Our City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Work-Based Animal Care introduces learners to the practical skills and knowledge involved in caring for animals in a working farm environment.
Through personalised one-to-one tuition, learners develop confidence in everyday husbandry, animal welfare, accommodation and safe livestock handling. Practical farm tasks are supported by discussion, guided learning and evidence gathering.
This nationally recognised qualification offers a manageable starting point for vocational learning, with the option to build on achieved units towards the Level 1 Certificate in a second year.
The Level 1 Award in Work-Based Animal Care is a practical City & Guilds qualification designed for learners who want to develop introductory workplace skills with animals. Our chosen route comprises three paired groups of units, totalling 11 credits.
Sessions take place individually at the farm, with learners supported to carry out genuine animal care tasks safely and responsibly. Learning combines practical experience with the knowledge needed to understand why tasks are completed in particular ways.
Learners interested in animal care, livestock and hands-on vocational education.
Home-educated learners or young people who benefit from a quieter, personalised learning environment.
Learners who want to build confidence, responsibility, communication and practical work skills.
No previous animal care qualification is required. Applicants are considered individually according to their age, practical readiness, ability to work safely around animals and any learning or support needs.
We will confirm eligibility and suitability before enrolment, including any applicable City & Guilds registration requirements.
After successfully completing the Award, learners may progress to the Level 1 Certificate in Work-Based Animal Care in a second year, completing the additional required units without unnecessarily repeating achieved units, subject to City & Guilds registration and credit arrangements.
Our selected Award pathway includes six units across three linked theory-and-practical groups. Together they provide a balance of animal welfare, everyday care, accommodation and livestock handling.
Develop practical skills in observing animals, reporting concerns, providing food and water and supporting animal health and welfare under supervision.
Understand animal needs, signs of good and poor health, stress, preventative care, feeding methods and safe working responsibilities.
Learn how animal accommodation should be prepared, cleaned and maintained, including welfare requirements, equipment, hazards and safe waste disposal.
Practise preparing, cleaning and checking suitable animal housing, selecting materials and reporting hazards while protecting animal welfare.
Assist with calm, safe movement and handling of suitable livestock, following instructions and observing animal behaviour and welfare.
Understand safe handling methods, animal behaviour, stress, risks and the importance of reporting changes or concerns.
Activities may include animal checks, feeding and watering, accommodation care and supervised livestock movement. All tasks are selected to suit the learner's competence and the animals' welfare.
The Award is offered through individual farm-based tuition, with a minimum of three hours per week over one academic year. Start dates are flexible, subject to availability and learner suitability.
Sessions combine supervised practical activities, tutor-led discussion, developing workplace skills and gathering assessment evidence. Teaching can be adapted to the learner's pace, confidence and support needs while maintaining qualification standards.
Learners who achieve the Award can apply to continue towards the Level 1 Certificate in Work-Based Animal Care in a second year. The Certificate includes additional workplace safety and small-animal feedstuffs units.
Assessment is through a portfolio of work-based evidence, including practical observations, assessor records, questions and discussions, and other suitable evidence demonstrating the required knowledge and skills.
The qualification is graded Pass or Fail. Learners must meet the assessment criteria for all selected units. Appropriate reasonable adjustments may be considered in accordance with City & Guilds requirements.
After completing the Level 1 Award, learners may be able to progress to:
Build on the Award units with additional workplace safety and feedstuffs learning in a second year.
Explore a related practical qualification focusing on safe working and farm livestock care.
Develop more advanced animal health, feeding, welfare and husbandry skills, subject to entry suitability.
Explore further study, supported volunteering or suitable animal care opportunities.
Progression depends on each learner's achievements, abilities, interests and readiness for the next level.
Practical Education Beyond the Classroom
Providing practical, farm-based education, recognised qualifications and alternative learning opportunities at Frampton Farm in Kent and Poppies Farm in Berkshire, helping young people develop confidence, independence and skills for the future.
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Fees & Funding
Course Fees
Fees depend on the learning centre and the individual support arrangements. The Award is delivered one-to-one for a minimum of three hours per week, with fees and payment arrangements confirmed before enrolment.
City & Guilds registration and certification charges may apply.
Privately Funded Places
Parents, carers and individual learners can enquire directly about privately funded places, subject to availability and suitability.
School & Local Authority Funding
Schools and local authorities may commission individual placements as part of vocational education, alternative provision or an agreed EOTAS package. Funding must be agreed with the commissioning organisation.
Enquire About Fees
Please contact your preferred learning centre for current fees, start dates and individual learning arrangements.