Free Level 2 Health and Social Care Course in Leicester

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 2 Cambridge Technical Diploma in Health and Social Care Course in Leicester. Classes run at Gateway Sixth Form College, full-time during the day. You'll need 2 to 4 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above, including maths and English, or Entry Level Functional Skills. The course covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to work in settings such as residential homes, hospitals, nurseries, and schools. No previous experience is required. The course takes 12 months to complete.

Who this course is for

This practical course is a useful foundation for anyone thinking of pursuing a career in health and social care, working in organisations such as residential homes, hospitals, nurseries and schools. You don't need any previous experience but you should have an interest in caring for and helping people.

Entry requirements

2-4 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above - including maths and English or entry level functional skills.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the principles of health and social care, including duty of care and person-centred approaches.
  • You'll learn how to support individuals with their physical and emotional wellbeing.
  • You'll study safeguarding, understanding how to protect vulnerable adults and children.
  • You'll develop knowledge of health, safety, and risk management in care settings.
  • You'll examine communication skills needed to work effectively with service users and colleagues.
  • You'll learn about equality, diversity, and inclusion in health and social care environments.
  • You'll gain an understanding of how care organisations such as residential homes, hospitals, and schools operate.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Gateway Sixth Form College, combining taught lessons with practical activities. Assessment is through a mix of coursework assignments and externally assessed units set by OCR. You'll build a portfolio of evidence alongside completing assessed tasks throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Gateway Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant: support adults or older people in residential or home settings.
  • Healthcare support worker: assist clinical staff in hospitals or community health teams.
  • Nursery assistant: work with young children in early years settings.
  • School support assistant: help pupils with learning and daily needs.
  • Domiciliary care worker: provide personal care and support in people's homes.
  • Day centre support worker: support adults with disabilities or mental health needs.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Cambridge Technical in Health and Social Care (OCR): a natural next step if you want to go deeper into the subject or move into supervisory roles.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: the qualification recognised for senior care worker roles and a route toward registered manager status.
  • T Level in Health (Education and Childcare): a two-year full-time qualification for those considering higher education or professional roles in health.