For the very first time, and in line with the National Dementia Strategy, there are specific dementia subjects for those who care for, or are in contact, with people with dementia. These new QCF dementia units were implemented on 1 September 2010.

The QCF is a simple structure that enables learners to achieve 3 types of qualification: Award, Certificate or Diploma. Each of these qualifications is based on the amount of time taken in learning. The time is a combination of trainer-led learning, self-directed learning and workplace application. In addition there are hours of assessment.

The level of the qualification depends on the complexity of the learning material. Health and Social Care qualifications are at levels 2 and 3.

QCF - Health & Social Care: Dementia units

Within the QCF for Health & Social Care, there are specialist dementia units for those engaged in the care of people with dementia.

To acquire an Award in H&SC, learners will be required to complete the mandatory dementia units.

To acquire a Certificate or Diploma in H&SC, learners will be required to complete both the mandatory dementia units and further, optional units. The list of optional units, from which the learner selects, includes dementia specific units.

Level 2 & 3, Awards, Certificates and Diplomas

Learning for the Award and Certificate qualifications can commence in September 2010.

The knowledge units that make up the Award qualification, at either level 2 or 3, provide the theory and value base of best practice in dementia care and are suitable for learners before or while they are working with people with dementia.

The knowledge and competence units that make up the Certificate qualification, at either level 2 or 3, provide both the theory and value base of best practice in dementia care and the opportunity to put this into practice in the workplace. These Certificate qualifications are suitable for learners who are working with people with dementia.

The new Diploma will start in January 2011and can be tailored for a dementia-specific qualification.

Learners will undertake mandatory generic units from a list of courses in Group A. They can then choose to take the dementia pathway and undertake the mandatory dementia units from Group B.

Finally they can select from a range of optional dementia and generic units from Group C. This will allow learners to tailor their Diploma to their specific learning needs and work role.

Hours of learning

The level of qualification (ie Award, Certificate or Diploma) is determined by the number of hours of learning required for its completion.

• Award - Level 2 82 hours
• Award - Level 3 99 hours

 

• Certificate - Level 2 190 hours
• Certificate - Level 3 225 hours

 

• Diploma - Level 2 460 hours
• Diploma - Level 3 580 hours

Guided Learning

Learners need to bear in mind that the formal trainer-led learning element of each unit is formal, classroom led training by a qualified trainer. It is not self-directed, remote or e-learning.

Where the learner has an NVQ in Health & Social Care

If they are working in dementia care, they will only need to complete the required specialist dementia units to achieve either a QCF Award or a QCF Certificate in dementia care.

Registration

Learners can register now. Simply go to your assessing organisation and register.

Click Here to view the summary of the QCF Award & Certificate dementia units.

Click Here to view the full details on the Level 2 Award dementia units.

Click Here to view the full details on the Level 2 Certificate dementia units.

Click Here to view the full details on the Level 3 Award dementia units.

Click Here to view the full details on the Level 3 Certificate dementia units.

Resources and Materials available from JPA

JPA, as the sector-specialist, has created low-cost Trainer’s Guides and Learner’s Workbooks mapped to each dementia module. We are also holding day-long sessions for Trainers to help them prepare for delivering the Level 2 and 3 Award and Certificate modules.

Information on both trainers’ courses and the publications can be found on this website.