What animals will I learn about in the Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Exploring Animal Care?

You will learn about common domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters. The course covers their basic needs, behaviour, and how to care for them safely. You may also touch on farm animals like sheep or horses depending on your centre's resources.

Do I need to have my own pet to take this course?

No, you don't need your own pet. The course is designed for beginners and includes practical activities at your learning centre, such as handling animals in a supervised setting. However, if you have pets at home, you can use your experiences to help answer questions.

How is the Entry Level Award assessed?

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, which may include worksheets, observation records, photographs, and simple written tasks. There are no formal exams. Your tutor will observe you handling animals and completing practical tasks, and you will answer questions to show your understanding.

What can I do after completing this award?

You can progress to higher-level Agored Cymru qualifications, such as the Entry Level Award in Exploring Animal Care (Entry 2 or 3) or Level 1 Certificate in Animal Care. This award also helps you prepare for work in animal-related settings like kennels, pet shops, or animal shelters.

Is this qualification recognised by employers?

Yes, it is a regulated qualification on the QCF (Qualifications and Credit Framework) in Wales. While it is entry-level, it demonstrates your commitment and basic knowledge to employers in the animal care sector. It can be a stepping stone to further training and employment.

What are the Five Freedoms of animal welfare?

The Five Freedoms are: 1) Freedom from hunger and thirst – by providing fresh water and a balanced diet. 2) Freedom from discomfort – by providing a suitable environment. 3) Freedom from pain, injury, and disease – by preventing illness and seeking veterinary care. 4) Freedom to express normal behaviour – by providing space and social contact. 5) Freedom from fear and distress – by handling animals gently and avoiding stressful situations.

Carry Out Field Checks

AGORED CYMRU

vocational

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental responsibilities of conducting daily field checks for horses. It covers the preparation, practical tasks, and safety considerations needed to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Mastery of this skill supports essential animal welfare and underpins routine equine care management.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Exploring Animal Care (Entry 1) (QCF)

Topic Overview

The Agored Cymru Entry Level Award in Exploring Animal Care (Entry 1) (QCF) is a foundational qualification designed for learners with little or no prior experience in animal care. It introduces the basic principles of responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and safe handling practices. Students explore common domestic animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs, learning about their basic needs—food, water, shelter, and companionship—as well as simple health checks and hygiene routines. This award is ideal for building confidence and preparing for further study in animal care or related vocational pathways.

This qualification matters because it equips students with essential life skills and fosters a compassionate attitude towards animals. It aligns with the Five Freedoms of animal welfare, a key framework in the UK animal care sector, and encourages learners to think critically about how to meet an animal's physical and emotional needs. By completing this award, students gain a recognised entry-level certification that can lead to higher-level Agored Cymru qualifications or practical roles in kennels, catteries, or pet shops.

Within the wider subject of Animal Care & Veterinary, this award serves as a stepping stone. It covers core topics like animal behaviour, nutrition, and safety, which are revisited in more depth at higher levels. The practical focus—such as grooming, feeding, and cleaning enclosures—helps students develop transferable skills in observation, communication, and teamwork. This foundation is crucial for anyone considering a career working with animals, whether in veterinary nursing, animal rescue, or farming.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→The Five Freedoms: Freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury, and disease; fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behaviour. These are the gold standard for animal welfare.
→Basic needs of common pets: Dogs need daily walks and social interaction; cats require a litter tray and scratching post; rabbits need hay, space to hop, and companionship.
→Safe handling techniques: Always approach animals calmly, support their body properly (e.g., under a rabbit's hindquarters), and wash hands after handling to prevent zoonotic diseases.
→Signs of a healthy animal: Bright eyes, clean coat, normal appetite, and alert behaviour. Any changes may indicate illness and require a vet check.
→Hygiene and cleaning routines: Daily removal of soiled bedding, weekly deep cleaning of enclosures, and regular grooming to prevent matting and skin issues.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

Identify essential items required for field checks before starting
List potential hazards commonly found in horse fields
Demonstrate correct use of personal protective equipment during checks
Perform a basic visual inspection of fencing, gates, and water supplies
Report findings from field checks using simple terminology
Explain why field checks are important for horse health and safety

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for correctly listing personal protective equipment (e.g., sturdy footwear, gloves) and explaining its purpose
Expect candidates to identify at least three common hazards (e.g., broken fencing, poisonous plants, litter)
Look for evidence of a systematic approach: checking perimeter, then gates, then water, then ground conditions
Credit responses that mention the need to report problems to a supervisor or owner
Assess ability to state why daily checks are necessary (e.g., to prevent injury, ensure constant water supply)

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡When answering assignment questions, always describe the sequence: preparation, inspection steps, and reporting process
💡Use simple, clear language appropriate for Entry Level 1, but include key terms like ‘hazard’ and ‘welfare’ where relevant
💡If a practical observation is part of assessment, narrate your actions aloud to demonstrate understanding of safety rationale
💡Support answers with real-life examples, such as spotting a hole in a fence, to show applied knowledge
💡Use real-life examples: When answering questions about animal needs, refer to specific animals you have cared for or observed. This shows practical understanding and impresses examiners.
💡Memorise the Five Freedoms: This framework is frequently tested. Practice writing them out from memory and applying each freedom to a different animal scenario.
💡Read questions carefully: Entry level questions often ask for 'one example' or 'list two things'. Don't over-answer—stick to what is asked to avoid losing marks for irrelevant detail.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Forgetting to check that gates are securely fastened after entering or leaving
Failing to wear appropriate safety footwear when walking on uneven ground
Overlooking stagnant water as a health risk
Confusing “field check” with just observing horses rather than inspecting the environment
Not reporting minor issues like loose fence posts because they seem insignificant
Misconception: Rabbits are low-maintenance pets that can live in a small hutch. Correction: Rabbits need at least 3 hours of exercise daily, a large enclosure, and companionship (they are social animals). A hutch alone is not sufficient.
Misconception: Cats always land on their feet and don't need supervision. Correction: While cats have a righting reflex, falls from heights can cause serious injury. They also need regular vet check-ups and vaccinations.
Misconception: Dogs eat grass only when they are sick. Correction: Many dogs eat grass as a normal behaviour, possibly for fibre or because they like the taste. It's usually harmless, but monitor for vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•No formal prerequisites are required for this Entry 1 award, but basic literacy and numeracy skills (e.g., reading simple instructions, counting) are helpful.
•A general interest in animals and willingness to handle them safely is beneficial. Prior experience with pets at home can provide a useful foundation.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Field safety inspection
Basic horse welfare checks
Personal protective equipment usage
Hazard identification and reporting
Teamwork in routine care

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Carry Out Field Checks

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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Carry Out Equine Yard Duty