SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF level 9

The Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 9 allows candidates to demonstrate competence in job related skills in their particular area of work. This qualification has been designed in partnership with the Sector Skills Council, Skills for Care and Development to ensure relevance to the sector.

This SVQ is suitable for:

• individuals who are currently in employment and who wish to obtain a formal qualification

The target audience for the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at level 9 are people who are employed in the childcare sector in a senior and/or management role. It is a requirement by the SSSC that those employed as a Manager of a Residential Child Care Service, and as a Manager of a Residential School Care Accommodation Service should have achieved or be working towards achievement of this qualification.

This qualification meets the SSSC practice registration requirement for managers in the following services:

• Managers of a Residential Child Care Service
• Managers of a Residential School Care Accommodation Service

To meet the SSSC practice registration requirement for:

• Practitioners in Day Care of Children Services
• Managers in a Day Care of Children Service

You must hold a practice qualification before you gain the mandatory management qualification. Find out what you need to register with the SSSC.

SCQF Level 9 (SVQ 4)

Purpose

• Designed for senior practitioners, supervisors, managers or those with significant responsibility. [sqa.org.uk]
• Demonstrates ability to:
  • Lead practice and ensure quality.
  • Manage teams, complex situations, or service delivery.
  • Apply high‑level professional judgement.
  • Oversee safeguarding, service planning and risk management.
• Required for SSSC registration in lead practitioner / management roles.

SCQF Level 9 (SVQ 4): Prior Knowledge Requirements

• Must already hold (or be working at the level of) a senior role with responsibility for:
  • Leadership
  • Supervision
  • Service planning or oversight
  • High‑level safeguarding decisions [sqa.org.uk]
• Prior qualifications contributing knowledge may include:
  • HNC/D Social Care,
  • Other SCQF Level 7–8 qualifications. [sqa.org.uk]
• Must be able to gather evidence of high‑level decision‑making and leadership.