Foundations in Health and Social Care

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This qualification aims to give the adult learner the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge for the health and social care sector.

The qualification is designed for adults who may be entering employment for the first time, those returning to work after a gap of several years, or those wishing to change their career or occupation.

Learners may have basic skills gaps which would prevent them from embarking on a Level 2 qualification.

The choice of units gives a broad overview of the health and social care sector, in order to give an idea of what working in health and social care is like, and of the different areas of health and social care. The Entry Level units cover different health and social care needs, providing meals in health and social care settings and providing creative and leisure activities for children and adults.

The Level 1 units build on these areas, for example, looking at children's and adults' activities in more detail. Other Level 1 units cover specific areas such as providing personal care and promoting healthy eating. Learners have the opportunity to work together on a project, and to plan how to start work in health and social care.

Some units are more generic but allow learners to develop skills in relation to the health and social care sector, such as rights and responsibilities at work, and managing own health at work or undertaking a work placement.

While the overall qualification is at Level 1, some units will be at Entry Level 3 to allow learners to develop their skills in these areas if necessary. The Level 2 units allow learners to develop skills to that level, and will encourage progression to Level 2 qualifications

The units will be practical in nature and learners will develop their work-based skills throughout the qualification such as self-management, time management, communication and working safely.