Peregrine House in Whitby recently took advantage of City and Guilds offer to contribute 50% of funding costs for 30 of their employees to undertake the new QCF Dementia Awards at Level 3.

There are now other opportunities available to train 19+ unemployed people ready to work in the sector. Training include QCF units such as Dementia, the Activity Organiser and the new refreshed Common Induction Standards.

All age Apprenticeships are available in Health (including Dental), Health and Social Care, Childcare and Customer Service.

For information on current funding opportunities, please contact Diane Oram at In Touch Care Tel: 0114 2633880 or email: diane.oram@intouchcare.co.uk

We are delighted to announce that In Touch Care are the first of two providers to achieve the National Skills Academy for Social Care's Excellence Award and are also contracted with the NAS as their Regional Review Co-ordinator for the Yorkshire and Humber. We achieved this status in December 2010 along with two other very prestigious awards, Investors in People Gold and Investors in People Champion.

The Excellence Award was awarded to In Touch Care as a Training Provider - Centre of Excellence and was achieved by demonstrating that we engage with Employers and Learners to provide a positive and supportive learning environment within the values and ethos of Adult Social Care.

The Investors in People Gold Status represents the achievement of world class best practice and recognises In Touch Care as a truly cutting edge organisation operating at the very highest

standard of people management practice.

As an Investors in People Champion In Touch Care are recognised and rewarded for promoting the values and principles of Investors in People, leading by example in the way we manage and develop our staff.

February 2011 - Issue 2 Page 1

As you are aware the way that qualifications are organised and structured is changing. The QCF is a new flexible way of recognising and rewarding skills and qualifications. It is designed to make sure future qualifications allow a flexible, 'mix and match' approach to meeting the different development needs of the workforce.

Every unit and qualification in the framework will have both a credit value and a level:One credit represents 10 hours of average learning time and so the credit value shows how much time it takes to complete. The level shows how difficult the unit or qualification is and this can be anywhere between entry level and level 8.

There are three sizes of qualification in the QCF:Award (1-12 credits) Certificate (13-36 credits) Diploma (above 36 credits) - not linked to the 14-19 Diploma.

In the new framework you can have an award at level 1 or an award at level 8. This is because the qualification type 'award, certificate, diploma' represents the size of a qualification, not how difficult it is. The new QCF support the following benefits:Learners: •More choice and flexibility. •Undertake learning in bite size chunks.Employers: •Easily identify the level and size of achievement of prospective employees. •Clearly identify the right training for their learning and business needs.Training Providers: •Retention and progression rates will improve as learners achieve more frequently.

February 2011 - Issue 2 Page 2

Awards:Level 2 Award in Supporting Activity Provision in Social CareLevel 3 Award in Assisting and Moving Individuals for Social Care SettingsLevel 2 Award Awareness of Dementia Level 3 Award Awareness of DementiaDiabetes (in draft form only at present - release to be confirmed)

Certificates:Level 2 Certificate in Dementia Care Level 3 Certificate in Dementia Care Level 2 Certificate in Assisting and Moving individuals for social care settingsLevel 2 Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Individuals with Learning DisabilitiesLevel 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (Technical Certificate replacement)Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (Technical Certificate replacement)Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support ServicesDiabetes (in draft form only at present - release to be confirmed)

Diplomas:Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care (46 Credits)Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (58 Credits)Level 3 Diploma in Healthcare Support ServicesLevel 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (available from April 2011)

Health and Social Care

New Qualifications at In Touch Care

Page 3Issue 1

For information on how to enrol on any of our courses please contact Diane Oram on 0114 2633880 or email

diane.oram@intouchcare.co.uk

All QCF Units are now available to view on the website: http://register.ofqual.gov.uk/Qualification

Page 3February 2010 - Issue 2

Certificate:Level 2 Certificate for Children and Young People’s Workforce

Diploma:Level 3 Diploma for Children and Young People’s WorkforceLevel 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (available from April 2011)

Childcare

Certificate:Level 2 Certificate in Healthcare Support Services

Diploma:Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (replaces the Level 3 NVQ in Oral Health: Dental Nursing)

Certificate:Level 3 Certificate in Advice and Guidance (There is no level 2 anymore)

Certificate:Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service

Diploma:Level 3 Diploma in Customer Service

Dental

Customer Service

Advice and Guidance

EnrolmentEnrolment dates

available forFebruary and

March

The Centre for Workforce IntelligenceThe CfWI is the new national authority on workforce planning and development providing advice and information to the NHS and social care system. Their mission is to become the primary source of workforce intelligence for health and social care. They produce quality intelligence to inform better workforce planning, in order to improve people's lives:1. Providing workforce intelligence to the health and social care system to enable it to make better decisions.2. Providing leadership within the system, helping senior leaders to drive workforce planning, strengthening the influence of workforce planners, and connecting different parts of the system.3. Providing the support, resources and best practice to improve the effectiveness of workforce planning at local, regional and national levels.http://www.cfwi.org.uk/

February 2011 - Issue 2 Page 4

News from the Sector

CQC NewsCQC has published guidance on how they monitor compliance. This document gives concise up to date information on the regulation of the current standards. Once you are registered as an organisation under the Health and Social Care Act, CQC will monitor whether you meet the ‘Essential Standards of Quality and Safety. The publication can be accessed from their website or by following this link:http://www.cqc.org.uk/guidanceforprofessionals/adultsocialcare/ourmonitoringofcompliance/howwemonitorcompliance.cfm

Skills for Care and Health‘Following consultation with the sector, Skills for Care has refreshed the Common Induction Standards to ensure they are fit for purpose and reflect current policy and practice. The standards are for people entering social care, and those changing roles or employers within social care.

The refreshed Common Induction Standards replace the Common Induction Standards 2005.

The effective implementation of the Common Induction Standards is a significant step towards the delivery of high quality care and support. The Care Quality Commission's Essential Standards of Quality and Safety highlight the importance and value of strong and comprehensive induction and they will need to be assured that all new staff have undergone a thorough induction process.

They are designed to be met within a 12 week period to enable care workers to demonstrate providing high quality care and support. It provides recognition for their work, and prepares them for entry onto future training and qualifications.’

See the website:http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/entry_to_social_care/common_induction_standards/common_induction_standards.aspx

CWDCThe CWDC induction standards set out what new workers should know, understand and be able to do within six months of starting work. They are now mandatory for the children's social care workforce and can be used successfully for other roles too.These can be accessed at:http://www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/induction-standards/materials

Skills for Care and DevelopmentSkills for Care and Development are seeking feedback on their draft Sector Qualification (and Learning) Strategy. This is a key part of their core remit as a SSC as it describes to stakeholders/partners the needs of employers in early years, children and young people’s services, in social work and social care for children and adults in the UK.Skills for Care and Development (SfC&D) is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for people working in early years, children and young people’s services, and those working in social work and social care for children and adults in the UK.

To take part in the consultation, go to their website at:http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/participation/consultations/Sector_Qualification_(and_Learning)_Strategy.aspx

Skills for Care - QCF DevelopmentAs part of the Qualifications Credit Framework (QCF) development process, Skills for Care would like feedback on a sample of draft units being developed across different qualifications. Currently, Diabetes is under consultation. To access, visit their website at:http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/qualifications_and_training/qualificationsandcreditframeworkQCF/draft_units.aspx

In Touch Care are looking for Learner Representatives.

If you are interested then please contact Diane Oram Telephone 01245 2633880 or email diane.oram@intouchcare.co.uk

Page 5February 2011 - Issue 2

The government wants your opinion to count!

The Young People's Learning Agency, Skills Funding Agency and Department for Business Innovation and Skills want you to share your views in online surveys giving feedback on your life as a learner.

Join the Learner Panel to share your views and experiences of education and earn high street vouchers for completing surveys.

Find out more at: http://www.learnerpanel.co.uk/join

Level 2 Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development - Joel Cana, Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care - Sheridan Tierney,Key Skills in Application of Number - level 1 - Alice Bellamy,Key Skills in Application of Number - level 2 - Charlotte Lemasurier,Key Skills in Communication - level 1 - Tom Woods,Level 2 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development - Sarah Proctor,Level 2 NVQ in Customer Service - Matthew Cobbett, Sajaad Khan, Allan Ledbetter, Mayur Nandha, Olajide Olatundun, Tristan Smith, Lee Tague, Rachael Baxter, Sandra Sayles, Martin Hughes, Katie Salisbury,Level 3 NVQ in Dental Nursing - Tracy Green,Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care - Wendy Martin, Jacqueline Ramsay, Teresa Farr, Kelly Algor, Cindy Parker, Debra Cook,Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care - Kerrie Gibson, Lisa King, Susan Dobinson, Mark Norcliffe, Heather Hayes,Level 2 Apprenticeship in Children's Care, Learning and Development - Chloe Taylor,Level 2 Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care - Carla Whiteley, Ravia Bashir,

Get Involved!

Here are some of our learners who completed their qualifications in January 2011 - Congratulations to EVERYONE who has achieved

qualifications with In Touch Care. A 'Role of Honour' will be going on our website in the near future - Look out for your name there!

Page 6February 2011 - Issue 2

LloydPersonal Profile: Male, aged 19Likes: Football (Supports Sheffield United Football Club), Karate and fishing. Dream Job: Qualified Care Assistant (Now achieved as he works at White Rose Court, Handsworth, Sheffield).

In September 2007, Lloyd came to In Touch Care to undertake a qualification in Health and Social Care. At the time he was a year twelve student from Sheffield Park Academy. Lloyd went on to successfully achieve the BTEC First in Health and Social Care at In Touch Care.

In September 2009, Lloyd contacted In Touch Care again and enquired about enrolling on an Apprenticeship course and began a Health and Social Care Apprenticeship in November 2009. He soon progressed with the support of his tutor to achieve his Key Skills in Application of Number and Communication at Levels 1, followed by the completion of the Technical Certificate in Health and Social Care Level 2. He also gained his First Aid Certificate during this period. Following these achievements, Lloyd had a successful interview to be a volunteer at a care home in Sheffield, where he could put his knowledge learned in to practice. During his time there, he was able to achieve the NVQ in Health and Social Care Level 2, completing his Apprenticeship programme.

Lloyd's achievements were remarkable; he has succeeded in gaining his qualifications whilst combating Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. His confidence has grown along with his motivation to learn and this was recognised at In Touch Care's Vocational Qualification Day where he received an award for his success in 'Overcoming Barriers' to achieve his goals and become a Qualified Care Assistant.

In Touch Care has been honoured with a prestigious National Training Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution and commitment to training, learning and development in the workplace.

The Regional National Training Award was presented at the Yorkshire and The Humber Regional Ceremony at Leeds Town Hall on Tuesday 28th September. In Touch Care was recognised in the Providing Education and Training category for their work with students aged 14 – 16 from local Sheffield schools.

John Innes, Associate Head at Yewlands Technology College, comments, "In Touch Care offered the individuals that attended the Health and Social Care BTEC course a new way of learning, utilising a variety of learning styles to meet the differing needs of our students. This in turn has given the learners a greater understanding of the world they live in and the things that life may have to offer.”

Run on behalf of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) by UK Skills, the National Training Awards inspire and encourage UK industry to invest in training and development as a route to achieving outstanding organisational and individual success. Winning an Award is recognition of best practice and provides a benchmark for standards of excellence in training in the UK. City & Guilds is the premier sponsor of the 2010 National Training Awards.

Simon Bartley, Chief Executive of UK Skills which manages the National Training Awards said: “I would like to offer congratulations to all regional and UK winners for the National Training Awards 2010. Achieving an award is a fantastic achievement and one that all winners should be really proud of. Now more than ever it is essential for organisations to continue to invest in the development of their staff. The UK’s future, after all, can only be strengthened and sustained by people who have the skills needed to meet the demands of today’s globalised economy.”

Jeni Liversidge, Teaching and Learning Manager at In Touch Care expressed her absolute delight in receiving the award, “The superb academic achievements that have increased year on year are a result of commitment and dedication from the students, the school team as well as the positive partnerships between the organisations”

February 2011 - Issue 2 Page 7

Thursday 10 March 2011 & Friday 11 March 2011

We are looking for our best Health & Social Care Practitioner at Levels 2 and 3!

Why?

Winners will have the chance to enter into:The UK Skills Competition

The Skills for Care AccoladeThe City & Guilds Medal of Excellence

In order to enter applicants must have been nominated by a

Manager, Assessor or Teacher.

Qualified Assessor and Internal Verifier Vacancies at In Touch Care

Due to company growth we have Full and Part-Time vacancies in the following Sectors:

Health/Social Care - Dental - ChildcareApplicants must have either:A1/D32/33 (Assessors Award), V1/D34 (Verifiers Award or equivalent)

In Touch Care offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for Continuous Professional DevelopmentWe are committed to Equality and Diversity and safeguarding individuals. All candidates will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.

Email claire.savage@intouchcare.co.uk or visit the vacancies page on our website to apply www.intouchcare.co.uk

For more information, please contact Lauren Nicholls on 0114 2633880 or lauren.nicholls@intouchcare.co.uk

This opportunity will extend our Peer Review Partnership to include expertise from an Investors in People Gold Health and Social Care employer and schools that have a range of experience in delivering Personal Learning and Thinking Skills (PLTS) within the 14-19 SHD Diploma.

Three high quality Health and Social Care work-based learning providers will bring together their knowledge, and partnership with City and Guilds in order to develop high quality resources to meet the needs of the new apprenticeship programme in Health and Social Care and its further developments with PLTS in April 2011.

Resources developed will be fun to use and support learning irrespective of learning style. The resources will be shared extensively through the networks that the partners are actively involved in and will be shared on the Excellence Gateway as a means of sharing best practice.

LSIS 14 - 19Vocational Curriculum

Development

Focus Values at ITC…. Fair Open Committed Understanding Supportive

ITC strategic aims for equality, diversity and inclusion…

Reputation Experience of Learners Successful achievement Performance Engagement of Employers Community Needs Teaching Experience

If you have any feedback on this edition of the newsletter or would like to share your opinions or suggestions then contact Juliet Meeres on email:

juliet.meeres@intouchcare.co.uk or telephone 0114 2633880

Dates for your Diary

Adult Learners Week 14 - 20 May 2011for further information visit www.alw.org.uk

February 2011 - Issue 2 Page 8

The Learning….

Acknowledging Students Strengths Establishing Successful Strategies Monitoring Encouraging News Talents

The Team…. Together Everyone Achieves More

Care CompetitionThurs 10 March 2011 and Fri 11 March 2011For more information, please contact Lauren Nicholls on 0114 2633880 or lauren.nicholls@intouchcare.co.uk