This QCA-approved qualification is designed for those working in support roles within the health care sector, such as, (senior) health care assistants, who are aspiring to 'Assistant Practitioner' level of the NHS career band structure. It links with relevant 'core' and 'specific dimensions' of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework, including communication, personal and people development, health, safety and security, and equality and diversity. Assessment is by means of assignments. The HPD could form the first part (120 credits) of a related Foundation or Honours Degree programme. Candidates could also progress to the Level 7 Master Professional Diploma in Strategy and Development that can be achieved in a health and well-being context.
As job roles within health care services become re-defined and progressively upgraded, there is a positive government commitment to developing formal training and qualifications plus the provision of career progression routes across the health care sector. Changes to the nursing profession are, in particular, impacting on those working in support roles and there is a recognised need for experienced staff to undertake increased responsibilities.
The Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Health and Well-being
This programme has been developed for those who are aspiring to, or already working at 'Assistant Practitioner' level of the NHS career band structure. It links with the'core dimensions' at Level 4 of the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework, including communication, personal and people development; health, safety and security; and equality and diversity.
Children's care, learning and development - NVQ
These awards are aimed at people who work with children and young people aged 0 to 16. They reflect the diverse group of people who do not work in a single age range, but move between settings catering for different needs. They are relevant to people working in day care, crèches, preschools and schools, hospitals, primary care and community based services such as SureStart programmes. They are also relevant to people working as childminders.
The level 2 award is aimed at nursery assistants, crèche workers, special educational needs assistants working in a supporting role.
The level 3 award is aimed at childminders, day-care supervisors, SureStart workers and community nursery nurses who may have some supervisory responsibilities.
The level 4 award is aimed at centre managers, senior practitioners, childminding co-ordinators, and pre-school advisers who may have an overall responsibility of the services provided.
Community Mental Health Care, Certificate - Vocational 3
This qualification is aimed at staff, volunteers, users and carers who do not hold a professionally affiliated qualification in mental health but are involved in the delivery of mental health services. This includes residential, day care, drop-in services, advocacy, in patient, outpatient, supported housing, supported employment, home and community support. It is a work based award, which offers comprehensive coverage of the core knowledge, skills and values needed by practitioners to deliver effective and safe user-centred services across the broad spectrum of mental health services in the UK . It can act as a stand-alone award or alongside other vocational training such as S/NVQs. It can also be a stepping-stone onto professional training.
Substance Misuse
Specific qualifications in this area are in development. However, the level 4 NVQ and SVQ in Health and Social Care contain some units specific to drug and alcohol misuse. Select the link below to find out more.
Qualifications List
Our qualifications in Oral Health Care are available as NVQs at levels 2 and 3. For further information, select the link below.
Qualifications List
This NVQ is aimed at dental nurses who, along with other members of the dental team, work in a variety of settings including general dental practices, the community dental service, dental and general hospitals and the armed services. The learner's role would range from reception duties and practice management to maintaining materials and equipment, cross-infection control, support for the patient and the dentist during clinical procedures and oral health education.
The level 2 qualification is aimed at people working in a support role to the wider Oral Health team. The level 3 qualification is aimed at people who provide direct chair-side work, patient care and support during a range of dental treatments.
This qualification has been especially designed with the support of the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), to meet the needs of dental nurses.
Custodial Healthcare
This qualification is available at level 3. For more information, select the link below.
Qualifications List
Custodial Healthcare - NVQ (No. 7496 )
This NVQ is aimed primarily at Health Care Officers and their equivalents working to provide health care to individuals in secure custodial establishments.
Individuals working in custodial settings, particularly in health care, are working with highly vulnerable people. They are likely to face challenging moral and ethical issues related to the management of violent behaviour, the restriction of individuals' liberty, the prevention of aggressive behaviour, the protection of rights and the protection of individuals from abuse. The qualification also addresses the maintenance of a healthy and hygienic environment for individuals in a custodial setting. The additional units available allow learners to extend their competence and develop further into their roles in meeting the health care needs of individuals in custodial settings.
This qualification aims to meet the specific training and development requirements for these Health Care Officers, and describes the essential competences, which everyone working at this level and delivering nursing care within a custodial environment, should possess.
