NVQ assessment for care assistants

Abstract

This article discusses the findings of a preliminary investigation into the needs of care assistants undertaking a national vocational qualification (NVQ) in health or social care within a nursing and midwifery college. It is part of a longitudinal study which attempts to determine quality indicators for the structure, process and outcomes of NVQ assessment. Preliminary findings indicate that participants are generally satisfied with the structure and process of their NVQ programme, but some concerns regarding pre-access information, programme documentation, access to tutors and work-place assessors and personal study requirements are raised. These issues are discussed within the general arena of adult education and recommendations for appropriate programme development are made.