Subject Overview

Health and Social Care supports learners to develop knowledge, understanding and professional behaviours relevant to working within health, adult care and childcare settings. The curriculum focuses on safeguarding, communication and person‑centred values, enabling learners to understand the responsibilities, expectations and ethical considerations of care roles.

This pathway is designed for learners who demonstrate readiness to engage with structured learning and formal assessment at Level 1. Learning is carefully sequenced so that understanding, confidence and professional behaviours develop progressively over time.

Curriculum Content

Learners work towards the City & Guilds Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Working in Health, Adult Care and Childcare, which includes core and optional units such as:

• Introduction to Working in Health, Adult Care and Childcare
• Introduction to Safeguarding in Health, Adult Care and Childcare
• Introduction to Working in a Person‑Centred Way in Health and Adult Care
• Awareness of Equality and Diversity
• Understanding Child Development
• Understanding Children’s Social and Emotional Development
• Understanding the Physical and Psychological Needs of Children

Accreditation and Qualifications

This pathway offers:

• Level 1 accreditation only, for learners assessed as able to access and sustain formal assessment requirements

Assessment decisions ensure the pathway is appropriate, achievable and aligned with learner readiness and future goals.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Learning is delivered through classroom‑based teaching, discussion and applied activities, supporting the development of underpinning knowledge, reflective skills and professional understanding. Assessment is portfolio‑based and fully aligned with awarding‑body standards and requirements.

Employability, Life Skills and Progression

Learners develop professional behaviour, communication skills, responsibility, safeguarding awareness and an understanding of equality and diversity, supporting progression to further education, vocational training or employment pathways within health, adult care or childcare settings. The course also contributes to wider preparation for adulthood through the development of confidence, professionalism and self‑management skills.