The Entry Level 2 Skills for Working Life (Land-Based Animals) qualification provides learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to care for animals safely within a real farm environment.
Through practical on-farm activities, supported theory sessions and flexible learning options, learners develop an understanding of animal welfare, feeding, housing, health and safety, animal behaviour and routine husbandry tasks.
Alongside animal care skills, learners build essential employability and life skills, including communication, teamwork, following instructions, personal responsibility, and working safely around animals and equipment. The qualification supports learners to become more independent and prepared for further education, volunteering, supported employment, or entry-level roles within the land-based sector.
The Entry Level 2 Certificate in Skills for Working Life (Animal Care) is a practical qualification designed for learners aged 9 and above who enjoy working with animals and learning through hands-on activities. Learners develop essential animal care skills, including feeding, handling, maintaining animal accommodation and working safely on a farm. The course also helps learners develop confidence, communication, independence and teamwork skills.
Young people aged 9+ interested in animals and farming.
Learners looking to work towards their first recognised qualification.
Learners who benefit from practical, hands-on education.
Learners with SEND or SEMH support needs
Young people who have previously attended enrichment sessions or completed AQA Unit Awards and are ready to progress to a recognised qualification.
Learners who would benefit from developing confidence, independence and working-life skills.
Throughout this course, learners will develop practical animal care skills while gaining valuable knowledge and experience of working in a farm environment.
Alongside caring for animals, learners will develop essential skills for working life, including communication, teamwork, following instructions, problem-solving, working safely and taking responsibility for tasks.
Learning is focused on practical activities, helping learners build confidence, independence and an understanding of animal welfare.
The course includes a range of units covering animal care and essential workplace skills.
Learn how to identify hazards, follow safety procedures and understand what to do in an emergency to keep yourself and others safe.
Develop basic computer skills and learn how technology can be used to support everyday activities and tasks in the workplace.
Learn about the different types of feed required by farm animals, how to prepare and provide food safely, and the importance of appropriate nutrition.
Develop practical skills in preparing and maintaining clean, comfortable animal accommodation, including selecting suitable bedding and following hygiene procedures.
Explore the different types of housing used for farm animals and understand how suitable accommodation supports their health, welfare and safety.
Learn how to provide appropriate food and fresh water for poultry, including checking feeding equipment and maintaining good hygiene.
Gain practical experience in safely collecting, checking, sorting and handling eggs while following hygiene and safety procedures.
Learners have opportunities to put their knowledge into practice through supervised activities on the farm. Tasks are adapted to suit individual learning needs and abilities, helping learners develop skills and confidence at their own pace.
This qualification provides a foundation for progression to higher-level land-based qualifications, employability skills courses and further vocational education.
Our courses combine practical activities with the knowledge required to achieve the qualification. The balance of practical and theory-based learning will vary depending on the delivery option and individual learner needs, while ensuring all qualification requirements are met.
Practical sessions at the farm, learning alongside other young people, developing animal care knowledge and social skills.
Individual sessions adapted to the learner's pace, confidence, learning needs and personal goals.
Theory activities completed remotely alongside practical sessions and assessments at the farm.
Learners are assessed throughout their course using a combination of practical activities, tutor observations, verbal questioning and written tasks where appropriate.
Our tutors recognise that learners have different strengths and support needs. Teaching and assessment activities can be adapted to help learners demonstrate their knowledge and skills while meeting the qualification requirements.
Assessment takes place throughout the course, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and practical skills without the need for traditional written examinations.
Learners are encouraged to develop confidence and independence at a pace appropriate to their individual needs.
After completing this qualification, learners may be able to progress to:
Build on existing animal care knowledge and develop greater confidence and independence.
Develop more advanced animal care knowledge and practical skills while working towards a higher-level qualification.
Develop essential skills for future education and employment, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and personal responsibility.
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.
Access course materials, complete theory activities and keep up with your learning using Moodle.
Download the Moodle app for your phone or tablet.
Fees & Funding
Course Fees
Course fees vary depending on the learning centre, delivery option and level of support required.
We offer small-group, one-to-one and flexible learning options, allowing learners to access the course in a way that best suits their individual needs.
Please contact us for information about current fees and availability at Frampton Farm or Poppies Farm.
Privately Funded Places
Parents and carers can enrol learners directly onto our courses, with fees paid privately. Payment arrangements and any additional qualification registration fees will be confirmed before enrolment.
School & Local Authority Funding
Our courses can also be commissioned by schools, local authorities and other education providers as part of a young person's educational programme.
This may include alternative provision placements, Education Otherwise Than At School (EOTAS) packages or vocational learning alongside an existing school placement.
Funding arrangements must be agreed with the commissioning organisation before a placement begins.
Enquire About Fees
For further information about course fees, funding options or availability, please contact us to discuss your requirements.