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Education & Early Years
Education & Childcare Online Short Courses
Check out the available courses at the bottom of this page!
UOD – Buxton offers a variety of short courses which can be done from the comfort of your own home but offer the same high-quality learning and academic support as you would get from the classroom.
Why not brush up on key skills, learn new ones or keep up with industry standards all whilst working at your own pace in surroundings that suit your lifestyle.
Advanced learner loans could be available for these courses – please enquire on application.
You must be aged 19+ to study these programmes with UOD – Buxton.
Available courses
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Distance Learning
- Study Duration: 8 -12 weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Online
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
This course is aimed at adults over 19-years-old who are currently employed in the health and social care sector. However, this course will benefit anyone who is looking to enhance their knowledge of difficult or challenging behaviour in relation to a care home or a domestic setting and is a valuable qualification to have as part of your continuous professional development (CPD) portfolio. This online programme is ideal if you need a flexible training solution that fits with your work schedule and lifestyle.
This course is designed to give you an insight into what behaviour that challenges is and provide you with the skills to respond to situations in the most appropriate and supportive way.
Behaviour that challenges others is almost always a form of expression (a way of telling you something) and an indicator of unmet needs. The ‘challenge’ is not the person. The challenge is to understand the triggers for and reasons behind their behaviour. This understanding will help you develop the proactive strategies needed to reduce incidences of behaviour that challenges in the future.
The Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges covers a range of topics to help you develop and expand your knowledge and skills. These include:
- How to manage a situation when an individual is acting in a challenging manner
- How to prepare to manage an incident of behaviour that challenges
- How to recognise that an individual’s behaviour has the potential to intensify
- Understand legislation and support relevant to behaviour that challenge
You will learn why behaviour that challenges may occur and how to promote positive behaviour. You will also study the importance of effective communication and the vital role of reflection following episodes of behaviour that challenges. In addition, you will also explore the support available to maintain your own well-being.
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams.
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What qualifications will I get?
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your CPD giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism
Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
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How will I be assessed?
To pass this qualification you must complete four short online unit assessments.
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Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements but you must be aged 19 or over and Level 1 in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, to study this course.
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Course code
Course code for online enrolment:CH2B0CE6
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young Peoples Mental Health (TQUK)
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: 12 Weeks
- Campus: Online, Distance Learning
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
This course is aimed at adults over 19-years-old who are currently working with children and young people and would like to develop specialist skills, or may simply wish to better understand mental health problems in this age group. This online programme is ideal if you need a flexible training solution that fits with your work schedule and lifestyle.
The Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young Peoples Mental Health course will give you an increased awareness and confidence to carry out your professional or voluntary role working with children and young people.
You will gain knowledge of mental health in children and young people, mental health problems commonly associated with children and young people, the impact of mental ill-health on children and young people and support available to maintain mental wellbeing in children and young people. This course is split into the following five manageable study units:
- Understand children and young people’s mental health in context – Learn about the concept of mental health and how society’s view of mental health has changed over time. Discover the legislation in place to support mental health.
- Understand factors which may affect children and young people’s mental health – Uncover the risk factors that can affect young people’s mental health and how these can be mitigated. Explore developmental changes and how puberty can impact mental health.
- Understand children and young people’s mental health concerns – Discover the behaviours displayed that may indicate a mental health concern. Find out about common mental health conditions that affect children and young people.
- Understand the impact of children and young people’s mental health concerns – Investigate the impact of mental health concerns on children, young people and others and develop an understanding of the importance of diagnosis and the reasons why children and young people may be reluctant to seek a diagnosis.
- Understand how to support children and young people with mental health concerns – You will explore person-centred approaches to supporting children and young people with mental health concerns, how to promote mental well-being, and the services and treatment involved with children mental health.
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams. You will record evidence of your knowledge and understanding in an online portfolio.
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What qualification will I get?
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your continuous professional development giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
-
How will I be assessed?
You will create an online portfolio that will provide evidence of your skills, knowledge and understanding and will be internally assessed by your assessor.
There is no external examination required to achieve this qualification.
-
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements but you must be aged 19 or over, and you may find it helpful if you have already achieved a level 1 qualification and/ or had some experience working in childcare, education or a support/ health care setting.
You will be interviewed to ensure the course is suitable for you.
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Course Code
Corse code for online enrolment: CH2O0CE4
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism (TQUK)
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: 12 weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Distance Learning, Online
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
This course is aimed at adults over 19-years-old who are currently employed in a role where an understanding of autism is required, or for those considering entering into the sector. This online programme is ideal if you need a flexible training solution that fits with your work schedule and lifestyle.
The Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism course will give you an understanding of autism and the principles of supporting autistic individuals. You will study the person-centred approach and the influence that positive communication methods can have. In addition, you will learn how autistic individuals can be supported to live healthy fulfilled lives.
You will study the symptoms of autism and how every individual has a varying condition. You will also learn about common behavioural patterns and how to identify when individuals with autism require assistance. You will develop a clear understanding of how, in your role as a teacher or caregiver, you can support children and adults with autism to prepare them better for the future. The course will cover six mandatory units:
- Introduction to autism – A comprehensive introduction to autism, covering what is meant by ‘autism’, exploring how autism develops and methods of working with those affected. You will explore common misconceptions surrounding autism and conditions that can develop alongside autism.
- Using a person-centred approach to support autistic individuals – Discover the method of utilising a person-centred approach in order to support autistic individuals, incorporating their unique preferences and individual needs. Examine the legislation and guidance on autism, as well as the support networks available to individuals diagnosed with the condition and their families.
- Communication and social interaction in autistic individuals – Learn about delays and difficulties in speech, language, and social development often faced by autistic individuals; and the methods and strategies that could be used when communicating with them.
- Sensory processing, perception and cognition in autistic individuals – Gain an in-depth understanding of sensory processing, perception and cognition in autistic individuals, including hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity. You will also consider how to support the many unique sensory needs of autistic individuals.
- Supporting positive behaviour in autistic individuals – This unit will provide an understanding of an individual’s behaviour in the context of autism and look at how to support positive behaviour and help individuals to develop coping strategies.
- Supporting autistic individuals to live healthy and fulfilled lives – You will learn how to provide effective support through transitions and life events, how to maintain the personal safety of others and how to access the wealth of services, facilities and employment opportunities open to those living with autism. You will gain an understanding of what it is like for an autistic individual to live, including their experiences and their challenges.
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams. You will record evidence of your knowledge and understanding in an online portfolio.
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What qualification will I get?
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your continuous professional development giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young Peoples Mental Health
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
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How will I be assessed?
You will create an online portfolio that will provide evidence of your skills, knowledge and understanding and will be internally assessed by your assessor.
There is no external examination required to achieve this qualification.
-
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements but you must be aged 19 or over, and you may find it helpful if you have already achieved a level 1 qualification and/ or had some experience working in childcare, education or a support/ health care setting.
You will be interviewed to ensure the course is suitable for you.
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Course Code
Course code for online enrolment: CH2O0CE3
Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values (NCFE CACHE)
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: 8 weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Distance Learning
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
This course is aimed at adults over 19-years-old who may be on a related apprenticeship programme or training course in preparation for work, or you may be required to study this as part of induction to a new job role. It may also be used as part of citizenship programmes for individuals coming to live in the UK. This online programme is ideal if you need a flexible training solution that fits with your work schedule and lifestyle.
The Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values course will give you increased awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding Prevent, including radicalisation, extremism, propaganda, social media, and the promotion of British Values, such as democracy and the rule of law. In addition you will learn about safeguarding and the legislation relating to it. The course is split into five manageable units:
- Principles of safeguarding
- The Prevent duty and its importance in society
- The importance of online safety
- The importance of British Values
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams.
-
What qualifications will I get?
Level 2 Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your continuous professional development (CPD) giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
-
How will I be assessed?
There are no formal examinations or external assessments required to pass this qualification but you will need to meet all of the assessment criteria.
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Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements but you must be aged 19 or over and have Level 2 in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, to study this course. You will also be invited to an interview to ensure the course is suitable for you.
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Course Code
Course code for online enrolment:ED2O0CE2
Level 2 Certificate in Special Education Needs and Disability (RQF)
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: 8 Weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Distance Learning
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
This course is aimed at adults over 19-years-old who are currently employed or volunteering in a role related to Special Education Needs or Disability (SEND), or for those considering entering into the sector. This online programme is ideal if you need a flexible training solution that fits with your work schedule and lifestyle.
Recent findings have demonstrated that 3.3% of all pupils in schools in England have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, in comparison to only 3.1% in 2019. A further 12.1% of all pupils who do not have an EHC plan have SEND support within the school environment. This is an increase on 11.9% in 2019.
The purpose of this qualification is to develop knowledge of SEND, understand how individuals with SEND are impacted on a day-to-day basis, and learn how to support them to live independent and fulfilling lives.
The Certificate in Special Education Needs and Disability (RQF) course will equip you with a detailed understanding of SEND, including equality and diversity in the context of SEND, and the legislation and guidance that helps to promote this.
You will explore how a person-centred approach can benefit individuals living with SEND, how SEND conditions can affect learning and how to support those living with SEND and their families.
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams.
You will record evidence of your knowledge and understanding in a paper-based workbook/portfolio and it’s essential you are working or volunteering in a related environment in order to complete certain aspects of this course.
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What qualifications will I get?
Level 2 Certificate in Special Education Needs and Disability (RQF)
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your continuous professional development giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
-
How will I be assessed?
You will create a portfolio which will provide evidence of your skills, knowledge and understanding.
There is no formal examination required to achieve this qualification.
-
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements but you must be aged 19 or over to study this course.
You will be interviewed to ensure the course is suitable for you.
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Course Code
Course code for online enrolment: CA2O0CE1
Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: Maximum of 12 weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Online
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
This qualification is aimed at anyone seeking to improve their understanding and awareness of suicide and self-harm. The knowledge individuals will gain is not sector-specific but can be applied to a broad range of personal and professional situations.
Individuals who may find this self-harm training course useful to their professional life include: teachers, mental health workers, crisis helpline volunteers, support workers, individuals in a safeguarding role, parents or guardians, and others working with individuals who may be at increased risk of self-harm or suicide.
Buxton and Leek College take the safeguarding of individuals emotional and physical wellbeing exceptionally seriously. Some courses and subjects covered in programmes can be upsetting for learners and, although The Skills Network has made every effort to include trigger warnings where appropriate, it is important to acknowledge that we cannot know or understand potential triggers for all learners. Our courses are designed to provide training and further knowledge and should not be undertaken as a form of non-clinical therapeutic intervention or counselling.
The qualification develops learners’ knowledge and understanding in order to care for children and young people. Providing learners with basic knowledge of childcare development, play, and babysitting will allow learners to make informed decisions when caring for children and young people.
You will complete 4 units as identified below:
Unit 1: Introduction to suicide and self-harm awareness
Section 1: Understand what is meant by self-harm and suicide
Section 2: Understand the triggers which might cause someone to self-harm or attempt suicide
Section 3: Understand media and societal attitudes to self-harm and suicide
Unit 2: Recognising the signs of suicide and self-harm in individuals
Section 1: Signs, thoughts, feelings and behaviour
Section 2: Understand how to initially approach someone who may be self-harming or considering suicide
Unit 3: The principles of suicide and self-harm prevention
Section 1: Understand the role of conversation in the prevention of self-harm and suicide
Section 2: Understand the importance of family and friend support in the prevention of self-harm and suicide
Section 3: Know support and treatment options available to individuals and families in relation to self-harm and suicide
Unit 4: Support for individuals when dealing with grief after suicide
Section 1: Understand the role of suicide prevention campaigns
Section 2: Understand the importance of encouraging healthy coping strategies
Section 3: Understanding grief following suicide and the impact it can have on individuals
Section 4: Understand the reach of grief following suicide
Section 5: Understand the importance of support for those affected by grief following suicide
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams.
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What qualification will I receive?
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Self-harm and Suicide Awareness and Prevention Awareness and Prevention
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your CPD giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges (online and fully funded)
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism (online)
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (online and fully funded)
- Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People (online and fully funded)
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children (online and fully funded)
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How will I be assessed?
To pass this qualification you must complete 4 mandatory units online.
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Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements, but you must be aged 19 or over and Level 1 in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, to study this course.
Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: Maximum of 12 weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Online
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
If you’re looking for a qualifications that will give you an introduction to childcare, our Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People is the ideal course for you. This qualification is available via distance learning, so you can study flexibly around your other commitments.
The course covers a range of topics including child development, play, nutrition and safeguarding. You’ll develop practical skills and knowledge that will be essential in any childcare setting. This is the ideal starting point if you’re considering a career in childcare, or if you simply want to gain a better understanding of how to care for children and young people.
The qualification develops learners’ knowledge and understanding in order to care for children and young people. Providing learners with basic knowledge of childcare development, play, and babysitting will allow learners to make informed decisions when caring for children and young people.
You will complete 5 units as identified below:
Unit 1: Young children’s development
This unit will explore the stages of development of young children from birth to three years. Learn about how positive environments support the development of young children.
Unit 2: The value of play to young children
Learn about the necessity of play to young children’s development as well as demonstrating different play activities suitable for young children from birth to five years old.
Unit 3: Importance of play for early learning
This unit explores the vital importance of creativity and imagination in the development of a child. Learn about how to organise a cooking activity for children as well as the particular importance of books and stories in child development.
Unit 4: Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
This unit examines legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people (including e-safety). Learn what action to take when children or young people are injured or ill and when complete, gain the ability to recognise emergency procedures as well as how to respond to suspicions that a child or young people has been abused, harmed or bullied.
Unit 5: Use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet
This unit will help to build an understanding of how to make healthy and nutritional food choices for children. Develop knowledge of food labels and what to look out for to ensure that children are given a balanced diet.
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams.
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What qualification will I receive?
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your CPD giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges (online and fully funded)
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism (online)
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (online and fully funded)
- Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People (online and fully funded)
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children (online and fully funded)
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How will I be assessed?
To pass this qualification you must complete 5 mandatory units online.
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Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements, but you must be aged 19 or over and Level 1 in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, to study this course.
Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Working with and Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
- Course type: Adults
- Study Type: Part-time
- Study Duration: Maximum of 12 weeks
- Level: Level 2
- Campus: Online
- On demand
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Tell me about the course
Develop a comprehensive understanding of issues related to different types of learning disabilities and how these affect individuals in their daily lives through this certificate in principles of working with individuals with learning disabilities.
Whether you are an individual looking to upskill or an employer wanting to train your staff, this course will enable you to develop a range of skills to help with the support of individuals with learning disabilities. Topics include the principles of safeguarding, awareness of autistic conditions and how best to support individuals with learning disabilities in accessing healthcare.
You will need to complete 6 units as detailed below:
Unit 1: Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities
Contextualise the support provided to individuals with learning disabilities through gaining an understanding of inclusion, advocacy and empowerment. Develop an understanding of the causes, nature and characteristics of learning disabilities.
Unit 2: Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care
Discover how to recognise signs of abuse and understand how to respond to a situation of alleged or suspected abuse. Explore the ways to reduce the likelihood of abuse and how to report unsafe practices.
Unit 3: Introduction to personalisation in social care
Consider the importance of adopting a personalised approach to care when supporting individuals with learning disabilities, as well as looking at the systems currently in place which encourage personalisation.
Unit 4: Principles of positive risk-taking for individuals with disabilities
Gain an understanding of the importance of using positive, person-centred risk assessment to support individuals with decisions about risk-taking. This unit also explores the ways in which support can be given to manage identified risks.
Unit 5: Introductory awareness of autistic spectrum conditions
Explore Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) and the different experiences of individuals living with an ASC. Consider person-centred ways of supporting individuals who have an ASC, including the different systems which can be used to enable communication.
Unit 6: Principles of supporting individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles of different professionals working with individuals with learning disabilities in healthcare services. This unit also covers how healthcare plans and health checks underpin long-term health and well-being and explores issues that individuals may face when accessing healthcare services.
Since this is an online course, you can choose when and where you study. Your assessor will ensure you get all the support you need to complete the course; however, you will need to be self-motivated and able to work against the pressures of studying independently. You will be expected to complete reading and research to support your learning and will find it useful to be able to engage with IT resources, including internet, email and Microsoft Teams.
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What qualification will I receive?
TQUK Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Working with and Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
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What can I go onto next?
This qualification will enable you to further your CPD giving you the confidence to continue in your current employment and the ability to improve your career prospects.
You may wish to enhance your employability by completing further training related to this qualification such as:
- Level 2 Behaviour That Challenges (online and fully funded)
- Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning/Teaching Assistant
- Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
- Level 2 Understanding Autism (online)
- Level 2 in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (online and fully funded)
- Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People (online and fully funded)
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children (online and fully funded)
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How will I be assessed?
To pass this qualification you must complete 6 mandatory units online.
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Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements, but you must be aged 19 or over and Level 1 in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, to study this course.