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Information on the new QCF learning disability awards and certificates can be found on the Skills for Care website at: http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/qualifications_and_training/newqualificationsQCF/learning_disability_QCF.aspx
From January 2011 registration for the current LDQ ceased. The same learning opportunities are available but in a different format. The Health and Social Care Diploma at level 2 and level 3 has replaced the Health and Social Care NVQ at level 2 and level 3. The Health and Social Care Diplomas are made up of 9 mandatory units and a range of 'optional' units. The mandatory units are very closely aligned to the refreshed common induction standards and the aim is for learners from any part of the sector to complete these and contextualize their learning to their service/job role. Learners working in learning disability services can choose to take a specialist Learning Disability Pathway through the Health and Social Care Diploma, which allows learners to select units from the learning disability suite relevant to their job role. Combined with the mandatory units this removes the need for the LDQ.
Several units have also been developed for inclusion in the level 5 leadership qualification.
Specific learning disability qualifications have also been developed at level 2 and 3 for continuing professional development (CPD). They are:
- Level 2 Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
- Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities (January launch expected but not yet confirmed)
- Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
These qualifications provide the opportunity for continued professional development (CPD). They do not confirm occupational competence as the Health and Social Care Diploma is the qualification that confirms occupational competence. The units in the award and certificate mirror those within the Learning Disabilities Pathway of the Health and Social Care (HSC) Diploma in England, and provide the opportunity for learners who already have an NVQ or Diploma to develop knowledge and skills in a learning disability context.
The small Awards have a varied potential audience which includes:
- People whose job role is not exclusively focused around supporting individuals with learning disabilities, but who come into contact with people as part of their job, for example:
- health
- education
- housing
- leisure
- employment
- libraries
- people working in probation
- Employment support workers, dementia care advisors and palliative care professionals could complete the award to enable them to better tailor their service to people's needs. Used in this context these qualifications would support the implementation of the current autism, dementia and end of life strategies for people with learning disabilities.
- Workers who are new to learning disability services but already know about social care. Workers in learning disability services wishing to undertake a shorter CPD qualification.
- People in community and volunteering roles who work alongside or support people with a learning disability who want more information so that they can do a good job.
This is why a very broad suite of optional units has been identified to provide as much flexibility as possible to allow the learner to focus the units on what they need to know and is relevant for their job role. It can then be marketed differently to different audiences but hopefully meet each of their needs.
The certificates also provide an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills around supporting individuals with a learning disability. They are aimed at learners who support individuals with a learning disability as part of their job role.
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Training Information 
