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 with people across a range of care settings.
As part of this programme, you will complete three nationally recognised qualifications:
Level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development – Designed to build self-awareness, confidence and interpersonal skills essential for working in care.
Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings – Created to help you gain insight into the roles, responsibilities,and principles of care across different settings.
Level 1 Certificate in Wellbeing – Allowing you to explore how to support emotional, physical, and mental health both for yourself and others.
This combination of qualifications provides a strong foundation for further study or entry-level roles in health and social care, helping you take the first step toward a fulfilling and meaningful career.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
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20 Jan 2026
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Bickerstaffe House
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6 Weeks
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09 Sep 2026
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Bickerstaffe House
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20 Jan 2027
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Bickerstaffe House
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Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
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
- Dementia Pathway
- Mental Health Pathway
- Working in Health and Social Care
- Working in Mental Health
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 Prepare to Care programme can also lead directly into employment across a variety of care settings. 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. Each position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives while gaining valuable experience in the health and social care sector.
Key information
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.
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 qualification is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in the health and social care sector. The programme is divided into several key modules, each focusing on different aspects of care and personal development.
Level 1 Award in Personal and Social Development
- Healthy Living: Learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.
- Managing Social Relationships: Develop skills to manage personal and professional relationships effectively, fostering positive interactions and communication.
- Preparation for Work: Gain insights into the workplace environment, including job search strategies, interview techniques, and professional conduct.
Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care, and Children's and Young People's Settings
- Principles and Values: Understand the core principles and values that underpin health and social care, including respect, dignity, and confidentiality.
- Health and Safety: Learn about health and safety regulations and practices to ensure a safe working environment for both caregivers and clients.
- Career Progression: Explore various career paths within the health, social care, and children's and young people's sectors, and understand the qualifications needed for advancement.
Level 1 Certificate in Well-Being
- Well-Being Topics: Enhance your understanding of well-being topics such as stress management, mental health awareness, and the impact of lifestyle choices.
- Informed Decisions: Learn to make informed, healthy decisions that positively affect your personal and professional life.
Throughout the programme, you will engage in practical activities, discussions, and assessments that will help you apply your learning in real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a fulfilling career in health and social care, making a positive impact on the lives of those you support.
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 face-to-face teaching, providing a supportive and engaging classroom environment. Teaching takes place in dedicated learning spaces where you’ll benefit from interactive, tutor-led sessions that encourage discussion, collaboration, and active participation.
The programme focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios in children’s social care. These activities may include role plays, group projects, case studies, and scenario-based learning—all designed to build your confidence and prepare you for the workplace.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector. Tutors are experienced professionals who bring real-life insights into the classroom, helping you connect theory to practice every step of the way.
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.