Level 1 Certificate in Work-Based Animal Care

The Certificate combines practical and knowledge-based units. Our selected farm animal handling route includes the following nine units, totalling 18 credits.

Unit 101 – Maintain the Safety of Self and Others in the Workplace (4 credits)

Recognise workplace hazards, use protective equipment, prepare and maintain safe work areas, follow instructions and respond appropriately to emergencies.

Unit 102 – Assist with the Care of Animals (2 credits)

Assist with animal health and welfare monitoring, feeding, watering and reporting concerns under supervision.

Unit 103 – Principles of the Care of Animals (2 credits)

Understand animal welfare, signs of health and ill health, stress, preventative care and appropriate feeding and watering.

Unit 104 – Principles of Dealing with Animal Accommodation (2 credits)

Understand how animal housing is prepared, cleaned and maintained, including safe waste disposal and welfare requirements.

Unit 105 – Assist with Animal Accommodation (2 credits)

Prepare, clean, check and maintain animal accommodation, reporting hazards and protecting animal welfare.

Unit 108 – Assist with the Movement and Handling of Farm Animals (1 credits)

Assist with moving and handling suitable livestock calmly and safely, following instructions and observing animal responses.

Unit 109 – Principles of the Movement and Handling of Farm Animals (2 credits)

Understand livestock behaviour, handling methods, risks and safe movement procedures.

Unit 110 – Principles of Dealing with Feedstuffs for Small Animals (1 credits)

Learn about receiving, checking, storing and preparing small-animal feeds, including hygiene, stock rotation and pest prevention.

Unit 111 – Assist with Feedstuffs for Small Animals (2 credits)

Practise checking feed deliveries, safe storage, feed preparation, hygiene and the use of feeding plans for small animals.

Learning Through Practical Experience

Learners practise skills through supervised daily husbandry, animal observations, accommodation care, safe livestock handling and small-animal feeding tasks. They also develop understanding through tutor discussion, guided activities and portfolio work.

Personalised One-to-One Learning

The Certificate is offered through individual farm-based tuition, with a minimum of six hours per week over one academic year. Start dates are flexible, subject to availability and learner suitability.

Sessions combine practical farm activities, guided theory, discussion and collection of work-based assessment evidence. Learning is adapted to the individual while maintaining the required standards.

Progression from the Award

Learners who have completed our Level 1 Award may continue towards the Certificate in a second year. The additional units are 101, 110 and 111, provided previous unit achievements are accepted by City & Guilds. Attendance and duration for this progression route will be agreed individually.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is based on a portfolio of work-based evidence. This may include direct practical observations, assessor records, professional discussion, questions and other suitable evidence of the required knowledge and skills.

The qualification is graded Pass or Fail. Learners must meet all required assessment criteria, with appropriate reasonable adjustments considered where permitted.