Step into Leadership in Adult Social Care
The Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4 Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification for experienced professionals who want to lead teams, support best practice, and improve care quality.
Delivered across Devon and Cornwall, this work-based training programme builds leadership skills and specialist knowledge to take on more responsibility in adult care. You’ll gain confidence to lead with purpose and support others effectively.
✅ The Details
Qualification: Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care
Duration: 18 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment (EPA)
Delivery: One-to-one workplace sessions
Workplace support: Your designated Assessor/Trainer will provide regular support visits and quarterly progress reviews
Assessment: End Point Assessment (EPA) including observation of practice and professional discussion
Functional Skills: Support provided for English & maths if needed
Tracking: Progress tracked via our online system, OneFile
✅ Who is it for?
• Experienced adult care professionals aiming to develop leadership skills
• Those responsible for coaching, mentoring, or managing frontline care staff
• Professionals wanting to specialise in residential, domiciliary, day centre, or clinical care settings
• Employers seeking to upskill their senior care staff
✅ What you’ll learn
You’ll build essential knowledge and practical leadership skills, including:
• Tasks and Responsibilities in adult care
• Statutory frameworks and safe care delivery
• Risk management and outcome-based practice
• Communication tools and techniques
• Legal and ethical frameworks
• Health and wellbeing monitoring
• Working in partnership with other professionals
• Promoting dignity, human rights, and person-centred care
• Safeguarding legislation and reporting duties
• Professional development planning and goal setting
These topics strengthen your ability to lead care services confidently and effectively.
✅ Entry Requirements
• Previous experience in adult care or equivalent Level 3 qualification
• Functional Skills support available for English & maths if needed
✅ Common job roles include:
• Lead Adult Care Worker
• Senior Care Practitioner
• Team Leader or Supervisor in adult care
• Specialist Care Coordinator
• Rehabilitation or Enablement Officer
✅ Progression Opportunities
Completing the Lead Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship can lead to:
• Leader in Adult Care Level 5 Apprenticeship
• Specialist CPD in dementia, mental health, or supervision
• Senior leadership roles in adult social care
These qualifications prepare you for more senior or management-level positions.
✅ Costs
- This is a government-funded initiative: apprentices are not required to pay for their training. Employers with a wage bill of under £3 million may need to make a 5% contribution towards training costs.
- The cost of this Apprenticeship is set at £7,000, with an employer contribution rate of £350 + VAT.
- Employers recruiting an Apprentice aged 16–21 years old, will be exempt from paying the employer contribution.
- If the Apprentice is aged 16–18 years old, employers will receive a £1,000 government incentive to be used towards training and salary costs.
Visit this page to find out more about employer costs and responsibilities.
✅ Ready to Apply?
Click here to visit the contact page and get in touch with a Focus Training centre near you.