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Course overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities is a nationally recognised learning disability support worker course, built for anyone working in health and social care or supporting individuals with learning disabilities day to day. You will explore social, medical and rights based perspectives on learning disability, and build genuine knowledge of person centred practice, safeguarding, and positive risk taking.
By the end, you will understand how to support individuals with learning disabilities to access healthcare, build independence, and take part fully in social and community life. This is a knowledge only qualification with no work placement required, making it a practical route into learning disability support training for people already working or volunteering in care settings.
Who this course is for
- Anyone interested in working in health and social care
- Support workers and care assistants
- Staff supporting individuals with learning disabilities
- Anyone wanting to build knowledge of inclusive, person centred care practice
- Anyone looking to improve their understanding of learning disabilities and safeguarding
What you will learn
You will explore the historical and current context of learning disability support, and build a solid understanding of person centred approaches and personalisation in social care. The course covers positive risk taking and how to promote independence safely, alongside the principles of safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals. You will also learn how to support individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare, and gain an introductory awareness of autistic spectrum conditions.
Course units
This qualification is made up of 6 mandatory units. You will need to complete all of them to achieve the certificate.
- Understand the context of supporting individuals with learning disabilities
- Principles of safeguarding and protection in health and social care
- Introduction to personalisation in social care
- Principles of positive risk taking for individuals with disabilities
- Principles of supporting individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare
- Introductory awareness of autistic spectrum conditions
Duration and study format
| Awarding organisation | NCFE CACHE, Ofqual regulated |
|---|---|
| Study format | 100% online, self paced, through our secure e-portfolio platform |
| Course access | Up to 6 months from enrolment |
| Guided learning hours | 124 hours |
| Total qualification time | 130 hours |
| Credit value | 13 credits |
| Entry requirements | Minimum age 16, no prior qualifications needed |
How you are assessed
You will build a portfolio of written evidence against each unit's learning outcomes. A qualified assessor reviews your work and gives feedback within 7 days of submission, with internal quality assurance keeping every decision fair and consistent. Work is graded achieved or not yet achieved, so there is no exam, just steady progress against an agreed submission schedule.
Where this course can take you
This certificate is a strong foundation for further study across health and social care and learning disability support. It leads naturally into related qualifications and roles, including:
- Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working with People with Mental Health Needs
- Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
- Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems
- Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
- Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care
- Specialist training in learning disability support
It also supports progression into roles such as support worker, care assistant, learning disability support worker, healthcare assistant and community support worker.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need care experience to start this course?
No. This course suits complete beginners as well as those already working in health and social care. There are no entry requirements beyond being 16 or over.
Does this course cover autism as well as learning disabilities?
Yes, at an introductory level. One unit gives you an introductory awareness of autistic spectrum conditions alongside the core learning disability content.
Will I need to complete a work placement?
No. This is a knowledge only qualification studied entirely online, so there is no requirement for a work placement or real work environment.
How long do I have to complete the course?
You have up to 6 months of access and study at your own pace, with an agreed submission schedule to help keep you on track.
What support will I get while studying?
You will have remote tutor support throughout the course, feedback from a qualified assessor within 7 days of each submission, and ongoing pastoral support.
Is this qualification nationally recognised?
Yes. It is an NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate regulated by Ofqual, so it carries the same national recognition as other regulated qualifications at this level.
Make a real difference in people's lives — 100% online, self-paced, and nationally recognised.
This NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate gives you the essential knowledge to support individuals with learning disabilities to live independent, fulfilling lives. Learn about person-centred practice, safeguarding, positive risk-taking, accessing healthcare, and autistic spectrum conditions. Perfect for those working in or aspiring to work in health and social care. No workplace placement required.
📘 NCFE CACHE Level 2 | Ofqual-regulated
📍 100% online | Self-paced | Up to 6 months access
📍 13 credits | 124 guided learning hours
📍 No prior qualifications needed | Minimum age 16
