Free Level 1 Health and Social Care For Children and Young People Course in Bedford. Classes run at Bedford College. This full-time daytime course runs over one year and covers the foundations of health, social care, and working with children and young people. You'll explore how care settings operate, how to support wellbeing, and what good practice looks like in these environments. It's a solid starting point if you're considering a career in childcare, youth work, or social care. You'll sit an initial assessment so the college can confirm this is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll explore how health, social care, and children's settings are organised and run.
You'll learn about the rights and needs of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
You'll study how to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of those in care settings.
You'll understand safeguarding principles and why they matter in practice.
You'll look at communication skills used when working with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll examine equality, diversity, and inclusion in care environments.
You'll develop an understanding of health and safety responsibilities in care settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Bedford College, combining taught lessons with practical activities and group work. Assessment is likely to include assignments, observations, and portfolio evidence that demonstrate your understanding of care principles. The full-time daytime timetable means you'll build knowledge steadily across the year with regular tutor support.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery assistant: supporting early years staff in a nursery setting
Childcare worker: helping with the daily care of young children
Care assistant: supporting adults or young people in residential care
Youth support worker: working with young people in community settings
Teaching assistant: supporting children's learning in a school
Family support worker: helping families access services and stay together
Play worker: organising and supervising play activities for children
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care: the natural next step, covering care skills in more depth and opening doors to entry-level roles.
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Qualification: focused on working with children from birth to five, useful if nursery or childcare work is your goal.
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, typically studied after Level 2.
