nocn level 2 award in supporting activity provision in social … · 2018-03-19 · nocn level 2...

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NOCN Level 2 Award in

Supporting Activity

Provision in Social Care

(QCF)

National Accreditation No. 501/1625/3

Version 1.5 January 2015

Qualification Specification

NOCN Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care (QCF)

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Introduction

NOCN has been providing a qualification and accreditation service to providers across the UK for over 25 years and is justifiably proud of its reputation as, “…a provider of fully accessible, trusted and flexible qualification and accreditation services”. Over the years, NOCN has worked effectively with centres for the benefit of learners across the country, with a mutual interest in providing a continuously improving service. NOCN, whilst retaining all the advantages of being a national body, has always provided a personal, bespoke service to its customers and prides itself on its local presence and expertise within communities. This document details the qualification specification and provides guidance to the training provider on assessment criteria and evidence requirements.


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Contents

1. About the qualification ......................................................................... 4

2. Who the qualification is for ................................................................... 5

3. Achieving the qualification ................................................................... 8

4. The qualification units .......................................................................... 9

5. How the qualification is assessed ...................................................... 15

6. Offering the qualification .................................................................... 17

7. Quality assurance and standardisation .............................................. 18


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1. About the qualification

The NOCN Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care (QCF) qualification enables those working, or intending to work, in the health and social care sector to develop their understanding of the potential benefits for individuals of engaging in both everyday activities and programmed activities. It will support learners in contributing to planning, delivery and evaluation of individual and group activities, to meet a range of individuals’ different needs. It will further learners’ understanding of how activity has an important role in person-centred care. The qualification was developed with Skills for Care and with the support of NAPA, National Association of Activity Providers. It is increasingly recognized that Activity Provision can make a significant contribution to well-being and quality of life and employers in the care sector report a need for specialist training for their staff in this area. Guided Learning Hours Guided Learning Hours (GLH) are a guide to the amount of teacher-supervised or directed study time a learner will need to complete the learning needed for a qualification. NOCN recognises that every learner is different and the actual time taken may vary beyond the maximum and minimum shown. Training providers not reliant on public funding measured by GLH may find them a useful guide to the recommended length of a programme of study. The learning hours can be divided in any way, for example, a 20 GLH hour programme could be delivered in 2 hours a week for 10 weeks or 8 hours a day for 3 days, depending on the course and learners. The guided learning hours for NOCN Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care range between 62-83. Language Requirements If you wish to offer this qualification in Welsh or Irish (Gaeilge) then please contact NOCN who will review demand and provide as appropriate.


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2. Who the qualification is for

The minimum age for access to the qualification is 16 years old because it is aimed at those working in, or intending to work in, the social care sector with a role in the provision of activities. The qualification is particularly suitable for:

Care Workers whose role is developing to include activity provision for individuals or groups

Those who want to increase their understanding of the significance of activity to person-centred care.

Restrictions on Learner Entry There are no restrictions on learner entry. Entry Requirements There are no specific recommendations for prior learning, but it is expected that learning providers will ensure the level and content of the qualification is appropriate for the learner.


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QCF Level Descriptors

Level Summary Knowledge and understanding Application and action Autonomy and accountability

Level 2 Achievement at Level 2 reflects the ability to select and use relevant knowledge, ideas, skills and procedures to complete well-defined tasks and address straightforward problems. It includes taking responsibility for completing tasks and procedures and exercising autonomy and judgment subject to overall direction or guidance.

Use understanding of facts, procedures and ideas to complete well-defined tasks and address straightforward problems. Interpret relevant information and ideas. Be aware of the types of information that are relevant to the area of study or work.

Complete well-defined, generally routine tasks and address straightforward problems. Select and use relevant skills and procedures. Identify, gather and use relevant information to inform actions. Identify how effective actions have been.

Take responsibility for completing tasks and procedures. Exercise autonomy and judgment subject to overall direction or guidance.

Extracted from QCF level descriptor’s document on QCDA’s website October 2008


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Progression Opportunities The NOCN Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care enables progression to employment, further learning opportunities within employment, or further study. The qualification will support a learner’s career development in the social care sector. In gaining an increased understanding of activity provision learners will be able to access further employment opportunities with existing or future employers to include taking more responsibility in delivering activities. For learners who wish to work towards a specialised role in activity provision in social care there is an opportunity for progression to a Level 3 qualification in activity provision. Learners with Particular Requirements Assessment within the NOCN Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care is designed to be accessible and inclusive. The unit based approach allows flexibility through enabling learners to achieve the qualification in stages. The assessment methodology is appropriate and rigorous for individuals or groups of learners. If you have learners with particular requirements you should refer to the ‘Access to Fair Assessment Policy and Procedure’ which can be found in the NOCN Centre Handbook area of the NOCN website within the Learning Providers section. This section gives clear guidance on the reasonable adjustments and arrangements that can be made to take account of disability or learning difficulty without compromising the achievement of the assessment criteria. The NOCN Centre Recognition process requires policy statements on Equal Opportunities and Diversity and Disability Discrimination. These policy statements are then checked and confirmed through the Quality Review and Risk Assessment processes.


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3. Achieving the qualification

Rules of Combination In order to achieve the qualification, the learner must achieve a total of 8 credits:

A minimum of 8 credits at Level 2 are required to achieve the qualification.

o 6 credits at Level 2 must be achieved from the Mandatory Units

Achievement Methodology The qualification is awarded to learners who successfully achieve 8 credits to meet the Rules of Combination set out above. Assessment for each unit is designed by the Centre in accordance with the NOCN Assessment Definitions Document. There is no further assessment to achieve the qualification. Further details of how the qualification is assessed are given in section 5.


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4. The qualification units

Please click on the hyperlinks below to access the units from the NOCN website.

NOCN Unit Code

QCA Accredited

Number Unit Title

Mandatory or

Optional

NOCN Credit Value Level OPUS ID Sector

PT1/2/QQ/043 H/602/4644 Understand Activity Provision in Social Care Mandatory 2 2 CAL961 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/044 K/602/4645 Understand the Benefits of Engaging in Activities in Social Care Mandatory 2 2 CAL962 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/047 T/602/4647 Understand the Delivery of Activities in Social Care Mandatory 2 2 CAL966 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/039 L/601/9471 Contribute to supporting group care activities Optional 3 2 CAL957 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/040 J/601/2874 Dementia Awareness Optional 2 2 CAL958 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/041 D/601/9023 Provide support for therapy sessions Optional 2 2 CAL959 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/042 Y/602/4642 Therapeutic Approaches for Activity Provision in Social Care Optional 2 2 CAL960 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/045 M/602/4646 Understand the Benefits of Reminiscence as Activity Optional 2 2 CAL964 1.3

PT1/2/QQ/046 K/601/5315 Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities Optional 4 2 CAL965 1.3

The assessment activities for the units are indicated in the Assessment Information Grid on the individual units. An explanation of the kind of activity, assessment and evidence expected at the appropriate level is given over the next few pages.

http://www.nocn.org.uk/control/QCF_1/3/pt12qq043.pdf















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Assessment Definitions Oral Question and Answer Specific, open or closed questions for immediate response. Can range from quite formal questions, for example, an oral test, to a quick, fun way of finding out where learners are up to, for example, a quiz. Allows response and questioning from learners and immediate feedback from tutor. The learning may be assessed through:

Responses by both tutor and individual learners. Evidence could include:

Tutor record/notes

Learner notes or log

Audio / video record

Activity Assessment Evidence

Level 2

Open and closed questions should be included, covering a number of topics. Learners should be encouraged to expand on their answers.

Assessment by tutor, with a degree of self-assessment.

Evidence could be; tutor records, learner log or audio / video record.


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Written Question and Answer Specific, open and closed questions for immediate response. Can range from formal exams and tests, to a quick, fun way of finding out where learners are up to, for example, a quiz. Allows response and questioning from learners and feedback from tutor. The learning may be assessed through:

Responses by individual learners.

May make use of on-line assessment. Evidence could include:

Written questions

Learner responses

Tutor feedback


Level 2

Open and closed questions should be included, covering a number of areas. Learners should be encouraged to make use of / interpret knowledge rather than just testing recall. May be time limited.

Assessment by tutor or external marker (for exams / tests).

Evidence could be; written responses.


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Written description Consideration of a particular subject, situation or example selected by the tutor or by learners, which enables learners to apply knowledge to specific situations and to present them in written format. The learning may be assessed by:

Tutor.

One to one tutorial.

Discussion. Evidence could include:

Tutor record of observation.

Learner notes.

Tutorial notes.

Completed report.

Charts.

Plans.


Level 2

Subjects should allow the application of knowledge in a number of areas and contexts. Written work should be directed but should allow for a degree of autonomy. GL = 500 words.

Assessment through self-assessment and tutor assessment.

Evidence could be; tutor record, learner record, summary of discussion and feedback or completed work.


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Practical Demonstration A practical demonstration of a skill/situation selected by the tutor or by learners, to enable learners to practise and apply skills and knowledge. The learning may be assessed by:

Tutor.

Peer observation.

One to one tutorial.

Discussion.

Self-assessment. Evidence could include:

Tutor record of observation.

Learner notes.

Tutor lesson plan.

Tutorial notes.

Audio / video / photographic record.

Learner log.


Level 2

Practical demonstrations should allow the application of skills and knowledge in several areas and contexts. A degree of learner autonomy should be encouraged within the scope of the demonstration.

Assessment through tutor / peer observation, one to one tutorial, discussion and self-assessment.

Evidence could include tutor record of observation, learner notes, tutor lesson plan, tutorial notes, audio / video / photographic record and learner log.


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Reflective log or diary A description, normally in writing but may be oral, by the learner reflecting on how and what they have learned. Often completed at regular intervals during the learning process thus allowing discussion on individual progress and how further learning could be supported. The learning may be assessed by:

Learner, often supported through tutorial discussions with tutor. Evidence could include:

Log / diary (however this may be confidential and therefore not available for moderation).

Tutorial notes.

Tutor record.


Level 2

The reflection process should be written in a structured format that allows some autonomy in recording. Learners should be asked to record regularly what they have learned and to make judgements on the learning in terms of, for example, usefulness, interest, how it has extended their knowledge / skills, what else they need to learn.

Assessment by learner supported by tutor through tutorials.

Evidence could include; log / diary, tutorial notes and tutor record.


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5. How the qualification is assessed

The qualifications require achievement of the specified units with no further requirements for additional/summative assessment. Achievement is therefore determined by successful completion of unit assessment. The assessment process is as follows:

Assessments are internally set at the Centre by assessors, against the requirements detailed in the assessment criteria of the unit

The learners are assessed internally at the Centre, using the assessments set

The resulting portfolios of assessed evidence are internally verified by an internal verifier at the Centre

The portfolios of assessed evidence are externally verified by an external verifier appointed by NOCN.

Assessment for each unit is designed by the Centre in accordance with the NOCN Assessment Definitions Document and Skills for Care and Development QCF Assessment Principles, in particular; Assessment decisions for competence-based learning outcomes must be made in a real work environment by an occupationally competent assessor, qualified to make assessment decisions. Occupationally competent: This means that each assessor must be capable of carrying out the full requirements within the competency units they are assessing. Being occupationally competent means they are also occupationally knowledgeable. This occupational competence should be maintained annually through clearly demonstrable continuing learning and professional development. Expert witnesses can be used where: they have occupational expertise for specialist areas or the observation is of a particularly sensitive nature. The use of expert witnesses should be determined and agreed by the assessor. An expert witness must:

have a working knowledge of the QCF units on which their expertise is based

be occupationally competent in their area of expertise

have EITHER any qualification in assessment of workplace performance OR a professional work role which involves evaluating the everyday practice of staff.

Assessment of knowledge based learning outcomes may take place in or outside of a real work environment. Assessment decisions must be made by an occupationally knowledgeable assessor, qualified to make assessment decisions. Occupationally knowledgeable: This means that each assessor should possess relevant knowledge and understanding, and be able to assess this in units designed to test specific knowledge and understanding, or in units where knowledge and understanding are components of competency. This occupational


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knowledge should be maintained annually through clearly demonstrable continuing learning and professional development. 5.1 Unit Assessment Achievement of units is through internally set, internally marked, internally verified and externally verified tasks, as detailed above. Centres devise assessment activities to meet the specified assessment criteria detailed in each unit, guided by the Assessment Information Grid which accompanies each unit and the NOCN Assessment Definitions Document. The activity or activities set must enable the learners to meet the standards detailed in the assessment criteria. Centre devised assessments should be scrutinised by the Internal Verifier before use to ensure that they are fit for purpose. Centre devised assessments will be scrutinised by the external verifier to ensure reliability and validity of assessment. 5.2 Assessment Information Grid Each unit has a supplementary page with an Assessment Information Grid. The Assessment Information Grid gives recognised methods of assessment for NOCN units. If a method is marked ‘P’ (Prescribed), that method must be used in the assessment of the unit. Methods marked ‘O’ (Optional) are recommended methods and you will select the activity or activities most appropriate for your learners and context. Some units will have a combination of Prescribed and Optional methods. Assessors must always refer to this Grid before devising assessment tasks. NOCN also provides Assessment Definitions for a wide range of assessment activities. This grid includes a general description of the activity and, for each level (Entry to Level 3), details on how that method can be applied and what evidence is appropriate. 5.3 Marking Tasks Each task must be marked against the identified assessment criteria in the unit and judged to be either achieved or not achieved. Where a series of tasks is set, learners must demonstrate the achievement of the required standard identified in the assessment criteria in all tasks in order to achieve the unit credit. All of the assessment criteria in a unit must be met before the unit is deemed achieved. The unit achievement is not banded or graded; units are either achieved or not achieved. 5.4 Recording Achievement You must record each learner’s performance in each unit on an appropriate form or forms. The form/s should record the learner’s performance against the unit assessment criteria evidenced by the task. 5.5 Standardisation Centres will be required to provide samples of assessment tasks for NOCN and standardisation activity.

http://www.nocn.org.uk/document/2839


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6. Offering the qualification

Recognised Centres If you are already recognised to offer NOCN qualifications and would like more information contact: [email protected]. If you are ready to add the qualification to your curriculum offer, please log in to the NOCN website, under Centres/Processes and Documents, and complete the ‘Additional Qualification Approval Request Form,’ which can then be returned to [email protected] for the attention of your Account and Sector Manager. New Centres If you are interested in offering NOCN qualifications but not currently working with NOCN, you will need to be recognised as an NOCN approved centre. This process includes:

Confirmation that your organisation has an adequate infrastructure in place to support the

effective delivery of NOCN qualifications

An agreement signed by the principal authority in the organisation confirming adherence

to the specified terms and conditions. This safeguards the quality assurance standards,

in relation the delivery and assessment process.

If you would like more information about becoming an NOCN centre and offering this qualification please see ‘New centres’ under the ‘Centres’ section on our website www.nocn.org.uk or contact [email protected].

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.nocn.org.uk/



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7. Quality Assurance and National Standardisation 7.1 General Information All Centres wishing to deliver the qualification, or units of the qualification, will need to demonstrate the ability to manage and deliver the units and/or the qualification, including adherence to quality assurance and assessment regulations. NOCN will provide guidance and give support in enabling you to use the qualification. The NOCN standard quality assurance arrangements and requirements include:

Internal verification

External verification

Standardisation. Details and guidance are provided by NOCN. 7.2 Standardisation Standardisation is a process that promotes consistency in the understanding and application of standards, as it:

establishes statements on the standard of evidence required to meet the assessment criteria for the units in NOCN qualifications

makes recommendations on assessment practice

produces advice and guidance for the assessment of units

identifies good practice in assessment. It is a requirement of the Centre Recognition Process that each Centre offering the units from the qualification must contribute assessment materials and learners’ evidence for NOCN standardisation if requested. NOCN will notify Centres of the required sample for standardisation purposes. Assessment materials, learners’ evidence and tutor feedback will be collected by External Verifiers on behalf of NOCN.

Outcomes from standardisation will be available to Centres through NOCN.

Accreditation start date: Accreditation end date: Certification end date:

Cost of the qualification: £xx per learner

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Sheffield S9 4WG

Tel. 0114 2270500 Fax. 0114 2270501

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.nocn.org.uk

© NOCN 2006

Operational start date: 01/09/2010

NOCN The Quadrant

Parkway Business Centre 99 Parkway Avenue

Sheffield S9 4WG

Tel. 0114 2270500

Fax. 0114 2270501

Email: [email protected] Web: www.nocn.org.uk

© NOCN 2014

Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social Care (QCF)