Course overview
The Lead Practitioner in Adult Care programme is designed for experienced care professionals who guide and inspire team members to make positive differences in the lives of individuals facing physical, practical, social, emotional, psychological, or intellectual challenges. Recognised as senior members within their care teams, Lead Practitioners contribute to promoting and sustaining a values-based culture at an operational level. They possess advanced knowledge and specialist expertise in specific conditions and care areas, enabling them to lead in care needs assessment, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, enablement, telecare, and assistive technology.
Learners will develop skills to coach and mentor colleagues, assess performance, and ensure the quality of care delivery. This programme supports those working in a variety of settings, including residential and nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, clinical healthcare environments, or an individual’s own home. It also includes Lead Personal Assistants who provide senior-level support directly to one individual, usually within their home.
Upon completion, participants will be equipped to take on leadership roles within adult care teams, driving improvements in care practices and fostering professional development among colleagues. This programme empowers Lead Practitioners to provide expert guidance and enhance the lives of those they support through compassionate, high-quality care.
The learner journey
1. 18 months on-programme – This is when the individual will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours which will support them for their End-Point Assessment. The learner could partake in a combination of activities, such as classroom based sessions, mentoring, shadowing, bespoke resources and off-site visits in order to support their learning and development.
From 1 August 2025, apprentices must complete at least 187 hours of off-the-job (OTJ) training over a minimum of 8 months, with some standards requiring more for those without prior learning. Learn more about OTJ training hours.
2. Gateway – After the 18 months teaching and learning, you, your training provider and the learner will review the learners journey and decide whether it is the right time for the on-programme assessment.
3. End-Point Assessment – This is when your learner will need to demonstrate they have learnt the required knowledge, skills and behaviours, through an on demand knowledge test, a professional discussion, practical observation and business project.
Eligibility
Those with an annual wage bill of less than £3m do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Instead, 95% of each apprenticeship is funded by the government whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer to enhance the skills of their employee.
- Employers are also be eligible for a £1000 incentive payment if the apprentice is aged 16–18.
- Employers with less than 50 employees and where the apprentice is aged 16–18, the government will fund 100% of the apprentice and are eligible for a £1000 incentive payment.
- Employers with those aged 19+ the government will continue to fund 95% of the apprenticeship programme whilst a 5% investment is required by the employer.
Businesses can manage this through the Apprenticeship Service online account.
Find out more
To learn additional information about this apprenticeship, you can explore our Course Sheet or Learner Journey.
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