What is the purpose of this qualification?
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the core knowledge, understanding, and confidence required to meet the expectations of working within the health and care sector. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop their English, Maths, and employability skills through optional units, helping them build transferable skills and supporting their progression into employment.
The qualification is designed for learners preparing to enter the health and care workforce, as well as those already in support roles who wish to develop their knowledge and skills. It also supports learners who wish to progress to further study. Learners will develop an in-depth understanding of professional responsibilities, values-based care, and the advanced skills required to contribute confidently and consistently to the well-being, dignity, and rights of individuals in a range of health and care environments.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and values needed for effective, person-centred and inclusive practice across health and social care settings, supporting individuals with a wide range of needs and meeting sector expectations.
The objectives of the qualification are to provide learners with the opportunity to:
• develop comprehensive knowledge and skills for safe, effective and inclusive practice across varied care environments
• deepen understanding of the factors that influence high quality, person centred care and individual wellbeing
• broaden awareness of the diverse needs, conditions and challenges experienced by those receiving care
• build confidence in meeting professional responsibilities and sector standards
• have the option to strengthen transferable and employability skills that support future employment or progression
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 Certificate if, before progressing to employment (with further training where possible), to a level 3 Apprenticeship or to a Level 3 qualification, they need an extended introduction to the sector including the opportunity to build up a range of skills and knowledge, explore a number of potential job roles and career pathways in the sector, and gain a set of more generic workplace skills. The Diploma will be suitable for learners who would benefit from an extended period of time working at level 2, up to 2 years, before they are ready to progress to employment or to a level 3 qualification or apprenticeship.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to a number of roles in health and social care such as healthcare assistant, community care worker, older people support worker.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a Level 3 certificate or diploma in Health and Social Care in any of the available pathways, including Tech level qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health and Social Care or Early Years, or to an advanced Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care in any of the available pathways.
Progression & entry requirements
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge learners must have for this qualification; however, learners will benefit from having English and Maths skills at level 1.
On completion of this qualification, learners will have gained comprehensive knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours for working within the health and care sector, supported by transferable employability skills that can be applied across different sectors.
Successful completion of the Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Diploma in Health and Care could allow learners to progress onto:
• level 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care
• Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health and Social Care
• apprenticeships in Health and Social Care
• employment roles in Health and Social Care, for example, Healthcare Assistant, Community Care Worker
A full in-depth careers information, advice and guidance session should be completed for learners before, during and after completion of learning, finding them the most appropriate progression pathways unique to them and based on their ability and aspirations.
