APPLY NOW
Early years educator engaging with children.

Prepare for Children's Social Care - Level 1

Summary

Are you ready to begin a meaningful career supporting children, young people, and families? The Prepare for Children’s Social Care Pathway combines two nationally recognised qualifications. This course merges the Level 1 Award in Caring for Children and the Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings into one accessible and supportive programme. This course is ideal for adults returning to education or exploring a new career in children’s social care.

Through engaging, tutor-led sessions, you’ll build confidence and gain essential knowledge in areas such as child development, safeguarding, communication, and person-centred care. This pathway provides a strong foundation for further study or entry-level employment in youth services, or residential care settings helping you take the first step toward making a lasting impact in the lives of children and families.

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Jan 2026
Bickerstaffe House
6 Weeks
10 Sep 2026
Bickerstaffe House
6 Weeks
07 Jan 2027
Bickerstaffe House
6 Weeks
A woman engages with children in a supportive circle, fostering interaction and connection among the group.

Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?

Explore our pathways in Health, Education and Childcare to see how we can help you reach your career goals.
View Career Pathways

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

Learners who achieve this qualification could progress onto:

Employment Opportunities

There are various employment opportunities that learners could pursue on successful completion of this programme, including:

Residential Care Worker | Social Care Worker | Youth Worker

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. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.  
  • English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.   

These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.   

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 for this course. 

What will I learn?

The Prepare for Children’s Social Care Pathway combines two nationally recognised qualifications to give you a well-rounded foundation in children’s social care.

NCFE Level 1 Award in Caring for Children
This qualification introduces you to the essential knowledge and skills needed to care for children aged 0–5. You’ll explore how to support their development through nurturing environments and meaningful interactions. Topics include:

  • Understanding Learning and Development Through Play – Discover how play supports learning and development in early childhood.
  • Growth and Development of Young Children – Learn about key developmental milestones and how to support them.
  • Respecting and Valuing Children – Explore inclusive care practices that promote dignity and respect.

  • Listening to and Talking With a Young Child – Build communication skills that foster trust and positive relationships.

     

NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
This qualification provides a broader understanding of the care sector, focusing on the values, responsibilities, and practical skills needed to support children and young people in various settings. You’ll study:

  • Understand the Range of Service Provision and Roles – Learn about different care settings and the professionals who work within them.
  • Introductory Awareness of Person-Centred Support – Understand how to tailor care to meet individual needs and preferences.
  • Understand the Principles and Values – Explore the core values of dignity, respect, equality, and inclusion.
  • Introductory Awareness of Equality and Inclusion – Examine how to promote diversity and inclusive practices.
  • Awareness of Protection and Safeguarding – Learn how to identify and respond to safeguarding concerns.
  • Introduction to Communication – Develop effective communication strategies for working with children and young people.
  • Introductory Awareness of Health and Safety – Understand how to maintain safe environments in care settings.
  • Children and Young People’s Development – Gain insight into physical, emotional, and social development stages.
  • Healthy Lifestyles – Learn how to promote nutrition, exercise, and well-being.
  • Autistic Spectrum Condition – Understand the characteristics and support needs of individuals with autism.
  • Learning Disabilities – Explore how learning disabilities affect development and how to provide appropriate support.
  • Mental Health – Develop awareness of mental health challenges and how they impact children and young people.
  • Bereavement in Care Settings – Learn how to support children and families through loss and grief.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not yet be working or volunteering in children's social care settings.. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in a  youth services, or residential care is highly encouraged, as it can enhance your understanding of the course content and improve your future employability. 

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning through a variety of guest speakers, employer engagement events, and live discussions. These sessions feature professionals from across the children’s workforce, including residential care providers and family support services who share real-world insights and experiences. You’ll have opportunities to ask questions, explore career pathways, and connect classroom learning with current sector practice, helping you build confidence and prepare for your next steps.

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 through:

Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.

Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.

Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.

Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.

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 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 demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.

Assessment Methods:

  • Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence 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 childhood illnesses, 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.