Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

There may be exceptional circumstances where even this flexibility does not meet aparticular local need. In this case, centres can seek permission from Edexcel todevelop a unit with us to meet this need. There are very few cases where this will beallowed. Centres will need strong evidence of the local need and the reasons why ourstandard units are inappropriate. Edexcel will need to submit these units foraccreditation by QCA.Limitations on variations from standard specificationsThe flexibility to import standard units from other BTEC Nationals and/or developunique units is limited to a total of:•2 / 9 (for example four 60 GLH units) in a BTEC National Diploma qualification•1 / 6 (for example two 60 GLH units) in a BTEC National Certificate qualification•1 / 6 (for example one 60 GLH unit) in a BTEC National Award qualification.The use of these units cannot be at the expense of the core units in any qualification.Access and recruitmentEdexcel’s policy regarding access to its qualifications is that:• they should be available to everyone who is capable of reaching the requiredstandards• they should be free from any barriers that restrict access and progression• there should be equal opportunities for all wishing to access the qualifications.Centres are required to recruit learners to BTEC qualifications with integrity. Thiswill include ensuring that applicants have appropriate information and advice aboutthe qualifications and that the qualification will meet their needs. Centres shouldtake appropriate steps to assess each applicant’s potential and make a professionaljudgement about their ability to successfully complete the programme of study andachieve the qualification. This assessment will need to take account of the supportavailable to the learner within the centre during their programme of study and anyspecific support that might be necessary to allow the learner to access theassessment for the qualification. Centres should also show regard for Edexcel’s policyon learners with particular requirements.Centres will need to review the profile of qualifications and/or experience held byapplicants, considering whether this profile shows an ability to progress to a Level 3qualification. For learners who have recently been in education, the profile is likelyto include one of the following:• a BTEC First qualification in Health and Social Care or a related vocational area• an Intermediate GNVQ in an appropriate vocational area• a GCSE equivalent to four passes at grade C• other related Level 2 qualifications• related work experience.BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007615