When & Where

Quick Facts

  • Availability Yes (course free to 16-18 year olds)
  • Course Code K24SHEA02A
  • Suitable For This course is free for 16-18s

What you will learn

This course is suitable for adults (19+). If you are under 19, please head to the Level 2 Health & Social Care study programme (course code K22ESWC06A). This qualification, validated by the awarding body NCFE CACHE, will support you to develop the knowledge and skills required to work in a range of clinical healthcare support settings and in health and adult care environments. It covers a wide range of areas including dementia awareness, mental health and well-being, supporting individuals with their physical and emotional care, daily living needs and healthcare procedures.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • Communication in care settings
  • Implement person-centred approaches in care settings
  • Equality and inclusion in care settings
  • Responsibilities of a care worker
  • Duty of care

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: Diploma in Care [NCFE]

Class format and activities

The qualification is formed of mandatory and optional units. The mandatory units cover core competencies, while the optional units allow learners to choose from a variety of areas to tailor the qualification to their needs and interests, and to reflect the context of their work. You will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement to be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. This could include direct observation in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task.

Entry requirements

GCSE English & maths at Grade 3 or above. We will consider applications from students with a Level 1 qualification in an appropriate subject area accompanied by a good reference for attitude, behaviour, attendance and punctuality. An additional requirement is to pass a criminal record check (through the Disclosure and Barring Service). You will need good spoken and written English to take the course and an interest in working with children. If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5/7, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

What you need to know before you enrol

The course runs from the beginning of September to the end of June. You will normally be in College two days a week and will need to be in a practical placement for at least one other day per week. Excellent attendance and punctuality will be required to complete the course successfully. Applicants are expected to show a high degree of verbal and written communication skills. Please complete the Disclosure and Barring Service application for your progression. Work experience will form an essential part of your study programme. Start making enquiries local to you as soon as possible. Please note, many settings within the health and social care sector require all staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and therefore you may find it difficult to source a placement - and therefore achieve your qualification - if you are not fully vaccinated.

What you need

You should arrive to your lessons prepared to learn with pens, pencils and a writing pad. All other resources and materials you need will be provided. In the event of teaching moving online, you will need a computer with internet access for online lessons via MS Teams on a daily basis.

What you can do next

On successful completion of the course you will be able to progress on to a Level 3 programme. Potential career routes include: health care practice worker, home carer, midwife, nursing home practitioner, occupational therapist, social worker.