Understanding Behaviour that Challenges (Dementia Pathway) - Level 2
Summary
Are you interested in understanding behaviours that challenge and how to respond with empathy and professionalism? This course is ideal for anyone working in or aspiring to work in health, social care, or education settings where supporting individuals with complex needs is essential.
This course provides learners with in-depth knowledge of what constitutes behaviour that challenges, its potential causes, and the impact it can have on individuals and those around them. You’ll explore strategies for promoting positive behaviour, effective communication techniques, and the importance of reflection and support for those involved in challenging situations.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
04 Jun 2026
|
Bickerstaffe House
|
5 Weeks
|
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This is a valuable qualification for those aspiring to work in health and social care, education, or community support roles where managing complex behaviours is essential. It provides foundational knowledge and practical strategies that are highly relevant to supporting individuals with dementia, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions.
Completing this course can lead to advanced qualifications and specialised roles, enhancing employability and providing opportunities for career progression in the sector. It’s an ideal step for those considering careers in dementia care, support work, or behavioural support services.
This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Dementia Pathway, which includes the following courses.
DEMENTIA PATHWAY
- Awareness of Dementia (Dementia Pathway) - Level 2
- Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care (Dementia Pathway) - Level 3
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
- Personal Care Needs (Health and Social Care Pathway) - Level 2
- Understanding Behaviour that Challenges (Dementia Pathway) - Level 2
- Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare Settings (Health and Social Care Pathway) - Level 2
- Understanding the Safe Handling of Medication (Health and Social Care Pathway) - Level 2
Next steps at B&FC
Upon successful completion of this course, students can progress to further qualifications as part of the Dementia Pathway (detailed opposite). This pathway is designed to support learners in developing the knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in dementia care and related fields.
Completing these qualifications can lead to advanced studies and specialised roles. You can also progress to:
Employment Opportunities
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges equips learners with the foundational knowledge and practical strategies needed to support individuals who display behaviours that challenge, including those living with dementia. This qualification is particularly valuable for those seeking entry-level roles in care and support environments where empathy, patience, and behavioural understanding are essential.
Potential job titles or roles learners may consider include:
Dementia Support Worker | Care Assistant (Residential or Community Settings) | Behavioural Support Assistant | Healthcare Assistant | Support Worker (Learning Disabilities or Mental Health) | Activities Coordinator (Care Homes or Day Centres) | Community Outreach Assistant | Personal Assistant (Direct Payment or Individual Employer) | Rehabilitation Assistant | Peer Support Volunteer
These roles are commonly found in care homes, supported living environments, day centres, hospitals, and community organisations. This qualification enhances employability in settings where understanding and managing behaviour is crucial, especially when working with individuals affected by dementia, autism, or other cognitive conditions.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
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 in mental health and care-related roles.
Qualification obtained
Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that ChallengesFees 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.
Terms and conditions
Read our full terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
This course is made up of four key units that build your understanding of behaviour that challenges and how to respond effectively in care settings:
- Understand Behaviour That Challenges – Learn what constitutes challenging behaviour, its causes, and its impact on individuals and carers.
- Understand the Role of Reflection and Support for Those Involved in Incidents of Behaviour That Challenges – Explore how reflection and support can help those affected by challenging behaviour.
- Understand How to Support Positive Behaviour – Discover practical strategies to encourage and maintain positive behaviour.
- Understand the Importance of Effective Communication and the Management of Behaviour That Challenges – Understand how communication techniques can help manage and de-escalate challenging situations.
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 dementia 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 dementia care services, behavioural support teams, and local health and social care organisations.
Guest lectures and live discussions offer valuable insights into real-world practice, current challenges in dementia and behavioural support, 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.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
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.