What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification provides a range of basic, introductory skills, as well as core knowledge, relevant to health and care, alongside generic employability skills which are needed both in the health and care sector and across other sectors.
It is anticipated that this qualification will be of specific relevance to:
• Young people interested in a career in the health and care sector who intend, but are not yet ready, to access level 1 qualifications.
• Young people and adults, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, who wish to work in the health and social care sector but need a grounding in the subject and an opportunity to develop more general workplace skills, usually over a one year period, before applying for work.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
Mandatory units include:
• Working in Health and Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
• Effective Communication in Health and Social Care and Child Care
• Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
• Person-Centred Support in Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
Optional units include knowledge and skills relevant to different job roles in the sector (such as disability awareness, communication in health and social care, healthy diets) alongside generic employability skills (such as self-management skills and working in at team).
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award and Certificate. Learners should take the Certificate if they need a broad introduction to the sector, as well as more generic workplace skills, before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 1 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided above.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to an entry-level role in health and social care such as care assistant, ancillary worker.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 1 certificate or diploma in Health and Social Care, including Gateway Qualifications’ Level 1 Certificate and Diploma in Health and Care.
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification. It is available to learners of any age.
