L4 Diploma in Adult Care

This qualification is supported by Skills for Care, the sector skills council for the adult care sector in England. It is designed for those learners working in senior practice and/or lead practitioner roles in adult care settings such as residential care, domiciliary care or day services, typically with responsibility for assessing performance and quality of care delivery, providing coaching and mentoring to their colleagues. The qualification content is appropriate for a variety of senior practice roles such as:

• Community care officer
• Physiotherapy assistant
• Re-ablement support worker
• Social care assistant
• Telecare assistant

The qualification content also links with the knowledge and skills required for the Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Apprenticeship standard.

Learners gaining this qualification will undertake 11 mandatory units enabling them to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the following areas; leading communication, developing, maintaining and using records and reports, personal development, leading inclusive practice, health and safety, facilitating person-centred assessment and support planning to ensure positive outcomes and to support wellbeing, professional practice, working in partnership, understanding personalisation, safeguarding and protection in adult care settings. Learners will also develop their knowledge and skills in a variety of other areas by selecting optional units that are suitable for their job role and development.

How long will it take me to achieve this qualification?

The total qualification time for this qualification is 700 hours, of which 467 are recommended as guided learning hours.

How is the qualification assessed?

This qualification is assessed through completion of a portfolio of evidence which will be assessed and internally quality assured by the centre.

What next?

Individuals achieving this qualification can choose to progress onto the Highfield Level 4 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management in Adult Care (RQF) or Highfield Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England) (RQF) if aspiring to management positions. Alternatively, this qualification allows progression onto specialist higher level qualifications in adult care, coaching or mentoring.