What Qualification/level is this course?
This is a Diploma at Level 4. The qualification develops the learners underpinning theoretical knowledge to be able to contextualise real work experiences enabling positive outcomes to people’s lives who use care services. It focuses on implementing and promoting effective partnership working both internally, and with external partnerships in a range of social care settings.

Entry Requirements/Application Process
Applicants must: Be working with adults in a care setting. GCSE's in English and maths at grade 4/C or equivalent or be deemed able to work towards the required level as part of the programme.

Application Process
Learners will: Complete an online application form Undertake an Initial Assessment test that includes English. Have an interview with an ACL team member to assess suitability and eligibility Employers will: Provide consent to ACL for the learner to be enrolled.

Who is the course for?
This is aimed at Deputy Managers, Advanced Social Care-workers, and Social Work Assistants.

What can I expect to learn?
The qualification comprises of the following core mandatory units: Work in partnership in health and social care or children and young people’s settings Advanced communication skills Personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings Equality and diversity in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings Facilitate person centred assessment to support wellbeing of individuals Facilitate support planning to ensure positive outcomes for individuals and to support well being Understand personalisation in care and support services Health and safety in health and social care settings Professional practice in health and social care for adults or children and young people Safeguard children and young people who are present in the adult social care sector Develop, maintain and use records and reports Understand safeguarding and protection in health and social care settings. Optional units can include Understanding professional supervision practice, Understand how to manage a team, Share knowledge and good practice, Undertake a research project

How will I learn?
Our blended approach means that our programmes are flexible and enable learners to experience a range of learning and support opportunities in a variety of formats such as in the workplace by observation, online or at a local ACL centre. The learner will have a dedicated tutor who they will meet (online or face to face) once a month who will guide them through their course. Additionally, there are additional workshops included in the course giving the learner a wider perspective of adult care work. This will support the learner to be able to use their new knowledge and apply it a wide range of adult care services.

How will I know how well I am doing?
The tutor will communicate with learners through the online platform, email, and Microsoft Teams. Work will be regularly assessed and marked, and learners will be provided with encouraging developmental feedback. Learners will also be set targets at different stages of the learning programme to enable personal and course objectives to be met. Reviews of progress will be carried out every 12 weeks with the learner, line manager and the tutor.

Will I have to do any work at home?
We recommend at least 10 to 12 hours a week to complete research, reading and home study. Typically, the course can be completed in 18 months.

What will I need to provide?
Learners will need to have access to a computer or device to enable them to visit the online platform to complete and submit work. Device to enable tutor contact. Pen/pad of paper for taking notes for example to use during one to one phone meetings.

Are there any other costs?
There are no other costs in addition to the course fee.

What can I do next?
Your dedicated tutor will be pleased to discuss other courses that might assist your progression in this subject. You can also make an appointment with an ACL Career and Skills progression advisors to discuss your next steps. For information on ACL courses please see http://www.aclessex.com/

Further information:
The National Careers Service provides information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. The service offers confidential and impartial advice and is supported by qualified careers advisers. To make an appointment please call 0800 100 900 (calls are free from landlines and most mobile numbers) or visit their website https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk