Induction Standards. Furthermore, on completion of CIS all care practitioners should be offered the opportunity to achieve a recognised vocational qualification, with the current recommended qualification being the Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care. To find out more visit www.cqc.org.uk
Workforce Development Fund
The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) is a funding stream from the Department of Health disseminated by Skills for Care via a network of organisations and employer led partnerships. WDF supports the achievement of qualification units and continuing professional development across the adult social care sector in England. Funding is available at a rate of £15.00 per credit for qualifications on the Qualification and Credits Framework (QCF). To find out more visit www.skillsforcare.org.uk
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