Level 4 · Adult Social Care · Ofqual-regulated qualification

NCFE CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care (RQF)

Develop specialist knowledge, professional judgement and leadership through authentic adult care practice. This 70-credit qualification connects online portfolio learning with evidence from your real work setting.

12–18 monthsOnline distance learning£899.00 pay in full

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Key facts

  • Awarding organisation: NCFE CACHE
  • Qualification number: 603/2614/1
  • Level: Level 4
  • Typical duration: 12–18 months
  • Study mode: Online distance learning
  • Fee: £899.00 in full, or £359.60 deposit plus 6 monthly payments of £89.90 (0% interest)
  • Delivered by Orvanta Open College, NCFE approved centre 11000895

Course Overview: NCFE CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care

The NCFE CACHE Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care is designed for adult care practitioners who lead or influence practice and can demonstrate responsibility in their setting.

The qualification number is 603/2614/1. It has 514 guided learning hours, 700 hours of total qualification time and a minimum entry age of 18.

Learners complete all 12 mandatory units worth 36 credits and an agreed selection worth at least 34 optional credits. At least 55 of the minimum 70 credits must be achieved at Level 4 or above.

Orvanta organises the qualification into six learning modules. This is a teaching pathway; credits are awarded for successfully completing the selected units rather than simply opening or finishing a module.

Who this course is for

  • Adult care practitioners who lead or influence practice in their setting.
  • Experienced practitioners who can demonstrate responsibility through authentic workplace evidence.
  • Learners seeking to develop specialist knowledge, professional judgement and person-centred leadership.
  • Practitioners preparing for possible progression to Level 5 leadership and management study.

What you will learn

  • Lead effective communication, inclusive practice and your own professional development.
  • Lead health and safety practice and understand safeguarding responsibilities for adults and children present in adult care.
  • Facilitate person-centred assessment and support planning that promotes choice, control, wellbeing and positive outcomes.
  • Explore supervision, mentoring, recruitment, team leadership and workforce development through an agreed optional-unit route.
  • Consider resources, innovation, service improvement and assistive technology where these form part of your selected units.
  • Develop accurate records, ethical professional practice, partnership working and reflective judgement.

Course units and syllabus

  • Leadership, Communication and Professional Development
  • Health, Safety, Risk and Wellbeing in Adult Care
  • Person-Centred Leadership and Quality Practice
  • Supervision, Team Leadership and Professional Development
  • Managing Resources, Change and Innovation
  • Research, Ethics and Reflective Practice

Entry requirements

  • Learners must be aged 18 or over.
  • You must be working, volunteering or on practical placement in adult care because skills must be evidenced in a real work environment.
  • Your role must provide suitable opportunities for the mandatory units and your agreed optional-unit selection.
  • Access to assessor observations and appropriate workplace evidence should be agreed before starting.
  • Orvanta may apply additional suitability requirements after checking your role and evidence opportunities.

Assessment

  • A portfolio combines written knowledge evidence with authentic activities from your adult care setting.
  • A qualified assessor plans direct observation and verifies competence against the full learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
  • Workplace supervisor testimony can support the portfolio, but the qualified assessor makes the final assessment decision.
  • Expert witness evidence or simulation is used only where the official assessment principles and unit requirements permit it and the assessor agrees.
  • The official grade is Achieved or Not Yet Achieved; there are no graded examinations.

Progression

  • The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, subject to experience, role suitability and any further entry requirements.

Career roles

  • Adult Care Lead Practitioner
  • Senior Adult Care Practitioner
  • Practice Leadership Roles
  • Specialist Adult Care Roles

Frequently asked questions

How is the Level 4 Diploma structured?

You complete all 12 mandatory units worth 36 credits and an agreed optional-unit selection worth at least 34 credits. You need at least 70 credits overall, including at least 55 credits at Level 4 or above.

Do I need to work in adult care while studying?

Yes. You must be working, volunteering or on practical placement in adult care so that a qualified assessor can verify skills and authentic workplace evidence.

Do I complete every optional unit?

No. The qualification offers 27 optional units, but you and your assessor agree a valid selection that suits your role and meets the qualification's credit rules.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

The typical duration is 12 to 18 months. The fee is £899 in full, or a £359.60 deposit followed by 6 monthly payments of £89.90, interest free.

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Call 0161 641 5819 or email info@orvantaopencollege.co.uk.

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