Free health and social care course in Northampton. Classes run at Northampton College. You'll study full-time during the day, covering the core skills needed to start working in care settings. The course takes one year and introduces you to communication in care, understanding client needs, and how to support people effectively. You'll need four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including maths and English, to be considered. This is a recognised level 2 health and social care qualification that gives you a solid grounding before moving into work or further study.
Who this course is for
The course provides a thorough introduction for those looking to start a career in Health and Social Care. You will cover basic aspects of caring, the needs of the client and how to provide for them.
The method of learning is by classroom activity.
Students may also participate in enrichment activities from the wide range of activities available.
What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include:
Core Units:
Communication in health & social care
Working in health & social care
Equality, diversity and rights in health & social care
Safeguarding and protection in health & social care
Specialist Units:
Anatomy and physiology for health & social care
Infection prevention and control in health & social care
Dementia awareness
Nutrition for health and social care
The method of learning is by classroom activity.
Students may also participate in enrichment activities from the wide range of activities available.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade 3 including maths and English
What you will learn
You'll develop communication skills used in health and social care settings.
You'll learn how to identify and respond to the needs of people in your care.
You'll understand the principles of working safely and professionally in care environments.
You'll explore how to support individuals with their physical and emotional wellbeing.
You'll study the values and ethics that underpin care work in the UK.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom through structured activities. You'll work through core units covering topics such as communication in health and social care and working in health and social care environments. You may also take part in enrichment activities available at the college. Assessment is likely to include a combination of assignments, projects, and portfolio work completed throughout the year.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Care assistant: supporting adults in residential or home care settings.
Healthcare support worker: assisting clinical staff in NHS or private settings.
Support worker: working with adults with learning disabilities or mental health needs.
Personal care assistant: providing one-to-one support to individuals in their homes.
Residential care worker: working in care homes with older adults.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care: the next step if you want to move into a senior care role or take on more responsibility.
T Level in Health: a technical qualification for those considering a career in NHS or wider health services.
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Professions): opens routes into nursing, social work, or allied health degrees at university.
