NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care
About Course
Course Information
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals working or aspiring to work in the adult care sector. This course equips learners with essential knowledge and practical skills required to provide compassionate and person-centred care in various health and social care settings, including residential care homes, domiciliary care, hospitals and supported living environments.
The course aligns with current regulatory requirements and prepares learners for roles that require competence in providing direct care while maintaining a person-centred approach.
Aims and Objectives
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care aims to:
- Develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide high quality care and support.
- Enable learners to promote health, safety and wellbeing in care settings.
- Build competence in safeguarding adults and promoting their rights and choices.
- Equip learners with effective communication and teamwork skills in care environments.
- Prepare learners for further studies or career progression in the adult care sector.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand and apply principles of effective communication and person-centred care.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in care settings.
- Implement safe and effective care practices, including safeguarding and infection control.
- Support individuals with personal care and daily living activities.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and other professionals.
Course Duration
The Level 2 Diploma in Care typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete, depending on the learner’s pace and work environment. The flexible structure allows learners to balance their studies with their professional responsibilities.
Entry Requirements
To enrol in this qualification, learners must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Be working, volunteering or have access to a real work environment in the care sector.
- Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to complete written assignments and assessments.
- No prior qualifications are required; however, experience in a care role is beneficial.
Who This Course is For
This qualification is suitable for:
- Individuals working as care assistants, support workers, or personal assistants.
- Those looking to begin a career in adult social care.
- Learners or apprentices who wish to work or are working in a variety of different settings within the NHS and private care facilities.
- Employers seeking to upskill their staff and ensure compliance with national care standards.
Mandatory Units
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care consists of mandatory units that cover essential competencies, including:
- Communication in Care Settings
- Handle Information in Care Settings
- Safeguarding and Protection in Care Settings
- Health, Safety and Well-Being in Care Settings
- Equality and Inclusion in Care Settings
- Responsibilities of a Care Worker
- Duty of Care
- Personal Development in Care Settings
- Implement Person-Centred Approaches in Care Settings
Optional Units
Learners can choose optional units based on their specific roles or career aspirations. Examples include:
- Supporting individuals with dementia
- Assisting individuals with learning disabilities
- Supporting individuals with physical disabilities
- Administering medication safely
- Supporting end-of-life care
Optional units allow learners to develop specialised skills tailored to their work environment.
Assessment Methods
The Level 2 Diploma in Care uses various assessment methods to evaluate learners’ knowledge, skills and competencies. These include:
- Observation: Assessors observe learners performing tasks in real work environments.
- Witness Testimony: Statements from colleagues or supervisors verifying the learner’s competence.
- Reflective Accounts: Learners provide written reflections on their experiences in care.
- Written Questions: Learners answer structured questions to demonstrate theoretical understanding.
- Professional Discussions: Assessors conduct discussions with learners to explore their application of care practices.
- Portfolio of Evidence: Learners compile work products, case studies and documentation to demonstrate their skills.
- Assignments and Case Studies: Written tasks applying theoretical knowledge to real-world care scenarios.
Career Progression and Further Education
Upon completing the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care, learners can pursue roles such as:
- Care Assistant – Providing personal care and support to individuals.
- Support Worker – Assisting people with disabilities or mental health conditions.
- Healthcare Assistant – Working in hospitals, clinics, or residential care settings.
- Domiciliary Care Worker – Supporting individuals in their own homes.
Further Education Opportunities:
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
- Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications
- Nursing or Social Work pathways
Salary Expectations:
- Entry-level roles: £18,000 – £21,000 per year
- Senior roles: £22,000 – £25,000 per year
- With further qualifications: £30,000+ per year
Course Content
Communication in Care Settings
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Understand why communication is important in the work setting
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Be able to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals
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Be able to reduce barriers to communication
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Be able to apply principles and practices relating to confidentiality at work