Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering

Key Facts

Level:
Level 1
Subject Sector:
7.4 Hospitality and Catering
Credits:
6
Qualification No:
603/6506/7
GLH:
48 hours
Total qualification time:
60 hours
Price:
View price list
Age Range:
Pre 16, 16-18, 19+

Whilst some of our qualifications are regulated for pre 16 learners our minimum age is 14.

Qualification purpose

Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area

Qualification Grading Type

Pass

Assessment Methods

  • Portfolio of Evidence

    • Why choose this qualification?

    Following a scheduled review of our Hospitality and Catering qualifications, positive updates will take effect from 1st August 2026.

    These changes ensure the qualification remains engaging for learners and closely aligned with current industry practice. Effective allergen management is a critical part of modern hospitality practice, and it’s essential that learners develop an accurate understanding of dietary needs and safe food‑handling requirements.

    The existing unit Food Allergy and Intolerance has been replaced with Food Allergy, Intolerance, Sensitivity and Coeliac Disease. This update strengthens the qualification by broadening learners’ understanding of a wider range of conditions that require careful management in hospitality settings.

    Qualifications affected

    • Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering
    • Level 1 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
    • Level 1 Diploma in Hospitality and Catering

    What’s changing

    From 1 August 2026, updates will apply to the teaching and delivery of this qualification.

    These include the replacement of the existing unit with the updated Food Allergy, Intolerance, Sensitivity and Coeliac Disease unit.

    A Summary of Changes document for each qualification and a Qualification Specification for delivery from August 2026 are available to support your planning.

    Summary of Changes – Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering
    Level 1 Award in Hospitality and Catering Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    Summary of Changes – Level 1 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering
    Level 1 Certificate in Hospitality and Catering Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    Summary of Changes – Level 1 Diploma in Hospitality and Catering
    Level 1 Diploma in Hospitality and Catering Qualification Specification FROM AUGUST 2026

    What this means for your Centre

    • No immediate action is required
    • You can begin reviewing the updates now to support lesson planning for the next academic year
    • Further guidance and support will be shared ahead of implementation

    Rules of Combination

    Learners must complete at least one unit from Group M – Mandatory worth a minimum of 1 credit and 5 further credits from Group M or Group 01 (Optional units - Hospitality and Catering).

    Units

    Mandatory

    Learners must complete at least one unit from Group M worth a minimum of 1 credit.

    Customer Service in the Hospitality Industry

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    J/502/4898
    Click here to view full unit details

    Health and Safety and Food Safety Awareness in Catering

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    8
    Credits:
    1
    Unit No:
    Y/503/9583
    Click here to view full unit details

    Introduction to the Hospitality Industry

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    M/502/4894
    Click here to view full unit details
    Optional Units: Hospitality and Catering

    Learners may complete 3 or more credits from Group O1 – Optional Units: Hospitality and Catering.

    Basic Food Preparation and Cooking

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/502/5042
    Click here to view full unit details

    Digital Skills for Work

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    M/617/4157
    Click here to view full unit details

    Food Service

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/502/4957
    Click here to view full unit details

    Food allergy and intolerance

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    L/618/1195
    Click here to view full unit details

    Front Office Operations

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    K/502/5073
    Click here to view full unit details

    Handling Payments

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    Y/618/1197
    Click here to view full unit details

    Housekeeping and Guest Services

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    A/600/1094
    Click here to view full unit details

    Introduction to Food Commodities

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    10
    Credits:
    1
    Unit No:
    A/502/5059
    Click here to view full unit details

    Meeting Special Dietary Needs

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    F/504/7659
    Click here to view full unit details

    Menu Planning

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    F/504/7631
    Click here to view full unit details

    Portering and Concierge Duties

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    20
    Credits:
    2
    Unit No:
    J/504/7632
    Click here to view full unit details

    Prepare and Cook Fish for Basic Dishes

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    R/618/1196
    Click here to view full unit details

    Prepare and Cook Meat for Basic Dishes

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    4
    Unit No:
    A/618/1192
    Click here to view full unit details

    Prepare and Cook Vegetables for Basic Dishes

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    4
    Unit No:
    Y/618/1202
    Click here to view full unit details

    Preparing and Serving Drinks

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    L/502/5051
    Click here to view full unit details

    Vegan diet

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    J/618/1194
    Click here to view full unit details

    Vegetarian diet

    Level:
    Level 1
    Guided Learning Hours:
    30
    Credits:
    3
    Unit No:
    F/618/1193
    Click here to view full unit details

    What is the purpose of this qualification?

    The purpose of this qualification is to develop learners' understanding and knowledge in hospitality and catering and to support progression to the next level of vocational learning in hospitality and catering or a related area. It is anticipated that this qualification will be of specific relevance to:

    • unemployed adults needing to demonstrate their interest in and commitment to a particular vocational area to potential employers, particularly where further work-based training will be on offer.

    • young people on traineeships who are working at level 1 and are seeking a short, focused qualification in the sector in which they wish to work/gain an apprenticeship, as part of the work preparation training element of a traineeship.

    • learners of any age who have been disengaged with learning and need a short introduction at level 1 before progressing straight to a larger certificate or diploma at level 2.

    What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?

    This qualification provides an introductory set of knowledge and skills, relevant to hospitality and catering. The choice of mandatory units includes:

    • Introduction to the hospitality industry
    • Customer service in the hospitality industry
    • Health and safety and food safety awareness in catering

    How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?

    This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate and Diploma. Learners should take the Award if they need only a small amount of focused learning in hospitality and catering before progressing to employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 2 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 hospitality and catering such as kitchen porter, waiter, housekeeping assistant.

    What are the progression options?

    Learners can progress to a level 2 certificate or diploma in Hospitality and Catering, including level 2 qualifications such as Housekeeping, Hospitality Services, Food Service, Professional Cookery, Food and Beverage Service.

    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.

    Funding information

    There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

    The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

    View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

    The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

    View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

    How to find a learning aim

    If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

    How to Use: Find a learning Aim

    We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

    This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

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