Accreditation through the Open College Network

Home-Start Calderdale is registered with the Open College Network to allow our volunteers to gain a qualification whilst attending the preparation course and supporting families. The accrediation process is completely voluntary - we don't mind if you don't want to do it but will support you fully if it is something you feel would be of benefit to your personal development.

If you decide to undertake the OCN accreditation, there are worksheets in your preparation folder to work through over the ten weeks of the preparation course.

What are these worksheets?

The purpose of the worksheets are for you to record your development during the course, what you have learned and to help identify any future training and/or support you may wish from Home-Start Calderdale.

Why am I keeping them?

This will be part of your portfolio towards the attainment of the Open College Network (OCN) Level 2, 3 Credits. The course has one unit which has 5 learning outcomes. You will have the opportunity to gain other credits one year after home visiting has commenced.

For the Preparation Course for Home Visiting you need 30 hours study/learning. The course covers 40 hours alone and you will be keeping a reflective journal as you progress, so don't worry about this.

The Learning Outcomes for the Level 2 are:

1 - Understand the role of the Home-Start volunteer in the context of Home-Start Policies and Procedures.

2 - Demonstrate the awareness, attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to be a Home-Start volunteer

3 - Demonstrate understanding of the needs of families and the provision available to support them

4 - Understand the different ways Home-Start supports and develops volunteers

What other credits can I get?

Once you have completed the Preparation Course and are supporting a family you will be able to gain a further 2 credits recording 60 hours of learning and development. This is a combination of visiting and supporting families, having access to other information/training as per an individual's requirement, support and supervision sessions.

What if you are not sure you want this?

Do not be put off at this stage - the whole course is designed around you as a parent and all the skills and knowledge you have gained but have hidden away and you can share a lot and learn from each other on this course. We can provide lots of support if you feel it would helpful - we can also just leave you alone with it if you'd prefer!

You will be covering the same course as any other Home-Start Calderdale Volunteer except you have the advantange to have it recognised and accredited by the OCN.

At any point during the course your co-ordinator is available for any questions, queries or worries you may have!