December 2014 update

HSC qualifications to be extended

We’re in the process of extending the health and social care suite of qualifications to 31 December 2016. Awarding organisations have been reviewing HSC units over the last year or so, and although some units have been deemed non-compliant with the requirements of the QCF, we have agreed with Ofqual and the Sector Skills Council that we can continue to offer them, provided we address any issues that arise from non-compliance. Changes will be addressed through centre guidance and they will also be added to the frequently asked questions.

With the integration of Pearson and EDI, we are in the process of adding additional units to the following Pearson qualifications:

• Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for England
• Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for England
• Pearson Edexcel Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (England)
• Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for Wales and Northern Ireland
• Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adults) for Wales and Northern Ireland
• Pearson Edexcel Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care Services (Children and Young People's Advanced Practice) Wales and Northern Ireland.

You can check which units will be added using our qualification comparison tool.  

If the Pearson qualification already offers tested units, these will remain. If EDI offered tested units which were not offered as tested units for Pearson, these will be replaced by a portfolio of evidence. Tests will not be transferred to the Pearson qualification.

Care Certificate

The Cavendish review recommended the introduction of a Care Certificate from 1 April 2015, for all health and social care staff. This is not a qualification but replaces the Common Inductions Standards in social care and the National Minimum Training Standards in the health sector. Skills for Care have mapped the Care Certificate to the Health and Social Care Diplomas, the Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care qualification and the National Occupational Standards. Further information can be found on the Skills for Care website.

Health and Social Care Higher Apprenticeship

The Higher Apprenticeship SASE Framework requirements have changed and learners must now complete a 90-credit qualification. Under instruction from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Care, we have developed a new level 5, 90-credit qualification for the Higher Apprenticeship.

From 1 September 2014, learners must complete the 90-credit qualification. This qualification mirrors the 80-credit qualification, except the following unit, which has been moved from the mandatory to the optional units – Undertake a Research Project within Services for Health and Social Care or Children and Young People.

Funding for this Apprenticeship is available and will be backdated to 22 September 2014.

Trailblazers

We are currently engaging with Trailblazers in the Adult Care sector.

Adult Care

Phase 2 of the Trailblazer also included Adult Care Worker and Lead Adult Care Worker.

Awarding organisations and training providers will have their first meeting with the Trailblazer Group later this month. Early indications show that the requirement for the new Trailblazer Standard will be the Health and Social Care Diploma along with maths and English. The employer requirement will be the Care Certificate and Disclosure and Barring check.

The following Apprenticeships have also been submitted to BIS for approval in Phase 3:

• Lead Practitioner in Adult Care
• Leader/Manager in Adult Care.