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Care Certificate Training Online: Guide for Care Workers

Care Certificate Training Online: Guide for Care Workers

by | Aug 12, 2025 | Social Care

Care Certificate Training > 15 Standards Covered

Care Certificate Training is a cornerstone of learning for health and social care workers in the UK. It ensures that all staff have the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to deliver safe, compassionate, and high-quality care. Introduced in 2015, it was developed jointly by Skills for Care, Health Education England, and Skills for Health.

If you work in the care sector — whether in a care home, domiciliary care, or a healthcare setting — understanding and achieving the Care Certificate is essential. It’s also a requirement closely monitored by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulator of health and social care in England.

If you want to get started immediately, you can purchase our Care Certificate Online Training — a flexible, accredited course designed to meet all 15 standards.

The Care Certificate, All-in-One Course, 17 Modules, 15 Standards, 18 CPD Points

Why the Care Certificate Matters

Care Certificate Training is more than a checklist — The Care Certificate drives consistent, safe practice across settings such as care homes, domiciliary care and hospice services.

The Care Certificate is about embedding the right values and standards into everyday practice. For new care workers, it ensures they meet the same baseline of competency, no matter where they work. For employers, it provides evidence to the CQC that its team is trained and compliant.

Without the Care Certificate, care providers risk failing regulatory inspections, and staff may lack the essential skills to meet service users’ needs safely and respectfully. Completion of Care Certificate Training improves quality of care, strengthens employer compliance during CQC inspections, and supports career progression into NVQs and further qualifications.

The 15 Standards of the Care Certificate

Each care certificate standard covers a fundamental aspect of delivering care. Below is a breakdown of all 15 standards of the care certificate and how they link to additional training you can take to deepen your knowledge.

  1. Understand Your Role – Covers responsibilities, codes of conduct, and working relationships in care. It’s the foundation for professional practice.
  2. Your Personal Development — Encourages reflection, feedback, and continuous learning to improve your care skills.
  3. Duty of Care — Knowing your duty of care means understanding legal and moral obligations to keep people safe from harm. Enhance this with our Duty of Care Training.
  4. Equality and Diversity — Every service user deserves respect and fair treatment. See our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion course.
  5. Work in a Person-Centred Way — Person-centred care puts the individual at the heart of decision-making. Deepen your skills with our Person-Centred Care Training.
  6. Communication — listening, reporting and non-verbal cues. Strengthen skills with our Principles of Communication module.
  7. Privacy and Dignity — respect and safeguarding personal boundaries. Try Privacy & Dignity Training.
  8. Fluids and Nutrition — hydration, mealtime support and monitoring. Study Nutrition & Hydration.
  9. Mental Health, Dementia & Learning Disabilities Awareness — recognising and responding effectively. Recommended courses:
  10. Safeguarding Adults — legal duties to protect vulnerable adults. See Safeguarding Adults Training.
  11. Safeguarding Children — recognising risk to children and responding. Visit Safeguarding Children Training.
  12. Basic Life Support (First Aid) — emergency response and CPR. Practical skills in Emergency First Aid at Work.
  13. Health and Safety — safe practice, risk assessment and incident reporting.
  14. Handling Information — confidentiality, GDPR and accurate record-keeping.
  15. Infection Prevention & Control — hygiene, PPE and outbreak prevention. Further learning: Infection Control Training and Infection Prevention & Control for Care Workers.

CQC Compliance and the Care Certificate

The Care Quality Commission expects providers to show staff competence. A completed Care Certificate portfolio — paired with records of ongoing training — is strong evidence during inspections that your workforce meets the required standards for safe, effective and compassionate care.

Benefits for Workers and Employers

  • Staff confidence: practical knowledge to handle everyday care scenarios.
  • Quality assurance: consistent standards that improve outcomes for service users.
  • Career development: a stepping stone to NVQs and higher qualifications.
  • Regulatory readiness: clear audit trails and documentation for CQC visits.

RealSense Learning — Courses That Complement the Care Certificate

RealSense Learning offers a full suite of courses that map directly to the Care Certificate standards. These bite-sized, online modules allow learners to target specific gaps or provide refresher training to existing staff.

Duty of Care
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Person-Centred Care
Principles of Communication
Privacy & Dignity
Nutrition & Hydration
Mental Health Awareness
Dementia Awareness
Learning Disability Awareness
Safeguarding Children
Safeguarding Adults
Emergency First Aid
Infection Control
Infection Prevention & Control (Care Workers)

A quick insight into what’s included

Here is a sample of what you should expect to find in the Nutrition and Hydration Module of the Care Certificate Online Training Course.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to start? Sign-Up to our Care Certificate Online Training today. If you are pursuing a career in Social Care then start your journey to becoming a competent, confident, and compliant care professional today.

Enrol in our Care Certificate Online Training and take the first step towards a rewarding career in health and social care. If you are overseeing careworkers in a care setting then here you can provide your team with a CQC-aligned learning path that’s easy to evidence and simple to complete.

Food Temperature Danger Zone: FREE Food Safety Temperatures Poster

Food Temperature Danger Zone: FREE Food Safety Temperatures Poster

by | Jan 28, 2025 | Food Safety, Health and Safety

Food Temperature Danger Zone and Food Safety

The Food Temperature Danger Zone is an essential aspect of understanding food safety. Ensuring food safety is critical in preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining public health. One crucial concept every food handler must understand is the food “temperature danger zone.” This article covers what the food temperature danger zone is, how temperature impacts bacteria, and practical tips for keeping food safe. Whether you’re pursuing food safety training, online food hygiene training, or simply want to improve your kitchen’s food safety practices, this guide is for you.

Importance of Food Safety

Foodborne illnesses remain a global public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 people worldwide suffers from foodborne diseases annually, leading to an estimated 600 million cases and 420,000 deaths. In the UK alone, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that foodborne illnesses affect approximately 2.4 million people every year, resulting in countless hospital visits and significant losses in productivity. The consequences extend beyond personal health. Employers lose millions annually due to employees taking time off work because of food-related illnesses. The economic toll on the healthcare system is equally alarming, with millions spent on treatment and prevention. With statistics like these, it’s evident that improving food safety through food hygiene training, implementing proper cooking practices, and understanding safe food temperatures are critical steps to protect public health and reduce preventable illnesses.

What is the Food Temperature Danger Zone?

The food temperature danger zone refers to the temperature range where bacteria grow rapidly in food, significantly increasing the risk of contamination. According to the Food Standards Agency guidance, the temperature danger zone is between 5°C (41°F) and 63°C (145°F). Within this range, harmful bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can double their population in as little as 20 minutes. This rapid growth increases the risk of foodborne illnesses, making it essential for food handlers to ensure food does not remain in this zone for extended periods.

The Effect of Temperature on Bacteria

Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. Here’s how temperature affects bacterial growth:

  • Below 5°C (41°F): Most bacteria are dormant and unable to multiply effectively. Freezing or refrigeration slows bacterial growth significantly.
  • 5°C to 63°C (41°F to 145°F): This is the temperature danger zone, where bacteria multiply rapidly, especially in protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood.
  • Above 63°C (145°F): Heat begins to kill bacteria, with temperatures above 75°C (167°F) being particularly effective at eliminating pathogens.

By maintaining food temperatures outside this range, you can significantly reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and foodborne illnesses.

How to Keep Food Safe and Out of the Food Temperature Danger Zone

Keeping food safe involves maintaining proper temperatures during storage, preparation, and serving. Follow these essential guidelines:

  1. Refrigeration and Freezing:
    • Store perishable foods in the fridge at 5°C (41°F) or below.
    • Freeze items at -18°C (0°F) to halt bacterial growth entirely.
    • Never leave perishable foods unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
  2. Hot Holding:
    • Keep cooked foods hot at 63°C (145°F) or above if they’re being held before serving.
  3. Avoid Cross-Contamination:
    • Store raw and cooked foods separately to prevent bacteria transfer.
    • Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
  4. Cooling Foods Properly:
    • Cool cooked foods rapidly before refrigeration. Use shallow containers and divide large portions into smaller quantities to speed up the cooling process.

Additional Food Safety Resources

Chilled Food Storage and Food Display

Here is a short food safety coaching video clip about ‘Chilled Storage and Display’ by the Food Standards Agency on Youtube.

Chilling Foods

Here is a short food safety coaching video clip about ‘Ways of chilling foods down as quickly as possible’ by the Food Standards Agency on Youtube.

How Long Should Food Be Cooked

Cooking food thoroughly is essential to kill harmful bacteria. The Food Standards Agency recommends these internal temperatures for different foods:

  • Poultry: 75°C (167°F) or higher
  • Ground meats (e.g., burgers): 70°C (158°F)
  • Fish: 63°C (145°F)
  • Leftovers: Reheat to at least 75°C (167°F)

Standard advice is to cook food until it has reached a core temperature of 70°C for at least 2 minutes. The Food Standards Agency‘s ‘Cooking Temperature’s’ guidance relays these other time and temperature combinations:

  • 60°C for 45 minutes
  • 65°C for 10 minutes
  • 70°C for 2 minutes
  • 75°C for 30 seconds
  • 80°C for 6 seconds

Cooking food at the right temperature and for the correct length of time ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed. The temperature of a food can be checked using a clean probe. Insert the probe so that the tip is in the centre of the food or the thickest part.

Cooking times will vary depending on the type and thickness of the food. Always follow recommended guidelines to ensure safety.

Checking Food Temperature: How and When

Regular temperature checks are vital to ensure food is cooked and stored safely. Here’s how and when to check food temperatures:

  1. Use a Food Thermometer: Invest in a reliable food thermometer to measure internal food temperatures accurately. Digital probe thermometers are ideal for this purpose.
  2. Check During Cooking:
    • Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the food, avoiding bones or fat.
    • For casseroles or soups, stir and check at multiple points.
  3. Monitor Storage Conditions:
    • Use a fridge thermometer to ensure refrigeration temperatures remain below 5°C.
    • Check hot holding units to ensure they maintain food at 63°C or higher.
  4. Verify Reheating:
    • Always check the temperature of reheated foods to confirm they reach 75°C.

By checking temperatures consistently, you can avoid dangerous temperatures for food, store and prepare food safely, and ensure that meals are safe to eat.

Free Food Safety Temperatures Poster

To help food handlers stay informed, we’ve created a Food Safety Temperatures Poster. This free, downloadable resource visually outlines the safe temperature ranges for food and highlights the Food Temperature Danger Zone. 

Food Safety Temperatures Poster

Benefits of the ‘Food Safety Temperatures’ poster

  • It serves as a quick reference guide for kitchen staff.
  • It reminds personnel of the importance of safe food temperatures.
  • It highlights the Food Temperature Danger Zone where bacteria can grow rapidly.
  • It helps reinforce food hygiene training and ensures compliance with the Food Standards Agency guidance.

Display the poster prominently in your kitchen to promote food safety awareness.

Download FREE Food Safety Temperatures Poster (pdf)

Food Safety Training and Online Courses

To enhance your knowledge and skills, consider enrolling in food safety online courses or online food hygiene training. These courses provide in-depth education on food safety practices, temperature control, and regulatory compliance. Many providers offer flexible, affordable programs, making it easier than ever to gain the certifications needed for your role. Popular course options include:

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR CATERING

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR RETAIL

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING FOR MANUFACTURING

OTHER FOOD SAFETY TRAINING COURSES

Conclusion

Understanding the Food Temperature Danger Zone is a critical component of maintaining food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses. By adhering to safe food temperatures, cooking food thoroughly, and monitoring storage conditions, you can significantly reduce the risk of contamination. For additional guidance, don’t forget to download our Food  Safety Temperatures Poster which shows the Food Temperature Danger Zone to display in your kitchen. Coupled with food safety training or an online food safety course, this poster will help reinforce best practices and promote a culture of safety in your workplace or home kitchen. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect yourself, your family, and your customers from the dangers of foodborne illnesses.

Prevent Duty and who needs Prevent training?

Prevent Duty and who needs Prevent training?

by | Apr 25, 2022 | Social Care

What is Prevent Duty?

Prevent Duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on specified authorities, in the exercise of their functions, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

Prevent was originally established by the Labour government in 2003 and its scope was broadened by the coalition government in 2011.

Prevent’s stated purpose is to safeguard and support those vulnerable to radicalisation and to stop them from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.

Prevent taken more literally is one of the four “Ps” of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy, along with Pursue, Protect and Prepare.

What is Channel?

Channel forms a key part of Prevent. The Channel process adopts a multi-agency approach to identify and provide support to individuals who are at risk of being drawn ino terrorism. In particular safeguarding, supporting and protecting children, your people and vulnerable adults at risk of radicalisation, extremism or terrorist related activity. 

Prevent and channel statistics 2021

Since Prevent Duty was introduced in 2015, 3,037 referrals have been supported through the Channel Programme. Channel aims to move vulnerable individuals away from violent ideologies that could have resulted in harm to themselves. 4,915 referrals to Prevent were made in the year ending on 31 March 2021.

This represents a decrease of 22% compared to the previous year (6,287) and the lowest number of referrals received since comparable data are available (year ending March 2016). This decrease is likely to have been driven by the effects of public health restrictions that were in place throughout the year to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In 2020 / 2021, the breakdown of referrals was as follows:

  • 51% were related to mixed, unclear or unstable ideologies*
  • 22% to Islamist radicalisation
  • 25% to extreme right-wing radicalisation

*Mixed, unstable or unclear reflects instances where the ideology presented may involve a combination of elements from multiple ideologies (mixed), shift between different ideologies (unstable), or where the individual does not present a coherent ideology yet may still be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism (unclear).

There were 688 referrals adopted as a case in the year ending March 2021, four less cases compared with the previous year (692). 14% of referrals to Prevent were adopted as a Channel case, up from 11% of referrals adopted in the previous year (692 of 6,287).

Prevent addresses all forms of terrorism. Of all the Channel cases adopted in 2020/2021:

  • 46% were related to extreme right-wing radicalisation (317)
  • 30% came under a Mixed, Unclear or Unstable (MMU) ideology (205)
  • 22% were linked to Islamist radicalisation (154)
  • 2% were related to other radicalisation concerns (16)

Prevent makes up an extremely small part of overall safeguarding referrals. In 2018-19, over one million safeguarding referrals were made, in comparison to just 6,287 Prevent referrals in 2019-20 and 4,915 in 2020-21.

What is Prevent Training and who needs it?

According to HM Government’s Home Office, Prevent Duty Guidance makes it clear that frontline staff who engage with the public should:

  • understand what radicalisation means and why people may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism as a consequence of it.
  • be aware of what we mean by the term “extremism” and the relationship between extremism and terrorism.
  • know what measures are available to prevent people from becoming drawn into terrorism and how to challenge the extremist ideology that can be associated with it.
  • understand how to obtain support for people who may be being exploited by radicalising influences.

Frontline staff are those that work in health, education (primary schools, high schools, academies, colleges, universities and other), childcare, offender management, youth justice, prisons and probabtion, police, fire service, employment, charitable and voluntary services, community and health services as well as other local authorities. 

All those organisations and services with a Prevent Duty need to ensure they provide appropriate training and support for staff and need to be able to demonstrate compliance.

About Prevent Duty training

Who is our Prevent Training for?

RealSense are pleased to offer our Prevent Duty Training – ideal for frontline staff that engage with the public particularly in the education sector. This Prevent Duty E-Learning course is approved by leading industry bodies IIRSM and CPD.

Intelligence indicates that further terrorist attacks in our country are ‘highly likely’ and experience tells us that the threat comes not just from foreign nationals but from terrorists born and bred in Britain. Our government’s Home Office counter-terrorism strategy contains a plan to prevent radicalisation and stop would-be terrorists from committing mass murder. As explained previously, the Government’s Prevent strategy, is part of the overall counter-terrorism strategy.

Prevent Duty E-Learning Overview

The online Prevent Duty E-Learning Course starts with an overview of the Government’s Prevent strategy, and then looks at some of the reasons people become extremists. The Prevent Duty Online Course goes on to cover the objectives of the Prevent strategy, how to base your actions on a risk-based approach, what to do if you are concerned and much more.

Online training is flexible, efficient, and cost-effective, meaning the candidate can progress through the modules at their own pace and in their own time to fit the training around their work and personal life.

Duration of the course
65 minutes

​Prevent Duty Course Contents

  1. Introduction to the Course
  2. What is Prevent?
  3. Prevent Objectives
  4. Delivering Prevent with a Risk-Based Approach
  5. Extremism, Radicalisation and Terrorism
  6. What Should You Do If You Are Concerned?
  7. The Channel Process
  8. British Values

For more details about how we can help then please take a look at our Prevent Duty Training course and other courses in the Health and Social Care online training section of our course library.