Course Overview
If you are looking for a career in health, social care or early years, this is the course for you. It is suitable for those who have a positive attitude but may need to develop further skills before moving on to other programmes, or into employment in the sector.
This course provides a gateway to other courses throughout the College and enables you to develop skills caring for others within health and early years settings. You will also undertake a work placement as part of this course.
Topics may include:
- Communicating with others
- Health and safety
- Craft activities for young children or older adults
- Human growth and development
- Self-development
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion
- Employability skills.
Assessment Methods
Modules are taught through a mixture of class-based activities and practical sessions. Some modules are linked to your work placement. You will need to complete between 50 and 100 hours of relevant work placement over the programme.
The units that make up your course are graded 1-8. You will also continue to study GCSE maths and English as part of your programme alongside employability skills.
Progression Options
On successful completion, you could progress on to a variety of Level 2 courses at the College or find employment. Some students are successful in securing an apprenticeship from their work placements.
Entry Requirements
You will need three or more GCSEs in the 9 to 1 range, including English, maths and science, or other equivalent qualifications. Entry is also subject to a successful interview and induction.
You will also need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, with no disclosures, as you will be undertaking placement in a health and social care or an early years setting over the year. You will need to be able to demonstrate some experience in caring for others and a positive and professional attitude to learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
