Prepare to Care
Summary
Are you motivated by compassion and a desire to support others in their health and well-being? The Prepare to Care programme is designed for individuals who want to make a positive impact in the health and social care sector. Whether you're exploring a new career or returning to education, this pathway offers a supportive introduction to the values, skills, and knowledge needed to work confidently across a range of health and care settings.
As part of this programme, you will complete two nationally recognised qualifications:
NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings – Gain an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and core principles across a variety of care environments.
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector – Develop a deeper awareness of how the health sector operates, including key processes, roles, and the importance of person-centred care.
This combination of qualifications provides a strong foundation for further study or progression within the health and social care sector, supporting you to take your first steps towards a rewarding and meaningful career.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course, it is essential for those seeking employment in health and social care settings. This check is usually arranged through placement or employment.
- English and Maths: A basic level of English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and help you engage confidently with the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that students are well-prepared to succeed in the programme and to pursue future opportunities in health and social care environments.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Prepare to Care programme opens the door to a wide range of rewarding roles within the health and social care sector. Whether you're taking your first step toward a long-term career or looking to build confidence before progressing to further study, this programme provides a strong foundation for your journey.
Graduates can explore entry-level opportunities in settings such as residential care homes, hospitals, community care services, and mental health support. Potential job roles include:
For those wishing to continue their education, the programme offers clear progression routes into specialist pathways, including:
- Health and Social Care Pathway
- Palliative and Specialist Care Pathway
- Mental Health Pathway
These progression routes are designed to help you specialise, gain confidence and move toward more advanced qualifications or employment in your chosen area of care.
Next steps at B&FC
Having successfully completed the Prepare to Care programme, students can progress to a range of specialist courses within the Health and Social Care curriculum at Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC). These progression routes are designed to help you build on your foundational knowledge and move toward more advanced qualifications or employment in your chosen area of care.
By choosing one of the pathways listed opposite, you can focus on a targeted set of qualifications designed to support your development into specific roles within the sector, helping you take the next step toward a fulfilling and impactful career.
Employment Opportunities
The qualifications gained provide a strong foundation for entry-level roles that support individuals in need of care, compassion, and practical assistance.
Potential job titles include:
Healthcare Assistant | Support Worker | Personal Care Assistant | Residential Care Worker | Community Care Worker | Mental Health Support Worker | Dementia Care Assistant | Home Care Assistant | Social Care Worker | Rehabilitation Assistant
These roles are available in settings such as residential care homes, hospitals, community care services, and mental health facilities.
Key information
Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This programme is designed to develop your knowledge and understanding of working within the health and social care sector. You will explore key topics that support both your personal development and your awareness of professional practice in care environments.
NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
Principles and values
Gain an understanding of the core values that underpin care, including respect, dignity, equality, and confidentiality.
Health and safety
Explore the importance of health and safety practices and how to maintain safe environments for both individuals receiving care and those providing it.
Understanding care environments
Develop your awareness of different health, social care, and children’s settings, including roles and responsibilities within each.
NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector
Structure of the health sector
Learn how the health sector operates, including the different services, roles, and organisations involved in delivering care.
Person-centred care
Understand the importance of delivering care that is tailored to individual needs, preferences, and values.
Working in health settings
Explore key processes, expectations, and standards required to work effectively within health environments.
Throughout the programme, you will take part in practical activities, discussions, and assessments that support you to apply your learning in real-life contexts. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and confidence to progress into further study or take your first steps into the health and care sector.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this programme, making it accessible to learners who may not yet be working or volunteering in health or social care settings. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as care homes, community support services, or mental health organisations is highly encouraged. This hands-on experience can enhance your understanding of the course content and strengthen your future employability.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning through a variety of guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These may include visits from healthcare professionals, social care providers, and mental health practitioners, offering valuable insights into real-world practice. These sessions provide opportunities to explore career pathways, ask questions, and connect your classroom learning with the realities of working in the health and social care sector.
Importantly, students on the programme will be offered guaranteed interviews with local employers at the end of the course. This unique opportunity helps you transition into the workforce, build confidence, and potentially secure employment in a health or social care setting.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the benefits of face-to-face teaching with the flexibility of digital resources.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that learners can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage learner participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can effectively demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations related to health and social care, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.