Learning and development

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

National Occupational Standards (NOS)

NOS set out how different parts of a person's work should to be done and help to deliver high quality services for social care, early years and childcare.

Contents
What are NOS? Using NOS in the workplace Browse social care, early years and childcare NOS NOS case studies Contact us
What are NOS? Using NOS in the workplace Browse social care, early years and childcare NOS NOS case studies Contact us

What are NOS?

NOS:

  • define the key functions of an occupation
  • describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to perform tasks effectively (e.g. nursery practitioner, social care manager, support worker)
  • are developed through consultation with employers and stakeholders and have official status in the UK
  • are reviewed regularly which means they evolve over time.
  • are approved by agencies working for UK government departments.

Using NOS in the workplace

NOS have many uses in the workplace. These include:

  • qualifications and training
  • career development
  • continuing professional development (CDP)
  • recruitment
  • performance management of the workforce and organisations.

We have a NOS guide that has advice and guidance on their use.

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NOS Guide for social care, early years and childcare

Browse social care, early years and childcare NOS

We work with employers, workers and service users to develop, maintain and update NOS in the social care, early years and childcare sectors. 

These include the standards for:

  • Commissioning, procurement and contracting 
  • Health and social care and leadership and management of care services
  • Inspectors of services
  • Sensory services
  • Social work

Browse social care, early years and childcare NOS 

NOS case studies

We have a range of case studies to show how NOS can be used in the workplace:

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NOS case study 1 - recruitment
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NOS case study 2 - career development
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NOS case study 3 - training
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NOS case study 4 - CPD
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NOS case study 5 - performance management of the workforce
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NOS case study 6 - performance management of organisations
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NOS case study 7 - policy development

Contact us

If you have a question you can Contact us.

Last updated: 10 September 2018

Related content

Health and social care qualifications
Information on required or recommended qualifications for different roles in health and social care.
Early years and childcare qualifications
Information and guidance on qualifications for working in early years and childcare with children below the age of eight years.