September 2014 update
This month's update includes a change to the expiry date for one of our level 5 qualifications and funding for staff training in adult social care.
Level 5 Diploma for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England)
Last month we announced the new 90-credit Pearson Edexcel Level 5 Diploma for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England) (QAN 601/4438/5), which replaces the existing 80-credit qualification (QAN 600/0744/8).
In a change to our original announcement, the existing 80-credit qualification will now expire on 31 October 2014. The qualification is no longer approved for the Apprenticeship framework (as of 1 September 2014).
The new 90-credit qualification was developed under instruction from the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) and the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Care, as a result of the new Higher Apprenticeship SASE Framework requirement that learners must complete a 90-credit qualification.
The only change from the expired 80-credit qualification is that the following unit is now mandatory - Undertake a Research Project within Services for Health and Social Care or Children and Young People.
Centres will need to ensure that learners are registered against the correct qualification.
Skills for Care - Workforce Development Fund
Skills for Care can help fund those working in adult social care to develop the knowledge, skills and practical abilities needed to deliver quality care.
Adult social care employers can reclaim some of the cost of Diploma, Award and Certificate units through our Workforce Development Fund. For more information please visit the Skills for Care website.