We would like to provide clarity to customers regarding the purpose of the following qualifications and in particular the use of placements for learners completing them:

• Level 2 Health and Social Care: Practice (Adults)
• Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (Adults)
• Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (Children and Young People)

The above qualifications develop the ability of learners to practically support the health and care needs of individuals accessing support.  The qualifications are therefore practice-based and assess learners’ knowledge and practice.

They are designed for learners in work based learning. The qualification will assess learners’ knowledge and practice through their work, and   cannot be completed by learners who require an occupational placement.

What options are available for learners who are not working in the sector?

Learners who wish to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills in preparation for employment in the health and social care sector, or for progression to further professional study, can complete many different qualifications as follows:

• City & Guilds Level 2 Health and Social Care: Core
• WJEC Level 2 Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts
• WJEC GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare
• WJEC Certificate in Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts
• WJEC Diploma in Health and Social Care: Principles and Contexts
• WJEC Advanced GCE in Health and Social Care, and Childcare
• WJEC Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Health and Social Care, and Childcare

Our main aim is to ensure the integrity and robustness of the qualifications and their assessments, we will always seek to avoid disadvantaging learners where possible.  If you have enrolled learners who are using placements to attain the Health and Social Care Practice qualifications, please contact the HCLW Quality team immediately so that we can agree next steps.