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? NOS for social care, early years and childcare NOS guide for social care, early years and childcare NOS case studies
What are NOS? NOS for social care, early years and childcare NOS guide for social care, early years and childcare NOS case studies

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.

NOS for social care, early years and childcare

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

Search all National Occupational Standards

These include the standards for:

  • Health and social care
  • Children's care, learning and development
  • Commissioning, procurement and contracting for care services
  • Leadership and management of care services
  • Inspectors of services
  • Sensory services
  • Social work

NOS guide for social care, early years and childcare

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

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
Last updated: 26 May 2017

Related content

Health and social care qualifications
Information about diplomas in health and social care qualifications that make sure the workforce is safe to practice, skilled and trained to the highest standards.
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.