NVQ Web

To deliver a high standard of care and working practises it is complusary to achieve an NVQ level 2 at support worker/carers level, [edit - please see next post]

Sorry I must correct the last post. Currently it is not compulsary. The requirements for staff holding qualifications in care homes for older people are set within the 'National Minimum Standards - care home regulations'.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/docu...

This states: "A minimum ratio of 50% trained members of care staff (NVQ level 2 or equivalent) is achieved by 2005, excluding the registered manager and/or care manager, and in care homes providing nursing, excluding those members of the care staff who are registered nurses."

As such it is possible to have staff who do not hold this qualification. However, it is something that is worth considering. It will give you a better chance of improving job security and pay. It will accredit your existing skills and experience. It is also good for residents to be cared for by staff with qualifications.

That being said, I do agree that the important thing is the quality of care. There are many staff without NVQs who are experienced, caring and well trained. Whilst it should not happen, it is possible for someone who has an NVQ to be none of these. NVQs are only one part of setting good standards.

Note that this is only true for care homes registered for older people. Different social care settings have different requirements set within their own National Minimum Standards.

In some situations an employer might decide to adopt an internal policy that all staff must have NVQs. This is an internal policy and might reflect a desire to set a higher standard or might relate to putting them in a better position for funding.

Tom
NVQweb Coordinator

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I did my NVQ 2 at the age of 60. I' had no real experience of studying since leaving school, except for the odd distance learning courses. I did have an excellent  and supportive  Assessor. Once I got into the swing of things, it was no problem at all. After this - still with the enthusiasm of seeking further knowledge, I went on to my level 3.  At 63 I'd gained my  assessors qualifications. I'm now an 'in house' assessor at the nursing home where I have worked for the last 8 years.  I encourage my level 2 candidates to work together - sharing information - whenever possible.  I persuaded one of the night staff with whom I work to go for her level 2 - she was much the same as you - an excellent and lovely carer - she was 52 and has just passed.  Two of my previous level 2's have just completed their level 3. One is a 'youngster' in her early thirties and on gaining her qualification has been successful in going into nursing training  - something she didn't think she could achieve when worrying over her level 2. The other who is 52 doesn't want to go any further but is rightly proud of herself at her achievement. All of these candidates and colleagues I work with at the nursing home are brilliant carers. I have found that the ones who've completed their NVQ's are tremendously supportive and helpful to those who are contemplating theirs. I would suggest that you maybe talk to other colleagues who've done their level 2's.  I still work with colleagues who, because of their age, feel that there is 'no point', this in no way detracts from the excellent care and attention they give to all residents in their care. So, if you decide not to go ahead with your NVQ and, according to the National Care Standards, not all staff are required to do this, just keep doing and loving the job that you do and remember the important link and contact you are to those in your care.I wish you all the very best in whatever you decide to do. If you need any help and support, then you know that this is a tremendous site to relate to.

Best regards

Margaret

Im 47 yrs old I started off at my place of work as a domestic,I worked for 18 months,I then realised that I was capable of doing more than just the cleaning! Im a qualified hairdresser by trade have raised 4 children and they are all doing well(my youngest is 8)My manager at work asked me if I was interested in being a support worker because I communicate well with the s/users really well! to cut a long story short I have been a support for 15 months now,I have just received the call telling me I have completed my level 2 and I did it in 6 months with a great deal of help from this site.I only work part time which has been hard but I have worked so hard to finish the N.V.Q .You are never too old for a challenge and you might be nervous like me but the feeling you have on comletion is well woth all the work that I have done over the 6 months,I just wanted to share this with anyone that is over 40 and having doubts.Many thanks aunty Sue and Tom and anyone that has contributed to this site!!!!!! Michelle x

One of my current candidates' is 70 plus. It is her first qualification ever.

Tom
NVQweb Coordinator

To get the full benefit of NVQweb join our enhanced services Candidate PLUS or AVCare.

I think now-adays that deliver care you really need to know why your doing. It also provides you with a greater knowledge of mal-practice again, which i feel is essential.

Carla
NVQ2/3 Health and Social Care, GNVQ Advanced Health and Social Care, Technical Certificate in Care +Student Nurse (LD branch).

When I worked for a training provider, the oldest candidate I had who achieved a Care L3 NVQ was 74years young when she completed.

She had left school at 14 with no qualifications and was pressured into doing her NVQ by her employer.  I don't think she enjoyed the experience BUT her sense of achievement & improved self esteem when she completed the final unit made it all worth while!

doing an nvq is really nothing to worry about if you discuss your worries with your assessor you will find they are realy helpful, you can even get away with not writing anything do it with dictafone of ask your assessor to do the writing for you, you can find all your evidence in your workplace so dont need to do homework

Last year at the age of 50, I completed nvq level 3 and the technical certificate at the same time. I found it demanding whilst working shifts full time and having two small grandchildren living with our family. It was extremely rewarding at the end when I received the Train to Gain Award for 2007. It has enhanced my knowledge and I am now doing my A1 Assessor Award. You can do it.

Amazing! Well done on your achievement.

Tom
NVQweb Coordinator

To get the full benefit of NVQweb join our enhanced services Candidate PLUS or AVCare.

I'm so glad I read these comments....I'm soon to be 50 and each time I've opened my folder I have no idea how to put into words the tasks required of me.My mind goes completely blank and I read and re read the questions and each time they make less sense! I have a 1st meeting with my assessor next week and have currently only just completed my CV ! I felt too embarrassed to contact her before now but I realise I'll get nowhere unless I admit I need some more direction.Hopefully once I eventually get going it will all make sense, here's hoping....And well done to you all and thanks for putting forward your words of wisdom.

Thanks for letting us know that we have helped and good luck. It will all make sense very soon and then will become much easier.

Tom
NVQweb Coordinator

To get the full benefit of NVQweb join our enhanced service NVQweb PLUS.