CTH (IoH) Level 2 Specialist Award for Chefs in Health & Social Care

A specialist beginner level course, that helps learners understand the health and culinary needs of patients living in health and social care settings and implement them in their cooking practices.

Programme Overview

Offered in partnership with the renowned Institute of Hospitality this is a unique qualification specifically designed for people who cater for patients and residents in a health and social care setting and aims to develop their awareness of diet and appetite issues that may arise in this environment.

It was specially developed by the Institute of Hospitality in association with the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) and National Association of Care Catering (NACC). It therefore embodies the very best practice in this specialist field.

This qualification has been custom-designed for people who cater for patients and residents in a health and social care setting and aims to develop their awareness of diet and appetite issues that may arise in this environment.

It covers the importance of nutrition and hydration in maintaining health and well being, how multi-professional teams work together to provide the level of nutritional care needed by different people, the needs of Dysphagia sufferers and how the condition impacts on diets and menus, how to cook food and amend menus for Dysphagia sufferers, the role of appetite and its influencing factors, and how to cook and hold food to maximise its effect on appetite.

This accredited qualification is designed to complement existing NVQ qualifications in professional cookery and the Trailblazers Commis Chef Apprenticeships Standard. It is based on the recommendations of the National Occupational Standards (NOS) related to professional cookery and health and social care, the recommendations of good practice outlined by the National Association of Care Catering and the recommendations of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA).

Learners will also have complimentary guest membership of the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA) and complimentary student membership to the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) for the duration of the course.

Entry Requirements

This Level 2 programme is open access although applicants should be over 16, have completed secondary education and have some English fluency.

Syllabus Overview

Level 2 Specialist Award for Chefs in Health & Social Care (QAN: 603/2227/5)

Students must achieve:
  • Both units, providing 9 credits, all of which are at level 2
Credit Value (CV): 9
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) for Qualification: 65 Total Qualification Time (TQT) for Qualification: 90
Unit Code Unit Title L CV GLH Assessment Method
2NH Nutrition and Hydration 2 2 20 Online theory test
2FMHCS Food Modification in Health Care Settings 2 7 45 Online theory test and practical examinations
Specialist Award Total (2 units) 9 65