LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE - WALES AND NI

This qualification is about the delivery of health and social care to children and young people. The level 3 Diploma is for practitioners who work in a health and social care setting, and under the direction of, a colleague who has overall accountability for the area of practice. This qualification reflects a higher level of responsibility and is therefore more appropriate for those who have a supervisory or autonomous role in their setting, such as supervisors and team leaders. It is applicable wherever such care is delivered, such as the residential services, day services and community based domiciliary care services for children and young people.

To achieve the full diploma, learners must complete a minimum of 58 credits. Credits are achieved by completing a number of units, which are made up of a different number of credits and levels. Units are selected from two Groups - 40 credits must come from Group A and a minimum of 18 credits from Group B. Units from Group A relate to child development, implementing and reviewing development plans, health and safety, safeguarding, communication, supporting positive outcomes, meeting legislative requirements, self reflection and personal development and duty of care.

Units are either knowledge-based, which require the learner to demonstrate their understanding of concepts or competence-based, which require to the learner to demonstrate their competence practically.

How you will gain the qualification

Learners will be required to put together a portfolio of evidence, where their vocational competence and understanding will be assessed against the specific criteria of each unit. Each learner will be assigned an assessor who will observe them at regular intervals in their work place performing their job role. Other assessment methods include witness testimonies, discussion and questioning, work related documents and self reflective written accounts. For knowledge-based units, learners can attend workshops and complete set assignments.

What qualifications you need

Those wishing to access this qualification must be working in a supervisory capacity in a relevant work setting and have the motivation to succeed in what is largely a learner driven qualification.

Where to next

Successful candidates may progress, job role permitting, to the Level 5 Diplomas in Leadership in Health and Social Care. Alternatively, this qualification could lead to improved career prospects.