Free Residential Childcare Course in Stafford – Community Learning Service

CostFREE
Duration75 hours
DeliveryClassroom based
Start9 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

Free Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care Course in Stafford. Classes run at Community Learning Service, part-time during the day. The course runs for 75 hours in total, giving you time to build knowledge at a manageable pace. You'll cover the skills and knowledge that employers look for when hiring in adult social care. This is a free preparing to work in adult social care qualification funded through the Skills Bootcamp programme. To join, you must be 19 or over, have the right to live in the UK, and live or work in Staffordshire. You must not be enrolled on another government-funded course at the same time. A good standard of English and maths is required.

Who this course is for

The course is ideal if you're returning to work or looking to kickstart your career in a new industry. On completing the course, it will provide people with the skills that employers recognise and are looking for when hiring. The Skills Bootcamps are funded by the UK government, meaning they're available at no cost providing the eligibility criteria is met. For employers, you will pay a small proportion of the costs, which is often 10% for small/medium-sized businesses (SMEs with fewer than 250 employees), or 30% for larger employers.

Entry requirements

You must be 19+, have the right to live in the UK, live or work in Staffordshire, not be enrolled on another government -funded course at the same time, commit to the full course and have a good standard of English & Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the values and principles that underpin adult social care work.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively with people who need care and support.
  • You'll understand how to maintain dignity, privacy, and respect for individuals.
  • You'll study safeguarding and how to recognise and report concerns.
  • You'll learn about health and safety responsibilities in a care setting.
  • You'll develop an understanding of person-centred approaches to care.
  • You'll gain awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom at Community Learning Service. You'll take part in tutor-led sessions, group discussions, and practical activities. Assessment is through coursework and tasks completed during the course. You'll need to commit to the full 75 hours to complete the programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Community Learning Service will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant. Support adults with daily living in home or residential settings.
  • Support worker. Help individuals with physical or learning disabilities.
  • Home care worker. Provide personal care and companionship in people's homes.
  • Residential care worker. Work in a care home supporting older adults.
  • Day centre support worker. Assist adults attending community day services.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Care. The main qualification for working in adult social care. Many employers require it for permanent roles.
  • Level 2 Award in Awareness of Dementia. Builds specialist knowledge for working with people living with dementia.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care. The next step if you want to move into a senior or supervisory care role.

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