The Nightingale Social Care Bursary
Supporting Workforce Development in Health & Social Care
The bursary will enable existing health and care employees without a qualification to gain a national and sector recognised Diploma that supports their job role and progression.
Additionally, there will be opportunities for employees to undertake an accredited Certificate that will support their Continuous Professional Development.
The training will help to raise the skills and confidence of this valued workforce and enable individuals to progress and excel in their role.
Maths and English is also offered as part of their programme. ACL will fund these qualifications through its Adult Education Budget allocation that it receives from the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
Additional financial support is available to pay for books, Laptops, Wi-Fi and equipment directly related to the course undertaken.
We look forward to hearing about your experiences and progression opportunities that may follow.
aclessex.com/Nightingale
nightingale@essex.gov.uk
Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
This qualification provides an ideal taster for those who may be new to the sector or new to the world of work. It aims to introduce some basic concepts of caring and preparation for employment in the care sector.
This course is also suitable to those wishing to build confidence, those returning to work and those looking to improve their employment opportunities to build the skills required for working in the care sector.
Learners will have an assigned tutor who will communicate on the online platform and when needed telephone or Microsoft Teams. Work will be regularly assessed and marked, and learners will be provided with encouraging developmental feedback. Targets will be set at different stages of the course to enable learners to meet personal and course objectives.
We recommend at least 8-10 hours a week to complete research, reading and home study. Typically, the course can be completed in 5 months.
You complete mandatory/optional units, which may include:
Understand Principles of Communication, Understand Principles of Personal Development
Understand the Principles of Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion
Understand the Principles of Safeguarding and Protection
Understand the Introduction to Duty of Care
Understand the Role of the Social Care Worker
Understand Person-Centred Approaches
Understand Health and Safety
Understand How to Handle Information.
Upon completion of this course you will receive an NCFE Level 2 Certificate.
03330 139 502 Contents Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care 3 Apprenticeships 4 Level 2/Level 3 Healthcare 6 Level 2 Adult Care 7 Level 3 Adult Care 8 Level 4 Adult Care 9 Level 5 Adult Care 10 Fast Track Management 11 Level 2 Team Leading 12 Level 3 Principles of Managing 12 Level 3 Coaching and Mentoring 12 Level 2 Housekeeping 13 Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates for Continuing Professional Development 13 Maths, English and Digital 14 Financial support 15
ACL (Adult Community Learning) is proud to offer a new programme of Health and Social Care courses.
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The ACL Apprenticeship Offer
Apprenticeships are an alternative to the traditional college and university routes. You will be working and studying at the same time, whilst working towards the achievement of occupational competence.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, or at what stage in your career you are at, an apprenticeship could give you the opportunity to improve your prospects and achieve your goals.
Level 2 is designed for new entrants
Level 3 assumes prior achievement at level 2 or previous study/work in relevant subject area
Levels 4 and 5 are higher level programmes designed for those already working in the sector and looking to develop their skills up to and including degree level.
My goals are to support the services to move forward after a difficult few years with Covid and high staff turnover. I’ve continued learning and keeping my knowledge updated by enrolling on to the level 5 and other related courses. I now have all the skill necessary to become a service manager.
Our Apprenticeship Programmes
Health and Care
Adult Care Worker Level 2
Healthcare Cleaning Operative Level 2
Healthcare Science Assistant Level 2
Healthcare Support Worker Level 2
Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3
Senior Healthcare Support Worker Level 3
Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4
Leader in Adult Care Level 5
Business, Finance and Leadership
Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 2
Accounts or Finance Assistant Level 3
Business Administrator Level 3
Team Leader or Supervisor Level 3
Opporations or Departmental Manager Level 5
Coaching Professional Level 5
This course has so far improved my knowledge and skill set in dealing with situations relating to leadership in adult social care. It has also provided me an avenue to share experiences and difficulties with my fellow colleagues from different companies in order to arrive at desirable solutions. It has also boosted my confidence in practice as I am well aware of the current practices and the current codes of conduct in the profession.
of these apprenticeships can
Marcia Antoniazzi, Apprentice, Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care
Charlene Wood, Apprentice, Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care Details
be found on our website
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Level 2 Diploma in Healthcare Support
Healthcare support workers (HCSWs) work as part of a team providing high quality and compassionate care to individuals.
You will carry out well-defined routine clinical duties like monitoring an individual’s conditions (by checking things like blood pressure, temperature or weight), checking on their overall progress, comfort and wellbeing.
You may help clients to eat, drink, wash, dress or go to the toilet. You will prepare individuals for healthcare activities carried out by other members of the healthcare team, looking after them before, during and / or after those activities in line with their care plan.
Healthcare and social workers work in a range of healthcare settings and your team may include workers from both health and social care. You will report to a registered healthcare practitioner who will directly or indirectly supervise your work.
You complete mandatory and optional units which may include:
Health intervention
Effective communication
Understanding of dementia, cognitive and mental health conditions
Level 3 Diploma in Senior Healthcare Support
Senior Healthcare Support Workers help registered practitioners deliver healthcare services to people.
As an experienced support worker, you carry out a range of clinical and non-clinical healthcare or therapeutic tasks, under the direct or indirect supervision of the registered healthcare practitioner.
Healthcare and social workers work in a range of healthcare settings and your team may include workers from both health and social care. You will report to a registered healthcare practitioner who will directly or indirectly supervise your work.
Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care
To work in care is to make a positive difference to someone’s life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional or intellectual challenges.
Adult Care Workers need to have the right values and behaviours developing competences and skills to provide high quality compassionate care and support.
They are the frontline staff who help adults with care and support needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible, enabling them to have control and choice in their lives which is at the heart of personcentred care.
You complete mandatory and optional units which may include:
Introduction to communication in health and social care
Introduction to personal development in health and social care
Introduction to equality and inclusion in health and social care
Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care
The role of the health and social care worker
Implement person-centred approaches in health and social care
Contribute to health and safety in health and social care
Person centred care and support
Basic life support
Taking physiological measurements
Health & Safety
Upon completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds accredited Level 2 Healthcare Support Worker diploma.
There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
You will provide high quality, compassionate healthcare, following standards, policies or protocols and always acting within the limits of your competence. You may work in a range of services including hospital, community, health or day care unit, birth centre or midwifery led unit, someone’s home, operating theatre, nursing or care home, assessment centre, hospice, school, prison, GP surgery, charity or voluntary organisation; working in partnership with individuals, families, carers and other service providers.
Upon completion of this course you will gain a Level 3 Senior Healthcare Support Worker diploma.
There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
Job roles are varied and determined by and relevant to the type of the service being provided and the person supported. Adult Care Workers may work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, a person’s own home or some clinical healthcare settings. The level 2 Diploma takes between 9 and 12 months to complete and will be delivered through a blended learning approach. You will be assigned a tutor who will work with you in your place of work, online and in a classroom setting (this could be a virtual classroom).
You will need to study for an average of 4 hours each week – this could be more or less depending on your learning style. Study can be completed in the workplace and in your own time.
Handle information in health and social care settings
Introduction to duty of care in health and social care
Causes and spread of infection
Understand the impact of acquired brain injury on individuals
Approaches to enable rights and choices for individuals with dementia while minimising risks
Upon completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds accredited Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care
There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
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Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care
This qualification is ideal if you’re a care worker, and you have some responsibility in your workplace.
You are generally able to work without supervision. You want to develop or demonstrate your skills, perhaps to become a senior care worker. You will be expected to exercise judgement and take appropriate action to support individuals to maintain their independence, dignity and control.
By providing leadership, guidance and direction at the frontline of care delivery you will be instrumental in improving the health and wellbeing of those receiving care and support.
Lead Adult Care Workers will in some circumstances have delegated responsibility for the standard of care provided and may supervise the work of other care workers. This exercising of autonomy and accountability means leading and supporting others to comply with expected standards and behaviours. Lead Adult Care Workers may work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres or some clinical healthcare settings.
As well as covering Lead Adult Care Workers this course also covers Lead Personal Assistants who can work at this senior level but may only work directly for one individual who needs support and/or care services, usually within their own home.
The level 3 Diploma takes between 12 and 15 months to complete and will be delivered through a blended learning approach. You will be assigned a tutor who will work with you in your place of work, online and in a classroom setting (this could be a virtual classroom). You will need to study for an average of 4 hours each week – this could be more or less
depending on your learning style. Study can be completed in the workplace and in your own time. You complete mandatory and optional units which may include:
Introduction to personalisation in social care
The principles of infection prevention and control
Causes and spread of infection
Cleaning, decontamination and waste management
Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities
Understand the administration of medication to individuals with dementia using a person-centred approach
Undertake agreed pressure area care
Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care
Engage in personal development in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
Promote equality and inclusion in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings
Principles for implementing duty of care
Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care
Upon completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds accredited Level 3 Diploma in Health & Social Care.
Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
The Lead Practitioner in Adult Care will guide and inspire team members to make positive differences to someone’s life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional, psychological or intellectual challenges.
You will have achieved a level of self-development to be recognised as a lead practitioner within the care team, contributing to, promoting and sustaining a values-based culture at an operational level.
A Lead Practitioner has a greater depth of knowledge and expertise of particular conditions being experienced by the user of services.
The level 4 Diploma takes approx. 18 months to complete and will be delivered through a blended learning approach. You will be assigned a tutor who will work with you in your place of work, online and in a classroom setting (this could be a virtual classroom). You will need to study for an average of 6 hours each week – this could be more or less depending on your learning style. Study can be completed in the workplace and in your own time.
You complete mandatory and optional units which may include:
Develop, maintain and use records and reports
Understand safeguarding and protection in health and social care settings
Understand the administration of medication to individuals with dementia using a person-centred approach
There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
Understand positive risk taking for individuals with disabilities
Principles of self-directed support
Understand public funding of individual care needs in adult social care
Understand how to manage a team
Understand professional management and leadership in health and social care
Understand the factors affecting older people
Understand stroke care management
Identify the physical health needs of individuals with mental health needs and plan appropriate actions
Promote rights and values in assistive technology in social care
Facilitate support planning to ensure positive outcomes for individuals and to support well being
Understand personalisation in care and support services
Upon completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds accredited Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care.
There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
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Level 5 Diploma in leadership and Management for Adult care
A Leader in Adult Care has responsibility for managing community or residential based services.
This role has a large element of leadership, whether with other care workers and networks or in leading the service itself.
You will have a responsibility to ensure the service is safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led.
You may be a registered manager of a service, unit, deputy or assistant manager. You will be responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance of the care given and the values and training of staff with established standards and regulation.
This Level 5 Diploma is designed to give individuals the opportunity to build both managerial and care skills.
It supports compliance with the regulatory requirements for new or existing managers within adult residential care, nursing homes or domiciliary services.
This qualification is for those already working in health and social care, assistant or deputy managers or managers who have not yet achieved a vocational qualification at this level.
The level 5 Diploma takes approx. 18 months to complete and will be delivered through a blended learning approach. You will be assigned a tutor who will work with you in your place of work, online and in a classroom setting (this could be a virtual classroom). You will need to study for an average of 6 hours each week – this could be more or less depending on your learning style. Study can be completed in the workplace and in your own time.
You will cover a number of areas, such as:
the assessment of individual needs
planning and review of care programmes
procurement and tendering
risk management
effective governance
domiciliary care management
Fast Track Management
The Fast Track Manager programme is for new employees who have transferable skills that could be utilised within a care setting. The training will support the learners to gain a qualification as a care manager and support succession planning.
How does the funding work?
Upon completion of this course you will gain a City & Guilds accredited Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services. There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
How will I learn?
Learners will spend the first 6 months of the programme working across all areas of the care home. In addition to the Care Certificate delivered by the employer, learners will complete the Level 2 Preparing to Work in Adult Care certificate and the Level 2 certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication in Adult Care. Learners will be employed for 40 hours per week with 8-10 hours per week allocated to complete their qualifications.
After the 6 months the participant will be employed in an Assistant or Deputy Manager position and enrolled onto a Level 5 Leader in Adult Care Apprenticeship programme for 18 months.
Nightingale will pay the training costs for the two qualifications and contribute towards salaries during the first 6 months of the Fast Track programme. The salary contribution will be claimed by the Care Provider upon completion of the qualifications and once a contract of employment has been issued. The apprenticeship training cost will be covered via the Essex Apprenticeship Levy Transfer. The care provider will be responsible for 100% of the salary.
Upon completion of the first 3 months of the apprenticeship the apprentice will receive a bonus payment of £500. Providing they remain on target they will receive another £500 at 9 months with a final bonus of £500 upon completion of their apprenticeship.
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Level 2 Team Leading
Strong team leadership is essential for providing guidance, direction and instruction within a group and inevitably leads to more effective teamwork and more motivated employees. You will learn to understand the importance of clear communication, understand business and how to communicate work related business.
Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management
This course is designed to help you build the core management skills and knowledge to develop yourself as a leader and enable you to organise and motivate teams. It’s particularly suited to practising team leaders seeking to move up to the next level of management.
Core management skills manage projects
Communications skills managing people and relationships
Understand leadership
Mandatory/optional units; Principles of team leading skills, including leadership styles
Understand Business
How to communicate work related information
Understand how to deliver Customer Service and resolve problems.
Introduction to Coaching and mentoring. Understand personal development
Level 3 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring
The Coaching and Mentoring Certificate will support those who work with individuals and teams across organisations, to help them to enhance their professional performance. Coaching is a way of leading in a non-directive manner, helping people to learn through deep listening and reflective, open questions rather than instructing, providing advice, or making suggestions.
Skills and understanding to effectively coach others within an organisational context
Opportunity to further develop communication and language, personal and professional strengths
Encourages motivated, engaged, and productive staff
Demonstrates organisational commitment to personal development
Level 2 Diploma in Housekeeping
This qualification is ideal if you’re currently working within the housekeeping or cleaning function of a health and care setting.
You will develop an understanding and skills for areas including maintenance of a safe, hygienic, and secure working environment, working effectively as part of a hospitality team, and cleaning and servicing a range of housekeeping areas.
There are workshops included in the course that will give you a wider perspective of adult care work, supporting you to be able to use your new knowledge and apply it a wide range of adult care services.
We recommend at least 6 – 8 hours a week to complete research, reading and home study. Typically, the course can be completed in 12 months.
You complete mandatory and optional units which may include:
Collect linen and make beds
Clean windows from the inside
Use of different chemicals and equipment in housekeeping
Maintain housekeeping supplies
Clean, maintain and protect hard floors
Clean and maintain soft floors and furnishings
Upon completion of this course, you will gain a City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Housekeeping
Level 2 and Level 3 Certificates for Continuing Professional Development
The following accredited courses are available for individuals wishing to undertake CPD activity to improve their knowledge in a specific area.
Courses are delivered online with full tutor support. Each qualification varies in duration but typically they will take between 3 and 6 months to complete.
You can pick from the options below:
Principles of End of Life Care
Cleaning Principles
Dignity and Safeguarding
Awareness of Mental Health problems
Customer Service for Health & Social Care
Care & Management of Diabetes
Understanding Autism
Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Falls Prevention Awareness
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Common Health Conditions
Dementia Care
Technology Enabled Care
Nutrition and Health
Principles of Care Planning
Infection Control
There is an opportunity to study maths and or English alongside this qualification.
Upon completion you will receive an NCFE accredited Level 2 or 3 Certificate in your chosen subject area
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You will receive a NCFE Level 2 Certificate You will receive a Gateway Level 3 Certificate You will receive an ILM Level 3 certificate in Leadership and Management
Maths & English Improve Your Digital Skills
Improving your maths and/or English skills can bring huge rewards. Not only could you achieve a nationally recognised qualification, you’ll also open up doors to improved employment and further educational opportunities.
You’ll feel more confident in your everyday activities too, whether helping the kids with their homework or budgeting your finances.
Courses are suitable for all ability levels. At your assessment our team will agree the best starting point for you and support you to progress through the different levels. Most maths and English courses are fully funded so you won’t need to pay.
You could undertake a maths or English course alongside a qualification funded by the bursary or once you’ve completed – the choice is yours.
You do not have to be on or have completed a Health & Care qualification to qualify for a maths or English course.
Financial help and support
Our Digital Skills courses are great for those looking to navigate the online world, improve work and technical skills, and get the guidance you need to feel more comfortable on your device.
Let’s Get Digital Essential Digital Skills
IT Microsoft Office
Digital Qualifications
Digital Champions
Visit the website to find out which course is best for you: aclessex.com/digital
Finances do not have to get in the way of a rewarding career. Support is available to reduce barriers to work and learning. New and existing health and social care employees could receive fully-funded training.
You could receive help with travel and equipment, e.g. a laptop, childcare and clothing.
Get started grant – This is a one-off grant of up to £300 if you’re looking to start an apprenticeship in health or care. It’s a little bit of extra support before that first pay packet comes in.
Maths and English courses including GCSEs could be free if you don’t already have a C/4 grade or equivalent.
Essential Digital Skills programmes could be free for those with basic IT skills assessed below level 1.
Bike scheme – If you’re working in a community role and where own transport is a barrier, you could access an electric bike to enable you to get to and from work and visit your service users.
Our teams will support you through the application process and discuss the financial help available to you.
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Any questions or ready to apply?
Give us a call or drop us an email. We’d love to hear from you.
nightingale@essex.gov.uk
03330 139 502
You can also visit our website www.aclessex.com/nightingale
ACL Basildon Churchill Avenue, Broadmayne, Basildon, SS14 3SG
ACL Chelmsford Beeches Close, Chelmsford, CM1 2SB
ACL Brentwood Bishops Hill, Rayleigh Road, Hutton, Brentwood, CM13 1BD
ACL Clacton St Osyth Road, Clacton, CO15 3BN
ACL Colchester Wilson Marriage, Barrack Street, Colchester, CO1 2LR
ACL Harlow The Harlow Centre, Partridge Rd, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6TE
ACL Maldon Carmelite House (above the library), White Horse Lane, Maldon, CM9 5FW
ACL Witham Spinks Lane, Witham, CM8 1EP
Published March 2023