Personal Care Needs (Health and Social Care Pathway) - Level 2

Summary

Are you committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care that meets the personal needs of individuals in health and social care settings? This course is ideal for those who want to build specialist knowledge in personal care and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of personal care. You’ll explore key areas such as person-centred care, hygiene, oral health, foot care, pressure area care, and sepsis awareness. Each unit is designed to help you understand how to support individuals with dignity, respect, and professionalism.

Whether you're new to the sector or looking to enhance your existing skills, this qualification equips you with the knowledge needed to work effectively in care environments, including residential care, domiciliary services, and community support settings.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
10 Sep 2026	Bickerstaffe House	8 Weeks	Apply now

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Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This is a valuable qualification for those aspiring to work in health and social care roles where personal care is a key responsibility. It provides essential knowledge for supporting individuals with dignity, respect, and professionalism in a variety of care settings.

Completing this course can lead to further qualifications and specialised roles in personal care, residential care, domiciliary services, and community support. It’s an ideal step for those considering careers as care assistants, support workers, or healthcare aides, and can also support progression to higher-level study in health and social care.

This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Health and Social Care Pathway, which includes the following courses.

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE PATHWAY

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of this course, students can progress to further qualifications offered by Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) as part of the Health and Social Care Pathway (detailed opposite). This pathway is designed to support learners in developing the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in care settings.

These courses provide further opportunities to deepen your knowledge and skills, enhancing your career prospects in the health and social care sector. You can also progress to:

Employment Opportunities

Students can pursue a range of entry-level roles within the health and social care sector where personal care is a core responsibility. This qualification demonstrates your ability to support individuals with dignity, empathy, and professionalism.

Potential job titles include:

These roles are commonly found in care homes, domiciliary care services, hospitals, and supported living environments. This course provides a strong foundation for working in settings where personal care and wellbeing are central to the support provided.

Key information

Entry Requirements

Technical Entry Requirements:  

Age: 19 years or over (19+)

Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:  

DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is not required for enrolment on this course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment or voluntary work involving vulnerable adults. 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 learners are prepared to engage fully with the course and are aware of the expectations for future progression or employment.  

Qualification obtained

Certificate in Understanding Personal Care Needs

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 made up of six key units that provide essential knowledge for delivering safe, respectful, and person-centred personal care:

Understand Person-Centred Care – Learn how to tailor care to meet individual needs, preferences, and values.
Understand How to Support Personal Hygiene – Explore best practices for maintaining dignity and wellbeing through personal hygiene support.
Understand Foot Care for Individuals – Gain insight into basic foot care and its importance in overall health.
Understand How to Support Individuals to Maintain Oral Health – Discover how to promote and support good oral hygiene in care settings.
Understand Pressure Area Care – Learn how to prevent and manage pressure sores to protect skin integrity.
Understand Sepsis – Understand the signs, risks, and response strategies for sepsis in vulnerable individuals.

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 currently be working or volunteering in a care setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as care homes, supported living services, or community outreach programmes can significantly enhance your understanding and employability.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from care services, personal care teams, and local health and social care organisations.

Guest lectures and live discussions offer valuable insights into real-world practice, current challenges, and emerging trends in person-centred care. They also provide opportunities to ask questions, build connections, and explore diverse career paths in health and social care.

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.

Teaching methods include:

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.

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 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, 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.