Health Professions & Social Services
SVQ Social Services and Healthcare 2 - SCQF Level 6
Campus OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Open learning
Start date
Aug 2025
Cost
£900
(see funding options)
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is suitable for people who are currently employed as support workers in:
- Care homes
- Care at home
- Housing support
SVQs are work-based qualifications that assess the skills and knowledge people need to perform their job roles effectively. You will be allocated an assessor who will work with you to gather evidence demonstrating that you meet the required standards. This qualification will enable the student to register with the SSSC.
In your current job role, you should be involved in:
- Support effective communication in a care home/care home services where adults are cared for or supported
- Work with individuals to identify the support required for daily living and assist in activities to promote well-being and independence
- Support individuals to communicate what they wish to eat and drink and prepare selected choices before serving food and drink; support the individual to eat and clear away when they have finished
- Support individuals with their personal care needs, including access and use of toilet facilities, maintaining personal hygiene and managing personal appearance
- Monitor the health and well-being of individuals with specific health conditions
- Support with moving and positioning, assisting in medication and following all Legal and work-related policies and procedures
Writing a Personal Statement
In your personal statement we ask that you be very concise. The information we require is as follows:
- Who is your current employer?
- What is your current job title?
- What are your main roles and responsibilities?
Funding and Fees
Fee: £900
Estimated Duration: 9 months
Edinburgh College makes every effort to support you throughout your qualifications. If you do not engage with the qualification and do not complete it within the estimated completion period, Edinburgh College may implement a monthly fee of £150 (SVQ 2 and SVQ 3) or £218 (SVQ 4) per person for ongoing assessor support. This would not apply if candidates are put on hold for personal or work-related reasons.
Funding
Various funding streams are available to cover some or all costs. These include:
- Fees paid by employer or student
- Voluntary sector organisations can apply to the Voluntary Sector Development Fund. This is done independently of the College. For more information on this please use this link: Scottish Social Services Council - Voluntary Sector Development Fund - Funding Scotland
- Modern Apprenticeship funding may be available at all levels subject to funding allocations. Please note that there are additional requirements for accessing this funding, such as completing additional units, completing regular and thorough review meetings, etc. This funding may fully or partially fund a qualification, depending on allocations and levels.
- You may be entitled to apply for a fee waiver for this course (this option is only for individuals who are paying for the course themselves - not businesses) – Please use the link to the application form for more information on this: Edinburgh College Fee Waiver Application Form Fee waivers can only be offered if candidates provide documentary evidence to prove eligibility for fee waiver funding
The course contains 4 mandatory units:
- Support Effective Communication
- Support the Health and safety of Yourself and Individuals
- Develop your Knowledge and Practice
- Support the Safeguarding of Individuals
You will also select two optional units that relate to your current practice.
For further information on the qualifications and units please read the SQA Structure Document.
How the course is assessed
- The course is assessed holistically by reflective accounts, observations, tasks and questions.
Number of days per week
- Flexible learning.
- Regular 1-1 meetings with your workplace assessor, at your workplace, at a college campus or online.
Entry requirements
- Employed as a support worker in care homes, care at home services for adults or housing support.
- Please contact SVQCARE@edinburghcollege.ac.uk if you have any questions about entry requirements
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- SVQ SCQF 7, SVQ SCQF 8, LMC – dependant on work role
Career options
- Care support worker for adults
- Registration with the SSSC
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus | Open learning | 25/08/25 |
|
