SVQ Animal Care SCQF level 6

The Scottish Vocational Qualification in Animal Care at SCQF level 6 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job-related skills in their particular area of work and expertise.

Areas covered include promoting, monitoring and maintaining health, safety and security; observing and being aware of the behaviour of animals; maintaining the health and welfare of animals; providing food and water to animals; handling and restraining animals; planning and controlling the movement of animals; and providing and managing animal accommodation.

This qualification has been designed in partnership/jointly awarded with the Sector Skills Council, Lantra Scotland, to ensure relevance to the sector.

SVQs are based on National Occupational Standards (NOS). SQA works in partnership with other organisations to ensure that National Occupational Standards are relevant to the current and future needs of Scottish industries.

This qualification is available through employers and training providers.

Why deliver this qualification

On successful completion of the SVQ 3 in Animal Care at SCQF level 6 learners will gain an internationally recognised qualification which guarantees that they have the skills, knowledge and abilities required to carry out their role successfully.  Employers will also benefit from their employees being proficient.

The SVQ is offered in the workplace. As assessment is carried out in the workplace this minimises any time learners would need to be away from their work.

Learners can progress to a range of qualifications including the HNC and HND in Animal Care.

The achievement of other qualifications such as the SCQF level 5 National Certificate (NC) in Animal Care or the SVQ 2 in Animal Care can contribute towards the successful completion of this award.

Who does this qualification suit

This SVQ is suitable for:

  • learners who may have just left school
  • individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Candidates should be in a job or placement where they are carrying out relevant tasks and responsibilities which allow then to gather the required evidence.

No prior qualifications are required to undertake this qualification, although experience in, or knowledge of, the subject would be an advantage.

Progression

The SVQ 3 award could provide progression to:

  • an HNC/HND in Animal Care or a related area
  • degree level study at a higher education institution

Approval

Centres will have to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

How to assess

For general information on how to assess this qualification, please refer to the document Information for Assessment of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs). For detailed guidance on how to assess this particular SVQ, please refer to the Assessment Strategy.

Where can you take this course?

Qualification content and delivery tools

Information about the qualification(s)

Qualification Structure

Group Award Code: GL1R 23

The SVQ Animal Care at SCQF level 6 consists of seven mandatory Units and five optional Units.

National Occupational Standards

Unit information for this qualification is available on our Unit Search.

Core Skills signposting

Core Skill mappings are carried out by the SSC responsible for the development of an SVQ. It is a requirement of SQA Accreditation that every SVQ submission includes information on where possible opportunities for candidates to develop Core Skills exist across the mandatory units.

Centres should note that mappings are not audited or validated against the Core Skills framework/units so are not accepted by SQA awarding body as evidence towards achievement of the Core Skills units.

Information about delivery, assessment, quality assurance and support material

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