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A woman supports a young child as they work together on a homework project, fostering focus and encouragement.

Pathways in Health, Education and Childcare

If you work in education or healthcare in a role which involves pastoral or social care or, indeed, would like to do so, this suite of courses offers professional development opportunities which can improve your chances of promotion or help you secure your first job. 

Adult courses in Health, Education and Early Years

Introduction

With options ranging from helping children with special needs to supporting individuals with dementia, our industry-relevant courses allow you to build a portfolio of skills that could lead not only to greater opportunities for promotion but also to higher levels of job satisfaction. 
 

Who they are aimed at

There are a variety of entry-level programmes for those who are new to the sector designed to help learners gain key insights to help them with their first steps in employment to courses focused on particular aspects of care which will broaden and support the development of specialist skills.
 

What they are for

The aim of all our programmes - which are delivered by tutors with extensive industry expertise - is to grow the kind of skills, knowledge and behaviours that are highly sought after by employers and which lead to rich and rewarding careers.
 

What's on offer

The courses fall broadly into the following areas, but you may find there is some overlap between these. For example, our course on understanding autism may be just as relevant for those supporting adults as it is for people working in early years. To see what we have to offer in each area, just click on the subject title and it will take you straight to our course listings.
 

Children, Young People and Families
Health and Medical Professions
Teaching and Learning Support
Funding information for employers

These courses offer employers the opportunity to upskill or reskill existing employees to meet their future business needs. It's a great way to retain valued staff and to give rising stars the opportunity to flourish. There's also funding available for which you might be eligible making it an even more attractive prospect. To find out if your business qualifies, please contact our Business Development Team at business@blackpool.ac.uk

Family icon parent and child representing health and social care
A graphic of a whiteboard and 'abc' letters representing early education.
Open hand graphic holding heart icon representing care.
Family icon parent and child representing health and social care A graphic of a whiteboard and 'abc' letters representing early education. Open hand graphic holding heart icon representing care.
Family icon parent and child representing health and social care
A graphic of a whiteboard and 'abc' letters representing early education.
Open hand graphic holding heart icon representing care.

It all starts with you.

The great news about investing in these qualifications is that the industry itself is buoyant with ever-increasing opportunities to work in various care and education organisations. In fact, it is now Lancashire's largest employment sector so jobs are plentiful. This also means that as well as entry level positions, there are also more managerial openings for those with a passion for care who want to progress.
 

Our Adult Courses are...

... Affordable

Many of our adult courses are FREE or come with no upfront fees. If you're not eligible for a free place, you could still apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. Plus, there’s plenty of additional financial support available, so be sure to visit our Financial Support for Adult Learners page to explore your options.
 

... Supportive

With our extensive experience of helping adult learners achieve their career goals, we understand that there are times when you need a helping hand to reach your full potential. As well as help with finance, we also offer study support to help you academically and well-being support to ensure you can make the most of your time at college.
 

... Employment-focused

With input from over 1,800 employers and industry specialist tutors, our courses are designed to support your progression into your chosen career. Need help planning your future? Our Careers team can provide you expert advice and guidance so you can decide which is the right course for you.

  • Most courses are FREE or have no upfront fees
  • £60 monthly bursary and help with childcare costs for Adult Learners
  • FREE or discounted 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass

Children, Young People and Families

Working with children and families can be immensely rewarding especially when you give youngsters the opportunity to flourish or manage to turn the lives of young people around. Below are the courses that we deliver in this area together with the next available start date for each. Each course listing is linked to a dedicated course page where you can find out more about the course content and where you can apply directly for the programme. Additional start dates (where available) are also viewable there.
 

Youth / Social Worker Pathway

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Course TitleStart Date
Children & Young People's Workforce Day - Level 230/09/25
Children Services (Social Care / Pastoral Care) - Level 230/09/25
Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings - Level 1 Award24/04/25
Alcohol Awareness - Level 1TBC
Stress Awareness - Level 1TBC
Awareness of Substance Misuse - Level 1TBC

 

Early Years Pathway

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Course TitleStart Date
Caring for Children - Level 1 Award10/01/25
Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years - Level 231/10/25
Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent - Level 223/04/25
Early Years Advanced Practitioner - Level 418/09/25
Caring for Children - Level 1 DiplomaTBC
Understanding Common Childhood Illness - Level 2TBC

 

Working in Early Years

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Course TitleStart Date
Early Years Educator - Level 310/09/25
Early Years Practitioner - Level 212/09/25
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences - Level 208/01/25
Qualifications explained

With so many options available, it can be confusing knowing where to start and what to do next.

Health and Medical Professions

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Working in Health and Social Care

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Course TitleStart Date
Adult Care - Level 311/09/25
Personal Care Needs - Level 225/11/25

 

Working in Mental Health

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Course TitleStart Date
Mental Health Awareness - Level 219/09/25
Understanding Mental Health - Level 309/01/26

 

Prepare to Care

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Course TitleStart Date
Wellbeing - Level 1TBC
Personal and Social Development - Level 1TBC
Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings - Level 1 CertificateTBC

 

 

Health and Social Care Pathway

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Course TitleStart Date
Personal Care Needs - Level 225/11/25
Prevention and Control of Infection - Level 212/09/25
Understanding Behaviour that Challenges (Adults) - Level 224/04/25
Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent - Level 223/04/25
Understanding the Safe Handling of Medications - Level 229/10/25

 

Dementia Pathway

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Course TitleStart Date
Awareness of Dementia - Level 206/03/25
Understanding Mental Health in the Workplace - Level 225/02/25
Understanding the Principles of Dementia Care - Level 310/01/25

 

Mental Health Pathway

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Course TitleStart Date
Awareness of Dementia - Level 206/03/25
Mental Health Awareness - Level 110/12/24
Mental Health Awareness - Level 219/09/25
Understanding Mental Health - Level 309/01/26
Alcohol Awareness - Level 1TBC
Stress Awareness - Level 1TBC

 

Counselling Pathway

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Course TitleStart Date
Helping Skills - Level 225/02/25
Counselling Skills - Level 222/04/25
Counselling Skills - Level 325/02/25

 

Work Force Development

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Course TitleStart Date
Adult Social Care - Level 230/01/25
End of Life Care - Level 216/09/25
English, Maths & Computing Basic Skills

If you feel your lack of basic skills in English, maths or computing is holding you back at work and in life too, then our beginner courses could be just the helping hand you need.

How to Apply

Make a start as soon as you can and you'll be one step closer to starting the next stage of your educational journey with us.

What's next?

Discover the right course for you from the list of subjects above and apply.
Download our Prospectus for Adult Learners for more information about adult provision at B&FC.
Book a place at our next Open Event - a great opportunity to meet the tutors, ask questions and check out our facilities.
Contact our Course Enquiries Team if you have any questions or concerns about Free Courses for Jobs at B&FC.
Call: 01253 504343
Email: info@blackpool.ac.uk