What is the course about?
Please note: this course is not available to learners in many areas of England with devolved adult skills funding. Please view the Level 2 Distance Learning page for details on eligibility
This course is 10 weeks in length and aims to give learners the knowledge and understanding to work with individuals with learning disabilities or difficulties. They will explore the principles of safeguarding and positive risk-taking and gain awareness of the autistic spectrum.This qualification is designed for learners with an interest in, or who are already working with, people with learning disabilities in a variety of roles. This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 and above. There are no specific recommended prior learning requirements for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 1 qualification.
To be awarded the Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities, learners are required to successfully complete 6 mandatory units:
•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
•Introductory awareness of Autistic Spectrum Conditions
•Principles of supporting individuals with a learning disability to access healthcare
You will be provided with online learning materials which covers all aspects of your course. You will be required to complete assessments for each of the units within the course and submit these by the deadline dates provided at induction. You will be allocated an assessor at the start of your course and they will support you to ensure you have a successful outcome. IT skills will be developed throughout your course and basic English skills will be assessed and discussed on an ongoing basis.
The course is free if you meet the eligibility criteria. You must be a UK resident or have lived in the UK for 3 years or more and be aged 19 or older on 31 August 2025. You will need internet access so that you can respond to email and a digital device that will enable you to type your answers into a web-based platform.
To achieve the Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities, learners must successfully demonstrate their achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the 6 mandatory units as detailed in the qualification specification.
The objectives of this qualification are to prepare learners for employment and to support a role in the workplace where the individual may work or interact with people with learning disabilities. This is primarily for those within healthcare and social care but may also be useful to those working in education or housing support roles.
If you’re interested in progressing to further study at the next level of vocational learning the following qualifications are also available:
• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism
• Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Autism
• Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
