Edexcel is the largest awarding body in the UK. It develops a diverse range of academic and vocational qualifications, prepares course specifications, assesses, examines and provides quality control of qualifications and certifies achievement.
In the UK Edexcel qualifications are offered by over 4,200 secondary schools, 450 further education colleges, more than 80 higher education institutions, 800 public and private sector employers and, increasingly, e-learning providers. Internationally, Edexcel operates in 112 countries worldwide.
The organizations strengths include the diversity of its products across academic and vocational sectors and more than 28 years pedigree in providing Qualifications for Work.
Qualifications offered by Edexcel include A levels, GCSEs, GNVQs, Key and Basic Skills, and its vocational BTEC suite that provides progression from pre GCSE level through to sub-degree Higher National Diplomas and tailor-made qualifications for employers.
Edexcel is a wholly-owned Pearson company. This support enables significant investment into the examination system and will pave the way for vital modernization.
Edexcel has successfully trialed onscreen marking and is running a large programme of onscreen tests for key and basic skills qualification.

NVQ
NVQs are based on national standards for various occupations.
The standards say what a competent person in a job could be expected to do. As you progress through the course, you compare your skills and knowledge with these standards as you learn, so you can see what you need to do to meet them.
The School of Vocational Studies of the LSBC offers national vocational qualifications courses in Health Care and Social Care.

NVQ Health and Social Care Level-2
The Level 2 qualification is designed for staffs who deliver physical, emotional or enabling care under the supervision of a colleague who holds overall responsibility. This qualification would be particularly relevant to you if you work as a home care assistant or residential care assistant.
Delivery:

• 2 days a week (1 day underpinning knowledge/1 day portfolio development).
• 2 days a week work experience (paid or voluntary)
• This level 2 qualification will enable you to progress to level 3 Care.

NVQ Level-3
It is designed for staff delivering care and support, often without direct supervision or working on their own, for example in a user's home. You will usually have some degree of responsibility and autonomy for your work.

Summary
The Level 3 qualification has links to the Care level 2 award but reflects a higher level of responsibility and specialization. At this level you may also have supervisory responsibility for other members of staff and might be involved in a number specialist tasks.

Delivery:
2 days a week (1 day underpinning knowledge/1 day portfolio development). 2 days a week work experience (paid or voluntary).