Health and Social Care: Children and Young People - Level 1 Diploma

This course full-time course covers a wide range of vocational units relating to health and social care, specifically designed to help you pursue a career in the care sector. This is an ideal course for a young 16-18 year old that is not sure what they would like to do in the care sector.

You will learn about a variety of key subject areas, such as equality, diversity and rights in health and social care, human growth and development through the life span and the role and responsibilities of the health and social care practitioner in relation to safeguarding individuals.

The course also includes 150 hours of placement in a real work environment, this will be arranged by the college for you, providing opportunities for you to apply knowledge to practice, receive feedback, and reflect on your own experience. Placement also provides opportunities for you to observe professional practice in action and gain valuable employability skills.

The course structure is spread over three days in college to include English and Maths and a further 1-2 days in placement.

Topics covered can include:

• Range of service provision and roles
• Health and safety
• Introductory awareness of equality and inclusion
• Understand the principles and values of health and social care
• Encourage children and young people to eat healthily
• Introduction to a healthy lifestyle
• Awareness of protection and safeguarding
• Introduction to mental health
• Job opportunities in health and social care

You will need:

• Learners will need either a Grade 2 or 3 in English GCSE to meet the written demands of the course or a relevant functional Skills in English at Entry 3
• Or proof of successful completion of an Entry 3 course in a relevant subject.
• Completion of a DBS check

All applicants will have a written assessment and an interview to confirm their suitability for the course

The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio. You will also complete 30 hours of work experience on placement.

AGED 16 - 18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2025 before the start date of the course, and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your course then your study with us will be free.

Please see here for the documents you need to show us.

Some courses have additional costs, such as specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Adults - ENTRY LEVEL/LEVEL 2

This course may be free if you meet certain conditions:

• If you are not working or have a low income. You need to show proof of your income or benefits.
• Residency rules apply. You need to show you have permission to live, work and study in the UK without conditions for at least 12 months.
• There are some exceptions, such as certain visa types.

Check here which documents you need to show us and which visa types are allowed.

If you do not meet the residency rules, you can still enrol on the course, but you may have to pay some fees. All applicants are fee-assessed during enrolment.

If you are not eligible for a free or reduced-cost course, you need to pay the full fee.

Some courses have other additional costs, such as for specialist materials and trips.

Many of our students are eligible for financial support. See here for details.

Learners can progress onto supporting roles in a care setting or progress onto the Level 2 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care or a Level 2 in Childcare such as the 'Level 2 Early Years Practitioner' or 'Level 2 in Caring for Children'.