Summary
This course is now full for September 2026. Applications are currently being accepted for September 2027.
This qualification is designed for anyone interested in exploring a career in Health, Social Care, or Children’s and Young People’s Services. It offers a solid introduction to the types of care provision available and the vital roles played by professionals across these sectors. You’ll learn about key principles and values, working with others, and the importance of health and safety in care environments.
It’s ideal for learners who want to understand what working in the sector involves before committing to a specific path. You'll also have the chance to explore specialist areas such as mental health, learning disabilities, or sensory loss through optional units that match your interests.
The course supports progression in several ways:
- Builds knowledge and confidence to move on to Level 2 qualifications
- Develops transferable skills for future employment
- Offers insight into a variety of roles in care settings
- Helps prepare for entry-level jobs in health, social care, or early years services
Whether you're considering your first steps into care or looking to build a foundation for future study, this qualification offers a flexible and accessible starting point.
Entry Requirements
- Commitment to study three days a week, motivation to study the subject
- A successful discussion with a tutor
- The ability to study independently
- Good communication skills
- Hardworking approach toward the industry
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
1 Year
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This Level 1 Certificate acts as a valuable stepping-stone for anyone considering a career in health, social care, or working with children and young people. While not a licence to practise, it gives you a clear insight into the types of roles available and the expectations of working in care environments.
By developing core knowledge, transferable skills, and an understanding of sector values, the qualification prepares you for progression to Level 2 qualification such as the ones listed opposite in 'Next Steps'.
Ultimately these qualifications can lead to job roles such as care assistant, early years practitioner, or support worker, depending on the pathway you choose.
This course also supports career planning by helping you explore different settings, identify your interests, and build confidence. It’s ideal for those who are new to the sector or returning to education and want a supportive, accessible way to begin their journey toward a meaningful and rewarding career.
Next steps at B&FC
B&FC offers two potential progression routes for students who successfully complete this Level 1 qualification:
- Level 2 Understanding Working with People with Mental Health Issues
Employment Opportunities
This qualification does not qualify you to work but does provide a starting point for deciding whether a career in the sector is right for you. After further study, you may be considered for entry-level roles in either adult health and social care or in children and young people settings.
Key information
Fees and funding
Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.
If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no specialist requirements for equipment.
If you attend a work placement you will be issued with a college T shirt and will need to provide your own suitable black trousers and appropriate footwear.
What will I learn?
This course introduces you to the essential knowledge and values required to work in health, social care, or childcare settings. You’ll explore how care is provided, the importance of communication and safety, and how to support others in a respectful and person-centred way. Key areas of learning include:
Understanding Service Provision and Job Roles
Learn about the different types of care services available and the variety of roles within adult care, children’s services, and early years settings.
Person-Centred Support
Explore the importance of putting individuals at the heart of care, respecting their choices, and supporting independence and dignity.
Principles and Values of Care
Understand the core values that guide all care work, including respect, privacy, dignity, and promoting well-being.
Equality and Inclusion
Gain awareness of how to support equality, value diversity, and challenge discrimination in care environments.
Safeguarding and Protection
Learn how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect and understand your responsibility in keeping people safe.
Communication Skills
Develop an awareness of effective communication techniques used in care settings to build trust and understanding.
Health and Safety Awareness
Understand the basic health and safety practices required to keep both service users and staff safe in care environments.
This course builds your confidence and prepares you to take the next step in training or explore career paths in the care and early years sectors.
Essential skills: English and Maths
All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Throughout the year there will be a variety of guest speakers who will share their industry knowledge and enrich your learning experience.
How will I learn?
This course is designed to be accessible and supportive, especially for those new to education or returning after a break. You’ll learn through a mix of classroom-based lessons, group activities, and independent study, giving you the chance to build both knowledge and confidence at your own pace.
Your tutors will guide you through each topic using a variety of engaging methods, including:
- Discussions and real-life scenarios
- Worksheets, quizzes, and reflective tasks
- Case studies, and role-play
- Opportunities to ask questions and share ideas in a safe, inclusive environment
There’s a strong focus on developing practical understanding and transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and respect for others—qualities that are essential in care-related roles.
You’ll be supported throughout the course by your tutor and classmates, with feedback and encouragement to help you succeed and prepare for your next steps.
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 the to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
You’ll be assessed through a combination of internally marked assignments, workbooks, and practical tasks. There are no exams on this course, making it a great option if you prefer continuous assessment over formal testing.
Your tutor will guide you through each unit and provide clear instructions for completing tasks. Assessment methods may include:
- Written questions and answers
- Short projects or case studies
- Group discussions or presentations
- Practical demonstrations of your understanding
You’ll be given regular feedback to help you improve and stay on track. All work is assessed against the learning outcomes of each unit to ensure you meet the required standards.
As long as you attend sessions, participate in activities, and complete your work on time, you’ll have every opportunity to succeed.