Courses

Preparing to Work in Health and Social Care Certificate Level 2

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  • Course Type
    Adult Courses
  • Course Code
    HS204
  • Campus
    Twelve Quays
  • Start Date
    6th Jan
  • Level
    Level 2
  • Duration
    20 weeks

Designed for adults who are new to the sector, returning to learning or looking for a change of career, the course will introduce you to the essential knowledge and skills needed to work confidently in health and social care.

You will explore important areas including:

  • Communication equality
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Safeguarding
  • Health and safety
  • Duty of care
  • Person-centred approaches
  • The role of the social care worker
  • Personal development
  • Handling information safely and effectively

The course will help you understand what working in care involves while building valuable knowledge that can support your progression into employment or further study.

  • Course Details

    What will I study?

    This course gives you a broad introduction to the knowledge and values that underpin good practice in adult health and social care. It is ideal if you are considering a career in care, are new to the sector or want to build your confidence and understanding before progressing further.

    You will study nine key areas:

    • Safeguarding and Protection
      • Learn how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect, understand your responsibilities and know what action to take if you have concerns about an individual's safety or well-being.
    • The Role of the Social Care Worker
      • Explore the responsibilities of a social care worker, professional boundaries, agreed ways of working and the importance of working effectively with others.
    • Duty of Care
      • Understand what duty of care means in a health and social care setting and how it influences the way you support and protect individuals.
    • Diversity, Equality and Inclusion
      • Develop your understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and consider how inclusive practice helps ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
    • Person-Centred Approaches
      • Discover how to place individuals at the heart of their care by respecting their wishes, choices, needs and preferences.
    • Communication
      • Explore different ways of communicating effectively with individuals, colleagues and others involved in care, including how to overcome barriers to communication.
    • Personal Development
      • Consider your own skills and development, the importance of feedback and how continuing to learn can help you grow in confidence and effectiveness within a care role.
    • Health and Safety
      • Develop your understanding of health and safety responsibilities within social care settings and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
    • Handling Information
      • Learn about the importance of accurate record keeping, confidentiality and handling personal and sensitive information appropriately.

  • Entry Guidelines

    Who is it suitable for?

    This qualification is ideal if you are considering a career in adult health and social care or are already working in a supervised care role and would like to develop your knowledge and confidence.

    You do not need to have previous experience in the sector, making it an excellent starting point if you are considering a career change.

  • Where can I progress to?

    Who is it suitable for?

    This qualification is ideal if you are considering a career in adult health and social care or are already working in a supervised care role and would like to develop your knowledge and confidence.

    You do not need to have previous experience in the sector, making it an excellent starting point if you are considering a career change.

  • Timetable

    This course will take place on Wednesday's, starting in January.

  • Assessment Methods

    There are no traditional exams. You will be supported by your tutor or assessor to build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned as you progress.

If you're not eligible to study for free, the cost of this course is:

£1503.60

Related Careers

Hi, I’m Ailz. What I love most about education is the opportunity to make a genuine difference to people’s lives, help them recognise their own potential, and open doors to new careers and pathways. I began my career teaching English in Further Education, before becoming a mentor for trainee teachers through their placement years. I really enjoyed mentoring and coaching trainees, helping them develop their practice and discover their own strengths as teachers. This led me into teacher education, where I now work as a Programme Lead, supporting the next generation of teachers in the Further Education and Skills sector.

I care deeply about social mobility, the importance of positive relationships, and helping students feel confident and engaged in their learning. I’m a nurturing and approachable teacher educator, and I’m committed to ensuring that every trainee I work with feels encouraged, valued, and supported as they develop their practice.

I’m Sasha. What I enjoy most about working in education is helping people build confidence and realise their full potential. I spent 13 years working as a teaching assistant and Learning Support Assistant before moving into teaching Health and Social Care and Access courses with learners aged 16 and over. These experiences shaped my belief in the importance of positive relationships and adapting teaching to meet individual needs.

Mentoring trainee teachers and coaching colleagues sparked my interest in teacher education, which I moved into in 2024. I enjoy helping trainees connect theory with classroom practice, try out new approaches and find their own confidence as teachers. I aim to create a supportive space where they can ask questions, reflect honestly and feel comfortable seeking advice.

I have a degree in Psychology, a master’s in Mental Health, a PGCE, the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring in Education. These studies continue to inform my interests in inclusive teaching, wellbeing, and supporting others to develop their practice.