Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings

This short adult course introduces students to the health, social care, and children’s and young people’s sectors.

Taught at Winsford Adult College, this health and social care course develops knowledge and awareness of different settings, the people who use services, and the roles of staff within them.

The course is knowledge-based and is designed to help students understand key principles such as safeguarding, communication, person-centred care, and equality.

This course is designed for adults who are considering a return to education, with no previous experience required.

Delivered as a flexible, short‑course option, it provides a supportive introduction to learning, helping students to build confidence, develop essential study skills, and get used to being in the classroom environment.

It’s an ideal opportunity to explore the subject area, test out academic study, and decide whether a career in the sector is right for you, before committing to further qualifications.

Over the course of 12 weeks, you will develop a strong introduction to health and social care. The course begins by exploring the range of services available within the sector and the different job roles that support individuals in care settings.

You will also study the principles and values that underpin quality care, including dignity, respect, and confidentiality, helping you understand what good practice looks like in real‑world environments.

The course then introduces several key subject areas. These include an awareness of safeguarding and protection, an introduction to communication in care settings, equality and inclusion, and health and safety in care environments.

Throughout the course, you will complete a minimum of 10 credits by achieving a combination of mandatory and optional units. Assessment is coursework‑based, rather than exam‑based, and includes activities such as assignments, leaflets, posters and information boards.

The course provides a clear progression route into further study and employment within the sector.

On completion, you can progress to the Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings, or even move on to level 2 qualifications in health and social care or early years. You will also have the option to progress into apprenticeships in care or childcare settings.

Overall, this adult health and social care qualification offers a valuable pathway into the sector and supports students in making informed decisions about their next steps and future career.

Throughout the year, the college welcomes guest speakers from a wide range of relevant sectors, giving students the opportunity to gain insight directly from professionals working in the careers they may be interested in pursuing.

The college also has strong links with universities and regularly visits multiple campuses, allowing students to take part in taster sessions and explore their next steps in higher education with confidence.

Studying this course at Warrington & Vale Royal College means learning from experienced tutors with strong industry backgrounds, who bring real‑world insight into the classroom.

The college offers a supportive learning environment tailored to adult students, helping you to build confidence and succeed.

With strong links to local employers in care and early years, students benefit from clear progression opportunities into further study or employment.

The course is also designed to fit around other commitments, running over 12 weeks with four hours per week in college, alongside one and a half hours of structured study time, making it a manageable and accessible route back into learning for adults with other commitments.

You must be able to read and write English to a good standard. If English is your second language, you must have completed a Level 1 ESOL course. For more information, please contact learner.services@wvr.ac.uk.

For more information about funding, please contact our friendly Learner Services Team on 01925 494 400 or learner.services@wvr.ac.uk.