In order to work in a care home in the UK, you are not required to have an NVQ. However, having an NVQ in Health and Social Care at Level 2 or 3 may give you an advantage when applying for jobs, as it will show that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the sector. Many care homes will also provide on-the-job training, so even if you don’t have an NVQ, you may still be able to find employment in this field.
The NVQ in Health and Social Care at level 2 is the UK nationally recognized qualification for work in a care home.
However, there are other qualifications which are also suitable, such as the Cardiff Metropolitan University Diploma in Health and Social Care, the BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care, or the City & Guilds Diploma in Health and Social Care.
The NVQ in Health and Social Care at level 2 is a two-year course which can be studied full or part time. The aim of the NVQ is to provide the learner with the knowledge, understanding and skills required to work in a care home setting.
The NVQ is made up of units which cover the following topics:
-Communication
-Equality, diversity and rights
-Individual needs
-Health and safety
-Development of self and others
-Personal care
-Movement and handling
-Food and nutrition
-Basic life support
-Infection control
-Record keeping
-Dementia
-Mental health
-Learning disabilities
-Substance misuse
-Physical disabilities
-Caring for people with palliative and end of life care needs
To achieve the NVQ, learners must complete all of the units and achieve a minimum of 62 credits. credits are awarded for each unit completed and the number of credits depends on the level of the unit. For example, a level 2 unit would typically be worth 5 credits, whereas a level 4 unit would be worth 20 credits.
Once the NVQ has been completed, the learner will receive a certificate which is recognised by employers in the UK. The NVQ can also lead to further study, such as the level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care, which is the UK nationally recognized qualification for work in a care home setting.