Person-Centred Approaches
Explore person-centred values, consent, active participation, informed choice, wellbeing and risk assessment.
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The Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care develops knowledge and understanding relevant to working in adult social care. It is suitable for learners preparing to enter the sector as well as people who want to strengthen their theoretical understanding before progressing further.
This Level 3 adult social care qualification explores communication, equality, diversity and inclusion, personal development, safeguarding, duty of care, person-centred approaches, health and safety, secure information handling and the role of the social care worker.
The qualification is awarded by Focus Awards, has qualification number 601/7450/X, carries 21 credits, includes 190 Guided Learning Hours and has 210 Total Qualification Time. It is a regulated Level 3 qualification and can be checked through the Ofqual Register.
Importantly, this is a vocationally-related, knowledge-based preparation qualification. It develops the underpinning knowledge needed in adult social care but does not itself confirm occupational competence through workplace practice.
This Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Level 3 course is designed for learners who want deeper knowledge of the principles underpinning adult social care.
Across nine mandatory units you will develop a broad understanding of safe, person-centred and responsible adult social care practice.
Explore person-centred values, consent, active participation, informed choice, wellbeing and risk assessment.
Understand responsibilities, risk assessment, infection control, moving and handling, medication, food safety and environmental safety.
Develop knowledge of communication needs, barriers, communication methods, confidentiality and appropriate support.
Recognise abuse and unsafe practice, understand responses to concerns and explore safeguarding systems and responsibilities.
Understand inclusive practice, discrimination, legislation, individual values and ways to promote equality and diversity.
Explore reflective practice, feedback, development planning, duty of care, conflicts, dilemmas and complaints.
To achieve the Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF), learners must achieve all 9 mandatory units. There are no optional units.
Qualification total: 21 credits • 190 GLH • 210 TQT.
| Unit Title | Unit Reference | Level | GLH | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understand How to Handle Information in Social Care Settings | D/602/3119 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
| Understand Health and Safety in Social Care Settings | L/602/3178 | 3 | 49 | 5 |
| Principles of Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Adult Social Care Settings | M/602/3044 | 3 | 19 | 2 |
| Principles of Communication in Adult Social Care Settings | R/602/2906 | 3 | 17 | 2 |
| Principles of Personal Development in Adult Social Care Settings | R/602/3036 | 3 | 19 | 2 |
| Understand Person-Centred Approaches in Adult Social Care Settings | R/602/3182 | 3 | 37 | 4 |
| Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care | A/601/8574 | 2 | 26 | 3 |
| Principles for Implementing Duty of Care in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings | R/601/1436 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Understand the Role of the Social Care Worker | A/602/3113 | 2 | 9 | 1 |
Learners must be aged 16 or over. Focus Awards does not set additional formal entry requirements; entry is at the discretion of the centre and SJA may apply appropriate course guidance or additional criteria.
As this is a Level 3 qualification involving reading, writing, discussion and assessment evidence, learners should have suitable communication and study skills to work effectively at this level.
A current adult social care job or formal work placement is not specified as an entry requirement for this vocationally-related qualification. Assessment is based on achievement of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria through a portfolio of evidence.
This qualification develops knowledge and understanding. It should not be confused with the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, which is intended to confirm occupational competence through workplace-based evidence and assessment.
The Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care is internally assessed. You must create a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria associated with each unit.
The official specification permits evidence such as assessor observation, witness testimony, learner products, worksheets, assignments, projects or reports, oral and written questioning, learner and peer reports and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), where appropriate.
All nine mandatory units must be achieved to complete the qualification.
Study this adult social care course online through SJA Global Academia's learning environment. Access structured learning materials and assessment activities remotely and organise your studies around work, family and other commitments.
Flexible online study provides a convenient route to completing the nine mandatory units while developing knowledge relevant to adult social care practice and progression.
SJA Global Academia provides structured learner support from enrolment through assessment and quality assurance.
Receive support with Level 3 concepts and learning across all nine mandatory units.
Get clear guidance on portfolio evidence and assessment requirements.
Receive assessor feedback on submitted evidence and any improvements required.
Assessment decisions are subject to SJA's internal quality assurance arrangements.
Successful learners receive the Focus Awards Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (RQF), qualification number 601/7450/X.
The qualification is regulated and can be verified through the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Following assessor confirmation, completed work is subject to SJA's Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) process and any applicable awarding-organisation quality assurance requirements before certification. Certification normally takes approximately 3–5 weeks after formal completion and assessor confirmation, although this is an estimate rather than a guaranteed issue date.
An electronic certificate is provided as standard. A printed certificate can be requested for an additional £7 administration fee, plus applicable postage or courier charges.
This certificate confirms achievement of the specified Level 3 knowledge and understanding; it does not by itself certify workplace occupational competence.
Work towards a regulated Level 3 adult social care qualification.
Study remotely and organise learning around your existing commitments.
Access the complete qualification at a competitive course price.
Follow a clear fixed structure covering the essential knowledge areas of adult social care.
Receive guidance and feedback throughout your learning and assessment.
Build knowledge for progression towards adult care diploma qualifications where appropriate.
It is a Focus Awards Level 3 vocationally-related qualification that develops knowledge and understanding relevant to working in adult social care.
Yes. SJA Global Academia delivers the course through flexible online learning and portfolio-based assessment.
A current care job is not specified by Focus Awards as an entry requirement for this qualification. It is knowledge-based and vocationally related rather than a workplace competence-confirming diploma.
There are nine mandatory units and no optional units. The qualification totals 21 credits, 190 GLH and 210 TQT.
It is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
The Focus Awards specification states that learners should be aged 16 or over.
The qualification is awarded by Focus Awards. Its qualification number is 601/7450/X.
The official specification lists the Focus Awards Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care and Level 2 Diploma in Care as progression routes. The most appropriate route depends on your experience and workplace assessment access.
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