The Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy for Children is to give learners the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of the knowledge, skills and understanding required to provide high quality independent advocacy support to children.
The qualification is for those aged 18 years or over who may work as an Independent Advocate for children in either an employed or voluntary capacity. It is relevant to staff from Local Authorities (e.g. children’s services leads, children’s rights officers, complaints officers) or other organisations, such as charities, who provide advocacy support services for children. It could also be for someone who has worked with children in a related discipline and wishes to train to become a practitioner in a children’s advocacy service.
The course has a 22 guided learning hours requirement. The total qualification time is 30 hours. You are usually expected to complete this course within 1 to 6 weeks.
In order to achieve the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy for Children qualification you will need to complete units 1 and 2 below and achieve a minimum of 3 credits:
| Unit | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Principles, Policy and Practice Underpinning Children’s Advocacy Services | 2 |
| 2 | Trauma-Informed Advocacy for Children | 1 |
| 3 | Practice Development Planning for Advocates | 2 |
The course is delivered by either blended learning or as classroom based. You are expected to meet all course requirements regardless of the method of delivery. There should be evidence of learning and meeting all the assessment criteria.
Fast track is also available to candidates who can work at a faster pace and have access to learning opportunities. You will also be expected to have the capacity to meet all course requirements within a shorter time scale and ideally have evidence of prior learning.
Classroom (Face-to-face Classes or Workshops)This is the ideal course delivery as it allows all practical requirements to be demonstrated and observed in real time. All course requirements will need to be completed within the classroom.
Blended LearningThis mode of learning is ideal for candidates who want to complete part of the course by distance learning. All practical requirements of the course will need to be demonstrated or carried out either during classroom attendance or observed in real time by video.
Online (Distance Learning)This mode of learning is ideal for candidates who want to complete the course entirely or mostly by distance learning. Evidence of practice will however need to be provided in the form of work products, expert witnesses, observations or any other appropriate and suitable method that demonstrates your competency.
All candidates will be allocated an assessor on enrolment and given access to coursework, resources and learning opportunities. Course events include forums, web conferences, and face-to-face sessions.
We are often asked how quick someone can complete this course? This depends on a number of factors which includes your own commitment, the quality of your evidence, time, learning and assessment opportunities and your ability to study at a high level.
Candidates joining the course with evidence of prior learning and credits from other qualifications will obviously be able to complete quicker than someone without. If you invest more time on the course such as 15 hours a week then you will most likely complete earlier compared to someone who commits less time. On the other hand if you find yourself needing more time than the curse duration you can negotiate for more time during your initial assessment planning. You can also apply for extensions.
Please bear in mind that you will be required to evidence learning and participate in course activities. This is a regulated qualification that will be quality assured and monitored by awarding bodies and Ofqual. We however expect you to complete the course within 1 to 6 weeks.
Advocacy is about representing the views, wishes or concerns of children so that they can be heard and acted upon by decision-makers. For example, this could relate to a change in the service that they receive or the place that they live in. It can apply to children in need; children who are looked after by a local authority; children who are involved in family group or child protection conferences; disabled children and young people; children in education or children and young people receiving mental health support.
This course is open to anyone with 2 years’ relevant professional experience in a children’s health, education or a social care setting with a current Enhanced DBS. You need to have a minimum Level 2 Safeguarding training or qualification and preferably have access to a workplace setting/placement as an independent advocate on a paid or voluntary basis. You will need to be at least 18 years old. You will be expected to have basic numeracy, IT skills and Level 2 Literacy.
You are also expected to be committed and serious about achieving the qualification. All candidates (learners) should have access to the internet and a word processor.
