Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings (Prepare for Childrens Social Care) - Level 1

Summary

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people in care settings? The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to build a career in children’s social care. This course offers a broad and engaging introduction to the values, responsibilities, and skills needed to work with children and young people in a variety of care environments.

This Diploma provides a more in-depth learning experience than the Award, helping you explore key topics such as safeguarding, communication, equality and inclusion, and the principles of person-centred care—all within the context of children’s services. You’ll also gain insight into the different types of settings where children and young people are supported, and the roles of professionals who work with them.

Designed to help you grow in confidence and develop essential employability skills, this course supports your personal and professional development. Whether you're aiming to work in early years settings, residential childcare, or youth support services, this qualification lays a strong foundation for further study or entry-level roles in children’s social care. It’s also perfect for those who want to explore their options before choosing a more specialised pathway.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
04 Mar 2026	Bickerstaffe House	13 Weeks	Apply now
07 Oct 2026	Bickerstaffe House	13 Weeks	Apply now
03 Mar 2027	Bickerstaffe House	13 Weeks	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings is an excellent first step for anyone interested in a career supporting children and young people. This qualification introduces you to the core values, responsibilities, and practical skills needed to work in a variety of children’s social care environments.

This course is part of the Prepare for Children’s Social Care Pathway, a structured progression route designed to help you build the knowledge and confidence required for a rewarding career in the children and young people’s workforce. The pathway includes:

NCFE Level 1 Award in Caring for Children
NCFE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings

Completing this Diploma can lead to further study at Level 2 and beyond, opening doors to specialised qualifications and roles in areas such as residential childcare, early years education, youth work, and family support services. It also enhances your employability by demonstrating your commitment and foundational understanding of working with children and young people in care settings.

Whether you're aiming to progress into further education or begin working in a supportive role, this course provides a strong platform for your next steps in children’s social care.

Next steps at B&FC

Upon successful completion of the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings, students can progress to the Youth Social Worker Pathway.

Following completion of the Level 2 you may choose to progress to:

Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce
Level 4 Apprenticeship in Children, Young People, and Families Practitioner
Practitioner in Children’s Residential Care

Employment Opportunities

Upon completing the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings, students may be eligible for a range of entry-level roles across the care and education sectors. Potential job titles include:

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.  

Qualification obtained

Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings

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?

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings is designed to give you a strong foundation in the values, knowledge, and practical skills needed to support children and young people in care settings.

Mandatory Units

Understand the Range of Service Provision and Roles
Explore the different types of services available in health, social care, early years, and childcare settings.
Introductory Awareness of Person-Centred Support
Understand what it means to provide person-centred care and how this approach supports the individual needs, preferences, and rights of children and young people.
Understand the Principles and Values
Discover the core values that underpin high-quality care, including dignity, respect, equality, and inclusion.
Introductory Awareness of Equality and Inclusion
Gain insight into the importance of promoting equality and respecting diversity in care environments, and how inclusive practices benefit children and young people.
Awareness of Protection and Safeguarding
Learn about the key principles of safeguarding and how to recognise and respond to signs of abuse or neglect.
Introduction to Communication
Develop your understanding of effective communication in care settings, including verbal and non-verbal methods, active listening, and how to overcome barriers to communication.
Introductory Awareness of Health and Safety
Understand the importance of maintaining a safe environment for children and young people.

Optional Units

Introductory Awareness of Bereavement in Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings

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 children’s care or educational setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as schools, nurseries, or youth services is highly encouraged. This practical experience can deepen your understanding of the course content and strengthen your CV.

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enhance your learning through a variety of guest speakers, employer engagement events, and live discussions. These sessions feature professionals from across the children’s social care sector, including residential care providers and family support services. They offer valuable insights into real-world practice, current sector challenges, and career opportunities.

Importantly, students will also have the opportunity to take part in job interviews with local employers at the end of the course. These interviews are designed to help you transition into the workforce, giving you the chance to showcase your skills, build confidence, and potentially secure employment in a children’s 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.

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 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.