Diploma in Adult Care – Level 3

This course has several starting dates throughout the year.

The Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is a competence based qualification which has been developed with Skills for Care and in consultation with employers who provide adult care. This qualification covers the knowledge and skills required to work in a lead adult care worker role in a range of settings and supporting individuals with different needs. The qualification contains units which are both competence based and knowledge based.

This is primarily for those working in a senior position in a face-to-face role with service users. You will undertake a range of mandatory units some of which are listed below and have a choice of optional units dependent on your professional pathway.

Teaching and learning methods

All delivery takes place in the workplace and via the OneFile portfolio. This course is suitable for independent learners.

Modules and assessment

All of the theory will be assessed by assignments and professional discussions with your Skills Officer. Your practice will be assessed in your workplace by a range of methods including observations in line with the requirements of the City & Guilds of London Institute. You will be supported by your Skills officer to build an electronic portfolio of evidence.

Examples of Mandatory Units

• Unit 301 Promote personal development in care settings
• Unit 302 Promote health, safety and wellbeing in care settings
• Unit 303 Promote communication in care settings
• Unit 304 Promote effective handling of information in care settings
• Unit 305 Duty of care in care settings

Examples of Optional Units

• Understand mental wellbeing and mental health promotion
• Understand how to support individuals with autistic spectrum conditions
• The principles of Infection Prevention and Control
• Understand Physical Disability
• Understand Sensory Loss
• Providing Independent Advocacy support
• Increase awareness about drugs, alcohol or other substances with individuals and groups
• Administer medication to individuals, and monitor the effects
• Provide support to continue recommended therapies
• Support individuals with multiple conditions and/or disabilities.

Next steps: The course is designed to enhance your professional qualifications and to provide you with continuous professional development opportunities. It can also lead to studying for a Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care or a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services.

You must be working in a senior position in health and social care setting and must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly CRB) for your employer. You need excellent communication and organisational skills and be motivated to learn. You will have to undertake an interview and complete a skills scan.

• Tutorial and assessor support
• Online portfolio and resources
• Access to the College Learning Resource Centre (LRC)

Your tutor will discuss appropriate text books with you at the start of your course.